Danny Barnes
USABiography of Danny Barnes
Danny Barnes is an American musician, guitarist, and banjoist who has been influenced by genres such as country, jazz, and punk. He was born on December 21, 1961, in Temple, Texas, and grew up in the neighboring town of Belton. Barnes developed a love for music at a young age, inheriting a passion for country and blues from his father and grandmother. One of his brothers introduced him to delta blues, while another exposed him to punk.
Barnes attended the University of Texas and graduated with a degree in audio production in 1985. In 1990, after moving to Austin, Barnes formed a group called 'Bad Livers' with bassist Mark Rubin and violinist Ralph White. Under the production of Paul Leary from 'Butthole Surfers', their debut album 'Delusions of Banjer' was released in 1994. This album garnered attention in the alternative country and rock scene. 'Bad Livers' went on to release three more albums on the 'Sugar Hill Records' label.
In 2000, Barnes, who had since relocated to the Seattle area, disbanded 'Bad Livers' and formed a new group called 'Danny Barnes & Thee Old Codgers'. The band consisted of bassist Keith Lowe and violinist Jon Parry. They released only one album, 'Things I Done Wrong', in 2001, produced by avant-garde jazz composer and pianist Wayne Horvitz, who was also based in Seattle.
In 2002, Barnes collaborated with jazz guitarist Bill Frisell. Frisell was exploring a more "American" sound, influenced by country and bluegrass, and sought Barnes' expertise in these genres. Their collaboration led to Barnes playing on Frisell's next album, 'The Willies', and touring together in support of the album.
Since his move to Seattle, Barnes has released several solo albums independently and has collaborated in various duets. His 2003 album 'Dirt on the Angel', released on 'Terminus Records', featured guest musicians such as Bill Frisell, pianist and keyboardist Chuck Leavell, violinist Darol Anger, and Dirk Powell.
In 2004, Barnes played as part of Wayne Horvitz's group 'Mylab' and released his second CD on 'Terminus Records' titled 'Get Myself Together'.
On September 21, 2007, Danny joined Robert Earl Keen during the opening of the Dave Matthews Band's show in Houston. He performed their song 'Bartender' alongside the DMB. He also joined DMB during their show at the Smirnoff Music Centre in Dallas and at two of their concerts at the Hollywood Bowl in California, concluding DMB's summer tour in 2007. Barnes played with the group again at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington in 2009 and then joined them on stage on June 18, 2010, in Noblesville, Indiana.
In addition to his musical talents, Danny Barnes enjoys skateboarding, motorcycle riding, fly fishing, target shooting, holds a pilot's license, rides a unicycle, and plays disc golf.
