It’s been 20 years since musicians Gerry Barnum and Gord Matthews sat down to play a set together.
“I was new and Gerry was a pretty popular guy and a great musician, so we got together and started playing some shows with a few bands—nothing big; just a few pubs and some festivals,” recalled Matthews. “We just really enjoyed playing with each other—we just clicked on a musical level.”
Their musical collaboration lasted for awhile, but after a few years, Matthews felt the need for change and moved back to Edmonton—his hometown.
The two friends went on with their own solo acts and promised to stay in touch, but a month of no communication turned into a year and before either of them knew it, it had been two decades since they last spoke, until now.
After agreeing to play a wedding in Edmonton at the end of the month, Barnum said he immediately wanted to contact Matthews.
“When I found out I’d be going to Edmonton, Gord wasn’t even something I had to think about—I just picked up the phone and asked him if he wanted to get together,” Barnum said. “It’s funny when you have people in your life that you haven’t seen for a long time, but you can just pick right back up where you left off and it’s exactly the same.
“You don’t really get nervous around those people—I have a feeling we’ll just get right back into the swing of things.” Â
In an attempt to relive the old days, Matthews suggested the two play a house show at his place. Barnum eagerly agreed, but suggested they take their act even further. After making a few phone calls, the two decided to bring their reunion gig on the road, securing a show at Jasper’s Olive Bistro and Lounge, Sept. 27.
“It’s basically going to be two great friends having a great musical conversation after all this time,” Barnum said. “Everything is rolling and it feels good—it feels right. Being out there and touring is something I’ve really missed and I’m really excited.”
For the long awaited reunion show, the two plan to blend Barnum’s soulful roots sound with Matthews’ country twang, making for a relaxed vibe packed with rich riffs.
“It’s basically an acoustic roots show with guitars and a mandolin and a harmonica,” Matthews said. “The Olive is a pretty nice and intimate venue so we’re hoping to see a good crowd full of various age groups.”
Before their Tuesday night show, the two musicians will take over Habitat for the Arts, Sept. 26, for a two-hour guitar and mandolin workshop.
“We’ve been playing for a long time and have learned our way around our instruments so we’ll be able to give people some shortcuts and tips and suggest some good ways to perform live,” Matthews said. “Gerry and I have both taught before, but never together so it should be good.”
The musical veterans will host their workshop at Habitat for the Arts on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. Admission is $25. Their Olive Bistro and Lounge show will be Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Kayla Byrne [email protected]
