Dave Barnes - Music Tuesdays
This week the pick is Dave Barnes. This summer a few folks asked me to suggest a few artists that I really like. The catch is finding something that is completely appropriate to suggest to an all-ages crowd. Dave Barnes fits this description very well.
About 5 years ago some friends and I went to the Handlebar in Greenville to hear a new artist named Marc Broussard. There were about 20 folks at the show and we had some time to talk to Marc afterwards. I asked for his booking information to see about getting him to come to Clemson and he told me that his friend Dave Barnes would probably be a better fit. He had a couple of Barnes’ demo albums and we took a listen…..
That album was called “Two, Then Three” and it was awesome. Not only can this guy play guitar well, but his voice is incredible. I have yet to hear another white guy with vocal runs as smooth as Dave Barnes. His song-writing is also pretty dang good. I’ve seen Barnes in concert a few times now and I am amazed every time. You have got to check him out next time he comes near. He has to be one of the funniest performers I have ever seen.
Barnes’ new album is called “Me & You & The World”. Although, I won’t give this album as strong a recommendation as “Chasing Mississippi” or “Brother, Bring the Sun”, it is still a great album. The new version of “Until You” and the song “Someday” are two of my favorites. The subject matter of this album is a little confusing. Many of the songs seem to say, “I’m married. I’m married now. Did I mention I’m married?” But, “10,000 Children” takes on a different subject completely and really makes the album a great purchase. You should check out this new album, and purchase ALL the old ones.
-JRC
