“Everything about the remarkable Barry was right. From his smiling eyes to his forthright views, and outstanding musical ability. A most splendid and irreplaceable soul. ”

“The perfect accompanist. Supportive but never intrusive. He can make musicians out of anybody. It is as if singer and musician share one single mind. Total empathy... Genius.”

“BAZ ASKS ABOUT THE SOUP

Barry was a touring favourite amongst musicians and always had one eye open for opportunities to entertain his friends.  On one such occasion he was a part of a group seeking lunch in a pub. Placed prominently on the bar was the type of small, free-standing chalk board meant to be changed, as necessary. 

In an ornate script, it read, “Ask about the Soup of the Moment.”

Baz had picked this board up and was looking at it. He read it out loud to his musician friends and then called the barman over. “So, can you tell me about the Soup of the Moment?” The barman said he would ask and disappeared into the kitchen. A minute or so later, the barman reappeared and announced that it was Tomato Soup. Baz nodded his understanding and carried on looking at the small sign as if having a think about whether or not Tomato Soup would make his taste buds happy. The barman waited. After a very pregnant pause of consideration, Baz then looked the barman straight in the eye and dead-panned, “So, tell me...what is it now?”

The barman looked blank as the assembled musicians busily mopped beer from their shirt fronts. ”

“As pres of the London Sketch Club a few years back I had the pleasure of working with Barry on a few occasions. You may not be aware that he was captured on film at the Dada night held at the Sketch. The film can be seen on youtube: look for Dada night at the London Sketch Club. The opening music is Barry playing as I read one of my surrealist poems. He was so talented and generous!
I was always pleased to see him playing at the Chelsea Arts Club, adding hugely to the ambience of the place.”

“Very sad news about Barry. We go back a long way. The Arts Club will never be the same, especially Friday evenings. I will miss him. My love to Liz, love to all.”

“Barry was a member of the London Sketch Club for many years playing an array of music entertaining his brother sketchers, he will be very much missed by all the members. A very nice gentleman”

“I recall playing piano at memorable events with pianists Baz, Rodders, Kenny Clayton and Ted Beaument. Baz became a wonderful friend. We discussed much Musical and Life as a whole. I greatly admired his playing but his remarkable arranging and MD skills were outstanding . His chordal knowledge was as good as any arrangers I have heard or know. Our last duet comprised Fly Me to The Moon and You’re 16, You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine. Baz will always remain a musical giant and good friend. The world will miss him.”

“Barry was unalloyed joy in my life for nigh 50 years. From MD-ing the “Boys” behind the Sadista Sisters, to MD-ing on recording BBC theme tune for the 1978 Commonwealth Games - to being pianist for my Dad’s 90th birthday party. And we never had a pub encounter or phone call that didn’t result in copious tears of laughter sufficient to dilute a Yorkshire Brewery... His humor, his talent, his kindness, his sheer loveliness resonates loudly... I will greatly miss my dear “Barrington” (as I used to call him)”