Juno Award winning roots musician Barney Bentall is set to perform a re-imagining of Bob Dylans classic album Blood on the Tracks March 27 at Electric Owl as part of the Black Hen Concert Series.
Not to be confused with a cover of the album, a re-imagining allows some creative licence for Bentall, along with Vancouver-based musicians Steve Dawson and the Black Hen House Band, to add some of their own personal flair.
Or, as Bentall says, an excuse if the show takes a turn for the worse
We might just be trying to give ourselves a way out if we drive her off the rails and crash and burn! Bentall wrote in an email interview from Chile. The performance then becomes a metaphor.
Bentall describes his take on Dylans 1975 album not so much a challenge, but a learning process for him in his own quest to find his voice. Even if he is a seasoned and accomplished artist, he believes he is always learning and evolving his music.
It takes a long time to find your own voice. Hell, Im still finding mine, Bentall said. I think Bob Dylan found his voice, strength and direction early in the game and had, and continues to have, a significant impact on the world.
Most known for his work in his band Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts, Bentall describes Bob Dylan as a major influence on him.
He only wishes to honour the legends body of work, even if it is a departure from his usual style.
Im an unworthy disciple of this great work of art and Im hoping that we pull off the caper and do it a little bit of justice, he said.
Bentall has been active in music for more than 30 years and in that time has released three independent and seven studio albums.
His work with the Legendary Hearts proved to be his most commercially successful venture, but that hasnt stopped him from pursuing his own solo career, even after a six-year hiatus that began in 2000 when the now-57-year-old settled on a ranch in the Cariboo region of B.C.
His own son, Dustin Bentall, has taken off as a professional musician in his own right. Dustins self-described country/psychedelic/rock is quality music, Barney says. And something he looks forward to hearing for a long time.
Black Jen Concert Series with Barney Bentall
March 27, 8 p.m.
Electric Owl, 928 Main St.
Tickets: tickets.capilanou.ca
