Barrie Dempsey

I play acoustic guitar in a rhythmic style and sing adding harmonica (not too much) accenting the songs melody. I use a looper to record guitar chords and play flute or slide guitar leads to enhance the song. Sometimes I will build parts in layers and I use a second looper for beats, usually cajon beats if I don't have a real cajon/percussionist with me. Some songs I will also use a harmonizer for vocal harmonies.
If needed I can play as a duo with a bass guitar player and harmony vocals (price will vary).
I have over 600 cover songs and more than 50 original songs and will mix them in the set.
I love singing and have a soulful voice.
Please visit my website listed below.
(link hidden)

Award winning singer/songwriter Barrie Dempsey plays more than just electric and acoustic guitar. His musical talents include , flute, harmonica, piano, lead and harmony vocals.

Born in North Plainfield New Jersey. After high school Barrie enrolled in School of Visual Arts, New York City to study fine art. Actively pursuing music through high school and art school, he was lead singer, harmonica and flute player in many rock and blues style bands. One band opened for Rhinoceros, a popular band in the NY area at the time. Vocal influences were Paul Rodgers and Greg Allman among others. He learned to play blues harmonica listening and playing along with John Lee Hooker and John Mayall records for hours on end.

Barrie had a duo called Dempsey and Owens that played in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York area. They had original songs and played festivals and clubs likeThe Rock Bottom Inn, where they wrote a theme song for them. In 1973 he recorded a song at the Record Plant Studio, NYC where he wrote the lyrics and the melody for song called Safe and Sound. At the same time John Lennon and Yoko Uno were putting the strings on the Imagine record. At the time concerts at the Fillmore East in New York City were going strong and he would walk from school down to buy tickets for the shows.

Barrie Dempsey moved to California in the mid 70’s and was a member of the Amber Band. The group did covers, originals and recorded a documentary of the band with all original works for San Diego State University that won an award in 1980. The Amber Band was the house band at the Bull and Bear in El Cajon, Ca. for more than a year with a strong following.

Barrie has been the featured performer at “Burlap and Bean” in Newtown Square, PA , played at World Café, Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington De. In January of 2013 he was on WCFA-LP (link hidden) FM in Cape May, NJ for a half hour show with MQ Murphy – host of “Six Degrees” and an hour show with Roy Baker - host, “Open Mic” radio program doing original songs on acoustic guitar and harmonica. Roy requested his song “Open Mic” be used for his theme song. You can listen to it on Reverbnation. In June of 2014 he played at the Del Mar Fair in Del Mar, California. In January of 2015 Barrie was interviewed by Cathryn Beeks on Listen Local Radio, San Diego, CA you can hear it here on the HOME page (link hidden)

Currently Barrie has put together a collection of originals on his first CD titled "Barrie Dempsey", which has been awarded Best Album Folk/Singer-Songwriter at The Akademia. Produced by Track Star Studios in La Mesa, CA. He is also currently working on his next CD.
2015 LA Music Awards Nominee

On a typical gig I will bring a Fishman SA220 PA system and a Roland Cube with microphone on stand and acoustic guitar, sometimes also an electric guitar, harmonicas and a flute. I use a looper so I can record guitar parts to play along with on the flute. I will also use a JamMan for beats when the song calls for it.
I also have a larger QSC PA system if needed.
I provide all cables and effects that I need. Setup time preferred is 45 to 60 minutes.
Client needs to provide power and lighting if performing when dark. It will be extremely helpful to know details about load in and parking.
Thanks.