Popular local singer songwriter Gerry Barnum has recently released his fifth album Step On In and says people will find it a bit different from his previous work.
“It’s kind of a watershed album in a sense, but not a total departure from what I’ve done,” he said, explaining it’s a very well produced album filled with great musicians making the “sonic landscape” very wide and rich.
The album features 12 new songs co-produced with Rick Salt, whom Barnum said has vast recording experience and is also a talented musician.
Musicians on the album include Jann Arden’s piano player, Darcy Phillips; Colin James’ back-up group members (and Odds members) drummer Pat Stewart and bass player Doug Elliott, vocals and trumpet by Tina Jones from the Kerplunks and banjo from Nick Hornbuckle of John Reishman and the Jaybirds.
Barnum has also included a couple of guitar instrumental pieces on the album which reflects some of his musical explorations over the last couple of years, but he would still classify the music as soulful roots original, he said, and has received great feedback on the album so far.
Barnum is also known as a talented harmonica and slide guitar player and beyond his decade in the Vancouver music scene, he has performed across Canada.
Residents can grab a copy of Step On In at Cranky Dog Music and Smashin’ Glass and Anything Art in Parksville, Mulberry Bush Bookstores in Parksville and Quallicum Beach, Smithfords in Qualicum Beach and Creekmore’s Coffee in Coombs.
Barnum will be playing at the Lighthouse Country Fall Fair this Saturday, Sept. 3 and will be doing a benefit fundraiser on Protection Island this Sunday, Sept. 4 around 1 p.m., called the Village Medical Project for Sierra Leone. The concert, featuring a number of local musicians, will happen at the Beacon House at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a tax receipt.
For more on Gerry Barnum and to sample his music visit www.gerrybarnum.com.