Barry T. Smith
Music
Making music is my favorite thing, and in my most honest moments I feel it's my calling. I've had many beautiful opportunities to make music in my life, and I have made most of my dearest friends along that journey. I am a singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and composer in many genres. The purpose of this page (like this entire site) is mostly for my personal reflection and celebration. Below are some examples of my work.
Bluegrass & Folk
Over the course of my life, I've spent the most time exploring and immersing in folk, gospel, and bluegrass music. I've gotten the opportunity to play big stages and play with fantastic players such as Michael Cleveland. I've competed in the Kentucky State Mandolin Championship and I've studied with amazing teachers such as Jake Workman, Thomas Cassell, and Jacob Jolliff. But mostly I've enjoyed the pleasure of jamming with friends and making music that resonates with my heart.
Classical & Choral
My greatest successes in music (and perhaps in life) are with choral music. I am a founding member of the Louisville Chamber Choir as well as the Minneapolis-based Mirandola Ensemble. I've traveled the world competing in choral competitions with the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers, taking home many awards while being ranked the #2 choir in the world by the INTERKULTUR organization.
I have performed in masterclass with Eric Whitacre and Veljo Tormis. I have performed world premieres of pieces by René Clausen, Vytautas Miškinis, and Ēriks Ešenvalds. My own compositions have been premiered at high schools and universities. Most importantly, some of my most cherished memories and friends were made along the path paved by choral music. There simply is nothing more magical and spiritual than singing music at the highest level with your fellow travelers.
In addition to choral music, I also just love classical music and enjoy playing and listening to it.
Wind & Pine
My greatest friend and musical collaborator is my wife, Emily Joan Smith. More rarely than we'd like, we play together as the indie-folk duo Wind & Pine. We play music we love—mostly beloved covers with the occasional original mixed in. We blend indie, folk, old-time, bluegrass, Irish, and even pop music with two-part harmonies and a variety of instrumentation. Though we're both university-trained musicians, I think our music sounds even better because of the love we share for each other and the magic of music-making. Check us out on Instagram for more.
Everything Else
In addition to the projects mentioned above, I have had many varied musical experiences and opportunities. As a backup singer, I have performed with the Eagles, Ben Folds, and Pat Boone among others. Currently, I pick a telecaster in a country cover band with my friends, simply for the joy of country music.
I also play ambient electric guitar with the kirtan band Anahata Bhakti, led by my wife, Emily. Kirtan is an event in which participants practice Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion, through music and chanting. Anahata Bhakti hosts kirtans monthly at the Inner Warrior yoga studio, and we are regular guests at yoga festivals such as MyPath, the Kentucky Yoga Festival, and the Festival of Faiths in Kentucky.
Finally, I have also been a singer-songwriter, and it's something I've always felt a call to return to. Here are some examples of songs I wrote and demoed back in 2011.