Though they are estranged these days (we doubt that Barry ever got that "thank you" call. In fact, Barbra has since disavowed much of what he wrote in his book), Barry did offer an interesting anecdote of the time Barbra called him up in 1992. Among the many topics they discussed during that phone call was the possibility of Barbra's return to public performing. Barry told us, as he contends in his book, that he was a major influence in Barbra's decision to return to the concert stage.

And that's the intriguing thing about Barry. He's interesting and provocative.

So as Barry spoke, everyone sat up in rapt attention. After all, we all knew of his fascinating history with Barbra and of their legendary relationship when they were both just starting out. In the story of Barbra Streisand's life, Barry Dennen is a central character and we were delighted to have him with us for a few hours.

But it was Barry's "show-and-tell" that was the real spotlight grabber. Mid-way through the presentation, everyone in the room was shocked when Barry announced that he was going to play one of his private recordings. Yes, those recordings, the homemade tapes that Barry made of Barbra when they were putting together her very first nightclub act. Outside of Barry, Barbra and perhaps a few of their closest pals, only a handful of people in the entire world have ever been allowed to hear any of the stuff on these tapes. We were about to be included among those privileged few to hear one of the rarest of Streisand recordings.

The song Barry brought along for us to hear was Barbra's rendition of "A Taste of Honey." It's important to note that this particular recording was made before Barbra appeared in the musical "I Can Get It For You Wholesale." In fact, at the time of the recording, Barry had only recently learned that Barbra could even sing.  The 1960 recording took place in Barry's living room as he accompanying Barbra on the guitar. For two exciting minutes, the music played in front of a reunion audience that didn't dare take an audible breath. This was music history being presented to us on a silver platter and not one person wanted to miss a note. 

When the tape was over, the entire room gave a thunderous ovation. What we had just heard was truly remarkable. Thrilled at the enthusiastic reception, Barry was kind enough to play the recording a second time. It was a moment of pure astonishment provided by one of the most interesting and colorful people ever associated with Barbra Streisand.

Barry hung around a while longer, taking questions and signing autographs. After Barry left, the physically and emotionally exhausted reunion crowd concluded their action packed Saturday with a screening of "The Mirror Has Two Faces" followed by the aptly named "Enough Is Enough" disco dance.