The Al Barrett Band

Six member band featuring the outstanding vocals and
brilliant guitar work of AL Barrett. Accompanied by
Sharon and Genny, 2 female vocalists who get the place
rockin'. Cam on Bass and Garth on drums round out the rhythm section. The newest member, Pete Fischer on sax, fills out the sound. In all, 4 vocalists.From Clubs to Pubs, Corporate events, Fundraisers and breakfasts, this group puts on a kickass show. Limited dates available.

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO DEMO

Bio:

When Al Barrett began his musical career at the age of 14 he had no idea that all these years later he would be a successful singer, guitarist, entertainer, musical producer and teacher. Music is his life and it shows. Whether it is a corporate dance or intimate pub, his warmth and skills are there every night he performs. An accomplished guitarist and singer, he will remind you of the styles of Pink Floyd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, CCR. Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Al Jolson, Vince Gill, Chet Atkins, The Guess Who and Toby Keith just to name a few. Al aims to please. “Nice guys can finish first, it just takes a little time” is his philosophy.

Solo & Duo

Al is a regular nightclub, pub, and lounge performer in venues across western Canada. Much of his demand is in the Calgary area. His pub show is lively and fun, and can be from squeaky clean to slightly irreverent when it is appropriate. It is not uncommon to see a fellow guest musician or audience member join in on stage… and it is even more fun when he is joined by Sharon Matheson.

Sharon Matheson: vocals, percussion

Born in England, Sharon began singing professionally in 1973. Her work in recording studios puts her voice over the airwaves almost every day, singing jingles or as a session backup singer for other Artists. She can sound like Cher to Carol Pope.

“The only formal training I had in music was for the flute, which I played in a high school band. My skill with percussion instruments was developed by time spent playing with the County Antrim Youth Orchestra in Northern Ireland.

My professional career started after I came to Canada with a band from Saskatoon, called The Bo Jackson Group. After touring Western Canada came a one year stint as the keyboard player for The Argyle Socks.

In the mid-eighties I began touring as part of a duo by name of Honey & Hills, which eventually became known as 45 RPM's. We toured much of Canada, and in 1994 found ourselves on a three month stay in Japan, during which time we played in Matsuyama on the Island of Shikoku.

In between gigging and studio work I managed to carve out the time to play a number of shows in blues festivals and establishments around Saskatoon with my own band known as Sharon Hills & The Curious.

After a number of impromptu meetings with Al Barrett himself, we teamed up in 2002 and have looked forward since. I have found a musical partner who truly enjoys the stage as much as I do.”

The Al Barrett Band

Al’s desire to put a real band together began a few years back. It has gone through various evolutions since 1998 and currently features 5 additional members for a total of 6:

Genny Lydiatt: vocals and percussion
Genny Lydiatt was born in Calgary, Alberta on March 31, 1981. As a fourth generation Calgarian, she has resided in Calgary for her entire life.

An accomplished athlete, gymnast, dancer actress and singer, her energy abounds. From an early age,. Music has always been Genny’s main passion and she began singing publicly through Karaoke 4 years ago. Her genuine commitment for wanting to be part of the music industry, her love of dealing with people and her outgoing personality, work well with her singing abilities.

In the summer of 2002 – Genny competed in the Country Music Hall of Fame national contest held at the Ranchman’s in Calgary where she was a runner up. Later that year she recorded a song for the American Nursing Association Conference which is now selling as a non-profit promotion for the Canadian Cancer Society.

January of 2003 gave Genny the opportunity to sing with 2 other Alberta singers in a production called 3 Divas, which proved to be very successful. Genny most recently recorded a song for the Calgary Cares charity gala at the Jack Singer Hall. During this production, Genny also performed as both a dancer and gymnast. The summer of 2003 saw her performing at various Stampede events including the Hays Farm Breakfast in front of 6,000 people as well as a performance at Nashville North as the finale performer for approximately 7,000 people. In the fall of this year, Genny competed in the Darby’s Idol Contest here in Calgary, where she took top prize, and received recognition from Universal Records and MTV Canada. On Nov 27 th, 2004 some adoring fans are flying down to Houston Texas to sing the National Anthem for the Houston Rockets Basketball team. She loves the voices of Amanda Marshall, Alana Myles, Martina McBride, Mellisa Etheridge, to name a few and it shows in her renditions of the tunes.

Garth Darr: drums and percussion
Garth was born July 20, 1962 in Medicine Hat into a very musical family. His Father and twin brother became his major influences and and age 6 he started the learning process. His home influences include Southern and Classic Rock, Country, Gospel and the Blues.
“My first real band was “The Chaparrels Band” from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Many were to follow such as Texas South 40, Carol Martin, North & South and Momentum, to name a few.”
Garth is a very physical drummer and his showmanship is an integral part of the stage presentation.

Cam Clark: bass guitar and vocals
Cam began his musical career at age 6, when his grandfather gave him his first guitar. He also gained a lot of insight into live performance watching his mother Cathy sing in church and local dance bands. Today his on the road days are over and as a successful businessman, husband and father, his love for music gets released in the Al Barrett Band. To quote Cam; “Music has a profound effect on the World. I feel privileged to play and contribute.”

Peter Fischer: sax and vocals
G ot his big break playing playing and touring with Eddie Burks and Delta Blue out of Chicago.  Playing the Memphis in May and Crossroads festival in Greenwood Mississippi along with touring lots of North America.  In February he was nominated on sax for the Calgary Blues Hall of Fame. Peter loves to participate in the music biz and is a graduate of Humber College Music.

Teaching

Al Barrett has been teaching since 1981. He teaches vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar through a graded system based on the William Leavitt/Modern Method for guitar. His current roster includes 86 students who are taught either individually or in class settings. All lessons are in his home studio in Mackenzie ( Southeast Calgary) area. Students must be 8 years old minimum and seeking to learn various styles including Classical, acoustic, rock, county, jazz, blues as both a rhythm and lead instrument. Call or email for a free interview.

Promotional Posters

Promotional posters are available FREE of charge. there are 3 different styles depending on which show you hire. Once your date is confirmed we will notify you and will send them out.