Barney Bentall, Tom Taylor and Shari Ulrich first played together in November 2007, at a songwriter concert on Bowen Island.
They – and the audience – enjoyed the collaboration so much that they soon embarked on more shows together.
Shari Ulrich’s finesse on violin, mandolin, flute, piano, sax and dulcimer was first heard in the early 70’s with Pied Pumkin. The Pumkins became the foundation of BC folk music for a generation. She then spent two years with The Hometown Band who released two albums and won a Juno award for Best New Group. When The Hometown Band dissolved in ‘78, Shari embarked on a solo and songwriting career. In all, she has released 19 albums – as a solo artist and as part of various groups. These albums have garnered her two Juno Awards, several additional nominations and induction into BC’s Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts were indeed legendary across Canada in the ‘80’s and 90’s. They had three albums reach gold status, one platinum album and a Juno Award, before label drama in ’97 pushed Bentall to step away from musician life and towards cattle ranching. The last decade has seen Bentall re-enter the musical world with various projects including The Grand Cariboo Opry, the bluegrass band High Bar Gang and a collaboration with Shari Ulrich and Tom Taylor.
Tom Taylor spent much of his musical career playing in the Vancouver cult band “She Stole My Beer”. After two albums and years of touring, the band decided to call it quits for a time, prompting Tom to pursue songwriting as a solo artist. Taylor carries on the classic tradition of the singer/songwriter - a troubadour who can effortlessly draw listeners into his world.
“It was an easy combo to bring to life,” says Ulrich. “Tom’s got a killer voice – tons of character – and he’s a wonderful guitar player. When he sent me his tunes I fell in love with them instantly. And Barney, well there’s just no one in the world like him. I’m utterly captivated by his writing, his singing, his music. After every show we say the same thing…’man, that was SO much fun!’”
The dynamic, powerhouse trio of Bentall Taylor and Ulrich are bringing their talents to the Heriot Bay Inn for an inspired musical evening tomorrow. Seats for this musically rich evening are $49 +tax, and include a two course dinner prepared by Herons’ talented Chef Chris McCallum. Reservations are highly recommended. If you’d like a “show only” seat, no problem, a limited number are available for $29 +tax. Accommodation starts at $39 for show-goers; call 250-285-3322.