Pioneering the Seattle Sound

Architect of the Northwest Sound. It’s a lofty description attributed to Kearney Barton, a Seattle-based recording engineer. But what does it mean? And what did Barton do to receive such acclaim? Light in the Attic Records’ compilation, Kearney Barton: Architect of the Northwest Sound, makes it clear. The 29-track album serves as a raw, comprehensive document of the Seattle music scene through the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, recorded with the microphones of the trailblazing Kearney Barton.

*Kearney Barton, beloved Seattle recording engineer (Credit: Light in the Attic Records)*

In his 50 years as a recording engineer, Barton welcomed a variety of musical artists into his studio: The Sonics, Ann and Nancy Wilson (of the rock band Heart), and Quincy Jones, among others. A tape of a rumored 1961 session with Jimi Hendrix is even said to exist, although it hasn’t been found. But Barton would record just about anyone who wanted a tape; sessions weren’t only reserved for larger-than-life figures like Quincy Jones. Unknown ’60s neighborhood garage bands, local funk acts, country-folk duos, and gospel choirs were all welcome. Barton embraced all kinds of music genres with open arms as evidenced by the eclectic artists who set foot in his studio. He provided a welcoming environment and was known for his wit and humor, as well as his love for baking. He was famous for his oatmeal cookies and apple pies in the music community.

Barton’s recordings always have a pure and unadulterated aspect to them. The mix is minimal and whenever I listen to any of his tapes, I always feel as if I am in the room with the musicians – an audience member in a private performance. The sound is reminiscent of NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts, a video series featuring various musical artists that is known for its intimate and personal recording settings. ‘Architect of the Northwest Sound’ isn’t a polished studio album. The tracks’ sound, which would later be attributed to the Northwest thanks to Barton’s work, is raw with a hardcore analog signature. But Barton’s recordings were never about being perfectly polished. They were about providing bona fide representations of the musical artists.

*Barton in his studio (Credit: Tape Op)*

At the time of his passing in 2012, there were over 7,000 reel-to-reel tapes covering Barton’s famously cluttered studio and home from decades worth of recording sessions. The University of Washington catalogued these tapes and with the help of Light in the Attic Records, ‘Architect of the Northwest Sound’ was born. Barton lived in Seattle for most of his life. He had a love for the city; an avid sports fan, he held season tickets to UW football, the Seahawks, SuperSonics, and Thunderbirds. He also enjoyed watching hydroplane races and attending Seafair. As Seattle changes with time, like many other urban areas in the US, Barton’s lifework only become more important. It serves as a sound history of the city — and an authentic one.