Barry Chabala is a guitarist, improviser, and music lover with decades of experience in rock, free improvisation, and contemporary classical forms. Currently based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Chabala has a deep connection to his instrument and a philosophy grounded in personal expression and attentive listening. His recent projects include collaborations that bridge composed and improvised realms, most notably with clarinetist Clara Byom.

How would you describe music?

Music is so many things! To me, it's been a way of life. I've played guitar since I was 5, so nearly 59 years?! But besides that, to me it's art, an outlet—as an improviser it's the way I express my moods, feelings, everything really. As an avid collector and listener it's relaxation, it's focus, it's enjoyment. There's so much out there and so many variants, it's pretty amazing.

What is your relationship to music?

Music has been so important to me over the years, it's in me, a part of me. I tried to stop at one point a long time ago—I couldn't. It's in my blood.

What draws you to the instrument(s) you play, and/or to composing?

So way back when, it was the Beatles that drew me into the guitar. There are so many styles and approaches to the instrument that it seems pretty endless to me. I've played in rock cover and original bands since junior high. I've played electric improv and composed pieces with lots of folks. I've done solo gigs and recordings with loopers. These days I'm concentrating on acoustic steel-string and, more recently, classical guitar.

What deceased performer(s), improviser(s), or composer(s) would you most like to have a conversation with, and why?

Long list for sure but… Frank Zappa—just an incredible guitarist and composer from the Mothers to his later computer music. Derek Bailey—he brought me into the world of free improv and was just amazing. I saw him play lots in NYC when I lived in NJ, but I was too shy then to talk to him! I would now!

What musician most influenced your approach to music, and why?

I think on electric guitar it would be Steve Howe from Yes. His playing up to about 1980 meant so much to me and still does. His tone was incredible and his playing was very melodic and wild, often at the same time. On acoustic probably Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull and Derek Bailey. I spent lots of time learning all the acoustic Tull with my teacher Mike Mitel! And, of course, once I discovered Derek much later, his acoustic work blew me away.

Who or what influences you most outside of music, and why?

Since moving to the desert, I've been very inspired by my surroundings. The desertscape has had a profound effect on my playing and music making in general. It's made me, I think, a better player somehow. I play less, I listen even more, and I hear more melodies than I did playing back in NY/NJ.

What advice would you give to a young musician entering your field?

I can't stress enough the importance of listening. Improv, either solo or with others, isn't a jam session—you're creating on the spot. Be mindful. That, and make music that makes you happy. You're not creating for the audience; you're creating for yourself. That's real art.

What do you hope audiences take away from experiencing your music?

Funny, I played my first solo set in quite some time a while back and I designed it to be a mixture of completely free, a graphic/art score, and a few written pieces from Eva-Maria Houben and Michael Waller. I was pretty worried that parts might be too quiet for some. Well, I received many compliments afterward and people said things like "It was wonderful, I just closed my eyes and went with you." So... taking the audience on a journey is what I can always do. Bring them in as I create. That's probably the ultimate for me at this point in my career.

Where are you currently located or musically associated with?

Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What is your musical education or background?

I started guitar lessons at 5, started my first band in 7th grade! I took private lessons until maybe high school? Then self-taught from there on out. Still learning as I delve deeper into composition, written pieces, and the classical guitar.

What is your favorite recording by another musician or group?

Oh god! To name a few—Yes *Tales from Topographic Oceans*, Zappa *Roxy & Elsewhere*, Genesis *The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway*, Derek Bailey *Drop Me Off at 96th*, Cecil Taylor & Derek Bailey *Pleistozaen Mit Wasser*, plus a thousand more.

What is your favorite recording that you have made?

I've made so much music over these last 6 years in NM but I'd have to say (un)Natural with Clara Byom. There was a sudden opening at a venue in Santa Fe and I was asked to fill in. I'd seen Clara play a few times and was intrigued, so I took a shot and asked her to join me. Now she hadn't done much improvising before but she surprised me and said yes! So it’s our first meeting, in front of a very enthusiastic audience, and I think it's pretty great. We've gone on to play lots and continue to.

Barry Chabala — June 10, 2025