Reviews and Press:
Minneapolis, Minnesota based harmonica player-singer Paul Barry, a protégé of the late harmonica monster William Clarke, delivers this his second CD release. It's quite clear from this release that he ranks up there in the higher echelons of the current crop of harp players. A totally enjoyable ensemble blues recording were all involved get a chance to shine displaying their musical skills. The sound they attain in stylistically pretty traditional while coming across as fresh and vibrant.
Real blues is out there as evidenced by this fine recording. Sometimes you just have to search it out.
Blues Blast Magazine, July 2018
You will get no argument from me of course and, I might add, that you don’t have to live here in California to play this brand of blues. Paul Barry has just proven that. Blow Your Cool is a wonderful late winter treat from Minnesota. It is an early contender for 2018 Blues Album of the Year and receives my highest recommendation. David Mac, Blues Junction Productions March 2018
Great new release from this Minnesota artist featuring MITCH KASHMAR-- WILLIE WALKER & FRED KAPLAN. As with his previous release, Paul Barry mines the rich vein of West Coast/ Chicago sounds and includes harmonica help from Mitch Kashmar. Jeremy Johnson's tasty guitar is always right for the song whether it's an uptempo instrumental or low down blues. Willie Walker adds the right amount of grits & soul vocally to the proceedings on 4 tracks. Charlie Lange, Bluebeat Music March 2018
#1 New Blues CD for the week of June 2, 2018
Smokestack Lightnin’ WUCF 89.9 FM Orlando,FL
“Blow Your Cool” is like a visit to the all-night diner. There may not be many surprises on the menu, but you know you’ll leave smiling and satisfied.
Living Blues Magazine June 2018
"Excellent Minnesota based band that plays true to the sound. Paul Barry is an excellent harp player who shows his love for WILLIAM CLARKE"- Bluebeat Records
"Talk is Cheap" record featured on Top 40 Albums of 2016- Blues Junction Productions
"Paul Barry and the Ace Tones with Lila Ammons Does it All" KBEM Radio
Paul Barry is an absolute bear on harmonica. What he does best, he does with the caliber of the best in the field. The Paul Barry Blues Band knows Talk is Cheap, but hot harmonica speaks louder than words!" - Blues Blast Magazine
Bio:
His late 2016 release represents the first solo album by the veteran Twin Cities based harmonica man Paul Barry. Barry has been playing professionally since the 70’s. In the 80’s he befriended the great William Clarke and became a protégé of the late blues man. In the 80’s and 90’s Barry played in two of the Twin Cities best blues bands Bobby Johnson and the Crowns as well as with Dave McCrae and the Blues Exchange. Early in 2016 Paul Barry released an album’s worth of material where he backed the great Otis “Smokey” Smothers shortly before Smothers’ death in 1993. The album That’s Alright was a wonderful surprise. On this brand new CD Barry is joined by guest vocalist Lila Ammons. She is the granddaughter of the great pianist Albert Ammons and niece of tenor sax great Gene Ammons. Barry is also joined by the cream of the Minnesota blues scene including guitarist Jeremy Johnson. This self produced album was mastered by Kid Andersen at his Greaseland Studios in San Jose, California.
His late 2016 release represents the first solo album by the veteran Twin Cities based harmonica man Paul Barry. Barry has been playing professionally since the 70’s. In the 80’s he befriended the great William Clarke and became a protégé of the late blues man. In the 80’s and 90’s Barry played in two of the Twin Cities best blues bands Bobby Johnson and the Crowns as well as with Dave McCrae and the Blues Exchange. Early in 2016 Paul Barry released an album’s worth of material where he backed the great Otis “Smokey” Smothers shortly before Smothers’ death in 1993. The album That’s Alright was a wonderful surprise. On this brand new CD Barry is joined by guest vocalist Lila Ammons. She is the granddaughter of the great pianist Albert Ammons and niece of tenor sax great Gene Ammons. Barry is also joined by the cream of the Minnesota blues scene including guitarist Jeremy Johnson. This self produced album was mastered by Kid Andersen at his Greaseland Studios in San Jose, California.
