Barry Bernhardt a.k.a. "big bear theory" is a guitarist/recording artist/producer originally from Marion, IL. Began playing guitar at age 11 & inspired by mid-70's rock acts such as Kiss, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Rush...
He spent the 80's playing material by the Police, the Cars, Def Leopard, Scorpions, Van Halen, Ozzy...
Moving to Chicago in '90, he was exposed to blues, jazz, funk, new-age, improv. jams.
In 1993, while living in an apartment above the "Jazz Bulls" night club in Chicago's neighborhood known as Lincoln Park, Barry got serious about writing and recording original music. Spent the mid-90's being influeneced by all of the great musicians in the underground acid jazz/fusion scene and working on ideas and demo tapes...
First release was in 1998 when he recorded "LINCOLN PARK WEST" -an ethereal, jazz/rock guitar instrumental cd and features Alan Baster (Mr. Blotto) drums on selected tracks. It's been compared to Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck, Al DiMeola, Pink Floyd... * Re-released as "ETHEREAL PARK" by Loud Dust Recordings.
In 1999 he recorded and produced "MOZART STREET". With the sax being the main solo instrument in this band, Barry's guitar works and writing style are still the driving force behind this eccentric band. Described as art-rock/jazz fusion.
"WAY STATION" was released in 2000 and features Chicago sax great Frank Catalano (Louie Bellson, Brecker Brothers). Blending vintage rock, jazz, blues, and rockabilly- this band takes you on a musical train ride and has been described as alternative jazz.
In 2001, Barry went back to his earlier influences of hard rock and recorded the poetic heaviness of "WAY BACK WHEN". Underground, psychedelic, guitar-centric rock with 5) different vocalists adding elements of metal, grunge, punk, spoken word, rap...
Working with sultry singer Jenny Maas (Sweet Elixir,The Paisleys), Barry released the cd "UNTIL NOW" in 2002. This band creates a broad-range appeal with their eclectic mix of pop/rock/disco-funk. Dreamy, alternative, hippie type retro modern...
"LAKE STREET" was released in 2003 and is full of crazy guitar solos on top of funky grooves of jazz, prog-rock, urban blues and psychedelic ambiance... Appearances by sound architect/ rhythmtist Adam Sieverson and Chicago jazz greats Darren Scorza(drums) & Nick Tountas(bass). ala Miles Davis/Hendrix/Jeff Beck...
2005 brought on the studio recording of "BOOTIGWA" (organic jazz fusion), which acted as a collaboration with bass master, Mark Montgomery. Look for tracks from this release on this myspace site, along with Lake Street mp3's and a few of the latest.
2006 brings Barry to his current releases, which are in the works. "RENAISSANCE" is an original album blending a mix of avant garde rock, classical and world music. Also in the works is "ANTI-CHANCE" which takes listeners through a journey of Barry's roots, solidified in hardcore/prog/metal mixed with poetry, live jungle to keep it diverse, inspired, progressive and in the Big Bear vein. This release features Chicago drummer extraordinaire, Dave Marsalek {spizm, trioizm, steps(74)}.
