Biography
Barry Vincent was born in London UK . He was a sickly child and it was advised that a tropical climate would be better for him. At age 6, the family turned they're backs on the UK, relocating to Jamaica, West Indies.
He soon fell in love with the sound of the guitar and with the assistance of a friend, made a crude instrument with fishing line, and a sardine can.
At age 11 his mother bought him a real guitar and the lifelong pursuit of perfection began. It was soon discovered that he had a natural aptitude for the instrument and it was not long before he was performing on television and the road with the Grace Gospel Thrillers and The Jamaica National Folk Singers.
He later attended the Jamaica School of Music under the eagle eye of the late jazz trombonist/arranger Melba Liston and found himself in a theory class taught by jazz guitarist Ernest Ranglin. But such was his natural talent that by the age of 14 he was offered his first professional job playing in a nightclub in Kingston and performances with the National Pantomime Theatre as a resident musician followed.
In 1975 he was referred to Bob Marley who auditioned him at 56 Hope Road, in Kingston, on their first meeting. With Jah B's (Bob) blessing he was allowed to come and go at leisure and has fond memories of eating steamed fish and playing soccer with Bob and the guys in the front yard. He also jammed with Jimmy Cliff in JA, and Peter Tosh in New York City
This period was abruptly cut short when immigration papers came through and his mother had him on a New York-bound jet at age 16. After settling down, he contacted former teacher and friend Melba Liston.
As a result he found himself in the presence of a lady pianist, in an informal setting in a Harlem apartment on Lenox Avenue . There was a piano there. She encouraged him to jam a 12 bar blues with her. (This was arranged by my Melba). He remembers the speed of her fingers , creating a ripple-like effect! This lady had amazing technique.
Her name was Mary Lou Williams. These 2 legends in jazz have since passed away but Barry will always remember their humanity and kindness.
In 1978-1980 he attended the Berklee College of Music where he received a Professional Diploma in Arranging & Composition.
He returned to New York to do various live and studio sessions. In 1981 he returned to London employed as bandleader for the reggae singer John Holt. After the performances Barry stayed in the UK working with Dennis Brown, Alton Ellis, Sugar Minnot, Owen Grey, Carrol Thompson, Caron Wheeler and the Marvellettes to name a few. He also did an original 8 composition project for `Themes International' (KPM) Label London, U.K.
