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During this show, they took the audience through a chronological bullet train of a ride through the early to late 60's. Both musicians drew from personal experiences with Bob Dylan, The Byrds, The Mamas & The Papas, John Sebastian, Janis Joplin and John Denver among others. The concert is weaved with stories and songs that changed the lives of a generation. Included in the show were McGuire's own "Green, Green," recorded while he was in The New Christy Minstrels and his number one solo hit, "Eve of Destruction." Also included in the show were Talbot's hits with Mason Proffit, "Better Find Jesus" and "Two Hangmen." The familiar songs performed by the duo were "Monday, Monday," "Creeque Alley," "Daydream," "Here Comes The Sun" and a host of others. All of these songs came with personal stories that described where McGuire and Talbot have intersected with their legendary friends.  Barry McGuire shared how Roger McGuinn of The Byrds drove him around Hollywood singing to him his newly recorded song, "Mr. Tambourine Man."  He also tells some great comical stories about The Mama's and The Papa's, who were once recruited to sing back-up on one of his albums.  Talbot shares an especially touching story about his only encounter with Janis Joplin. 

The performance was so entertaining, fresh, energetic and dynamic, it's hard to believe there were only two people on the stage. The instrumentation was rich with skillful lead guitar work by Terry Talbot along with steady, passionate rhythms by Barry McGuire on his 12-string guitar. He's also a mean foot stomper! The vocal harmonies were tight with a sound that only comes from many years of performing together. Their on-stage rapport was engaging and funny. At times they sang with lightheartedness and at other times with passion evident when McGuire sang "Eve of Destruction." His performance was intense as he sang with the conviction of an Old Testament prophet while the sweat streamed down his face. The quality of his voice carried the same lion-like growl; rich and deep with the character that made "Green, Green" and "Eve of Destruction" such great recordings. Terry Talbot brought rapid, razor-sharp skill on his guitar work, especially present on the acoustically complex, "Suite Judy Blue Eyes." On lead vocal and harmony, his voice was as smooth as silk and carried a presence that was distinct and soulful. His performance was especially touching on the John Denver song, "For Baby(Bobbie)."   By the shows end, the audience was on their feet smiling and dancing to a medley of "Let The Sunshine In" and "Dancin' In The Street."

What made this show successful was the choice to celebrate the present rather than reach back for some unattainable nostalgia. There was no need to re-create magic when the magic was already there in the evening with these two skilled, veteran performers. In fact, there was nothing nostalgic about the concert. The songs sounded as though they were written yesterday with a vibrancy and relevance that may even put some of the original artists to shame, who have tended to go through the motions performing their older tunes before a live audience. 

The evening with Barry McGuire and Terry Talbot demonstrated the universal nature of the songs and stories from this era. This show is a conscious act of restoration.  They showed how these songs have become a part of our consciousness and perhaps, even touch a part of ourselves that we've lost so many years ago. But, ultimately, the music they presented last Saturday evening served to reawaken those missing pieces of spirit that we may have forgotten was there all along.  Music and their messengers have a way of doing that. 

As the evening closed with a standing ovation and encore, Barry McGuire stood on the stage alone, quietly strumming his guitar to a subtle, allegorical finish; a beautiful, intimate narrative that he dedicated to his "best friend." This gem of a song called "Cosmic Cowboy" gently and poignantly revealed the source of Barry McGuire and Terry Talbot's musical odyssey and celebration.

Barry McGuire with Terry Talbot has been performing Trippin' the '60's on a national tour of intimate venues.  This will include another stop at The Coffee Gallery in Altadena, California on December 29, 2007. For reservations call (626) 398-7917. To learn more about Barry McGuire and for future booking information and tour dates contact www.barrymcguire.com.

Terry Roland