Album review: BARNEY BENTALL – Flesh & Bone

Three independent and seven studio albums into a career that kicked off in 1978, it’s a wonder that the name Barney Bentall – a Vancouver based singer songwriter – has never registered on the GRTR! radar.

Those with an encyclopaedic knowledge may have heard of The Legendary Hearts whose self-titled debut reached platinum status, generated three hit singles and garnered a Juno Award. But I have to confess, Bentall’s a new name to me.

His latest release, the self-produced Flesh & Bone, is a timeless collection that strikes a chord with the storytelling work of the likes of Springsteen and Mellencamp.

Inspired by life on his ranch, and recorded under no industry pressure, Flesh & Bone is relaxed and easy on the ear, with a moderate bluegrass twist accentuated by guitarist Eric Reed’s mandolin and banjo playing and a number of guesting fiddle players.

It’s an album , influenced by an array of genres from folk to roots, blues-rock to pop, and even a hint of Celtic, but the bottom line is that it’s packed with great playing and some big hooks, with Bentall’s gruff vocals the icing on the cake. Haunting, emotional and effortless. ***1/2

Review by Pete Whalley

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)