"One way to think of (Bill's playing) is to imagine that Toots Thielmans had a brilliant evil twin locked away in the attic, listening to Little Walter 78s and having only Toots' worn out chromatics to practice on"
--Tom Townsley, "Blues Revue"
"Bill Barrett is the rare player who's not only at home on the diatonic and chromatic harmonicas but who also loves a wide range of music and isn't afraid to find appropriate uses for each instrument outside its traditional role. His special love of jazz always shines on his recordings, and he may be one of the few musicians I know who loves Les Thompson and Ornette Coleman equally. Quietly, out there on the West Coast, Bill is blazing new musical paths with his various ensembles. His work shouldn't be missed by harpists or anyone who loves progressive instrumental music."
--Tom Ellis
"Bill Barrett is not only one of my favorite harp players, but he accomplishes what all real musicians should strive for -- a unique, individual, recognizable sound of their own. His striking musical vision, with all it's blues & soul-jazz flavor, defies harmonic gravity."
--Dennis Gruenling
"Bill Barrett is the meanest, toughest chromatic harp player around. He combines the fat tone and heavy amplified sound of the blues with the harmonic daring and inventiveness of jazz for an unlikely, but tremendously efficient, blend. A player not to be missed!"
--Ben Felton, Planet Harmonica
"Fresh and Interesting,with some of the most unique, crazy, inspired lines and phrases of any harmonica player i've ever heard."
--Brendan Power
"Bill plays his ass off"
--Les Thompson
"Bill is one helluva harmonica player"
--Tom Ball
"Bill Barrett sounds like no one else I've ever heard. His playing
is a perfect marriage of Jazz sensibility and the spirit of the
blues, with a dash of funk. A pioneer with his new sound and
approach, this guy is definitely someone to keep an ear on.
I can't wait to hear more!"
--Damien Masterson