Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors: Finding inspiration in adversity

A vocalist whose passion for music helped sell millions of records, launch the jamband scene and provide snark and sincerity to songs by the Spin Doctors, Chris Barron knows how to find inspiration in adversity.

Barron about 18 months ago was diagnosed with vocal cord paralysis. His diagnosis came just as he was embarking on production for a new solo record - and it marked the second time he suffered from this condition.

In both cases, his prognosis was very bad.

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“The nerve either comes back or it doesn’t,” Barron said.

In both cases, he recovered.

And in both cases, he returned to making music for devoted fans who enjoyed the grit, the grind and the groove of such Spin Doctors songs as “Two Princes,” “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.”

Barron also harnessed his second battle with vocal cord paralysis as fire to fuel the creative process for his latest record. His determination has paid off with “Angels and One Armed Jugglers,” which features Dutchess County resident Jesse Murphy on bass and will be available for pre-order on March 21.

On March 23, Barron will feature songs from the record - along with Spin Doctors tunes - during a solo acoustic performance at Daryl’s House in Pawling. That’s the music venue and restaurant operated by former Dutchess County resident Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates fame.

“I try to be a positive person and I admit, I went into the depths of desperation,” Barron said of his second diagnosis.

But, he continued, “I try to trust whatever process is happening to me.”

Barron’s latest recovery took 10 months. When he got back to work on the record, he enjoyed a fresh perspective gained while away from the music.

“I returned as devoted a musician as I’ve always been,” he said. “But I’m even more devoted now. I spent a little bit of time not being able to make music. I returned with renewed enthusiasm and appreciation for my gifts - and a realization that they are gifts, that can be lost, and regained.”

Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors is set to perform at Daryl’s House, 130 Route 22, Pawling, at 8 p.m. on March 23. Tickets cost $20 for reserved table seating; $15 for general admission. Call 845-289-0185 or visit www.darylshouseclub.com for information.

John W. Barry’s column appears every Friday: jobarry@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4822, Twitter: @JohnBarryPoJo