I'm not sure when I first met Barry. Was it at that first shanty session in Portland, Maine, about nine years ago? Chez Bat Goddess and Curmudgeon? At the Press Room? Or maybe at our first Getaway at Camp Ramblewood. Whatever it was, he very soon became a fixed point in our trips to the U.S. There weren't many who could make a late night singing session catch fire like he could. On our first couple of visits, I thought there was a bit of reserve on his part. It was certainly not unfriendliness, but I was an unknown quantity and I think he wanted to see what I was about. I was very proud when I showed up at one of the events (probably the Getaway) and Barry greeted me with a big hug. I don't sing like Barry, and I don't try to, but I learned a lot from him about how to present a song. I won't ever come close to his repertoire.

I'm going to miss him.

Edmund