What's New!

We're now on to the second day of recording. I move into the smaller isolation room and we start the day with all of my solo tunes. These two videos I record "Here We Go." This Tramp groove, based on Lowell Fulson’s song “Tramp,” has long been a favorite groove of mine. With a rhythm driven by 8th and 16th notes, it allows for fast playing and some very cool runs that traverse the entire range of the harmonica. continue reading...

Transcription set for It Takes Three is now available at http://www.bluesharmonica.com/it_takes_three_transcriptions ($20) for those interested in learning the songs on the album. Harmonica TAB and standard music notation provided and includes all solos, harmonica harmonies and charts for songs with harmonica horn lines. Link to download PDF transcriptions are sent within 24 hours. The CD will release on 5/2, but here are four songs available now for your viewing pleasure...

It Takes Three by David Barrett, Gary Smith and Aki Kumar
https://youtu.be/dHhzq2AN99s continue reading...

In this video Gary Smith rehearses and records his original song "Mojo Hand Blues."

For those of you coming out to our CD release (https://www.facebook.com/events/1555710131362273/) May 2nd, plan on staying for dinner in downtown Morgan Hill and joining us at the GVA Cafe where Aki and his band will play from 7-10pm (no cover!). Gary Smith and I will hang out and lead the band for a few numbers and we’ll no doubt play all together at some point.

Grinds Vines & Automobilia Cafe
17400 Monterey, Morgan Hill @ 408-776-0571
http://gvacafe.tumblr.com
https://www.facebook.com/GrindsVinesAutomobiliaCafe

In this video you'll hear Gary Smith rehearse and record "Tribute to Jr." a song in the style of Junior Wells.

Joe just added "Part 4" of his Guidelines and Tips.

Join Gary Smith, Aki Kumar and me (David Barrett) to watch on the big screen the making of It Takes Three! You’ll see the creative process of working with the musicians in the studio, the challenges of getting just the right take and the antics of musicians that have nothing better to do than crack jokes as they wait around for the next take. Gary, Aki and I will narrate the movie, talk about the inspiration for each tune and even play a bit!

Date: Saturday, May 2nd, 2015

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (afterwards enjoy dinner in quaint downtown Morgan Hill) continue reading...

In this video you hear us rehearse and record a new arrangement of Gary Smith's "Rocket Ride."

In this video we rehearse and record my shuffle arrangement (eventually to be titled "Playin' It Forward.") with Aki Kumar.

Now onto the title track of the CD "It Takes Three"!