Danny Barnes

Danny Barnes (born December 21, 1961) is an American banjo player, singer, and composer whose music is influenced by country, jazz, blues, punk, metal, and more. He has been described as a "banjo virtuoso" and is "widely acknowledged as one of the best banjo players in America." He was a founding member of the Austin trio the Bad Livers, with whom he toured and recorded extensively from 1990 to 2000. Since then, he has performed and recorded as a solo artist, as well as collaborating with Bill Frisell, Dave Matthews, Jeff Austin and other musicians. In 2013, Barnes and Max Brody formed the Test Apes. In September 2015, Barnes was awarded the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, in recognition of his role as "one of bluegrass music’s most distinctive and innovative performers." Martin’s website said of Barnes’ work: "The raw and unpolished musical breadth of his compositions has propelled him across the industry today."

Early life Born in Temple, Texas and raised in Belton, Seeing John Hartford on television and watching Hee Haw were also early influences. with "an ideal bluegrass voice." His songwriting, which "represents the merger of a technically superb musician with a powerful wordsmith" has also been the object of praise.

Danny Barnes on stage at Mackey's Hideout in McHenry, Illinois on October 1, 2016.

In 2000 Barnes, now living in Washington State, dissolved the Bad Livers and founded a new band, Danny Barnes & Thee Old Codgers, with bassist Keith Lowe and violinist Jon Parry. This band released only a single album, 2001's Things I Done Wrong, which was produced by avant-garde jazz composer and pianist Wayne Horvitz (a fellow Seattle resident). 2002 saw Barnes working with jazz guitarist Bill Frisell; Frisell was moving towards incorporating more "American"—country and bluegrass—influences into his playing, and he wanted Barnes to give him lessons in that direction. Their work together led to Barnes playing on Frisell's next album, The Willies; Barnes also toured with Frisell in support of the album.

Since moving to Washington, Barnes has also recorded several solo albums, which were self-released, and a duet effort. His 2003 album Dirt on the Angel, released on Terminus Records, featured Frisell, Chuck Leavell, Darol Anger, and Dirk Powell. In 2004 Barnes participated in Wayne Horvitz's Mylab band and released his second CD for Terminus Records, Get Myself Together.

On 9/21/2007, Danny joined Robert Earl Keen during an opening for the Dave Matthews Band in Houston. Danny joined DMB during their song "Bartender". He also joined DMB during their show at Smirnoff Music Centre in Dallas, and at their two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in California to conclude DMB's summer 2007 tour. He joined the band onstage once again for their three-night stand at The Gorge in 2009. He also joined them on stage on June 18, 2010 in Noblesville, Indiana.

In 2015, Barnes played and toured with the Jeff Austin Band. In September 2015, he was awarded the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

In 2019, he recorded with David Grisman and his son, Sam Grisman, for the project "Dawg Trio" which produced one album.

Discography

Solo

Man on Fire 2020 / ATO Records Stove Up 2017 Got Myself Together (Ten Years Later) 2015 / Eight 30 Records (CD) Junior Sampled 2013 / Minner Bucket Records (CD) Ambient Works Vol. 1 2013 / Minner Bucket Records (CD) Shri 108 2013 / Minner Bucket Records (CD) Falling Hard/Money Moves Up 2013 / Minner Bucket Records (Vinyl 45) Poison 2011 / ATO Records (cassette) Angel 2011 / ATO Records (CD) Rocket 2011 / ATO Records (CD) Pizza Box 2009 / ATO Records (CD) Barnyard Electronics 2007 / Self-Released (CD) Get Myself Together 2005 / Terminus Records (CD) Livin' Large in a Little Bitty Room - Live! 2004 / Ironway Communications (CD) Dirt on the Angel 2003 / Terminus Records (CD) Minor Dings 2000 / Cavity Search (CD) Oft Mended Raiment 1999 / Minner Bucket (CD)

David Grisman's Dawg Trio Plays Tunes And Sings Songs 2019 / Acoustic Disc

Test Apes They Came In Peace 2018 / Self-Released "An Evening With"05/12/17-Portland, OR 2017 / Self-Released Live at the 16th Annual Northwest String Summit 2017 / Self-Released PEACOCK RADIO SESSIONS *NWSS 2017* 2017 / Self-Release Chicken Pie Vortex 2017 / Self-Released Remotes 2016 / Self-Released Live at the Funhouse Seattle 2016 / Self-Released Live at the Funhouse Vol. 2 2016 / Self-Released Mystery Tool 2015 / Self-Released Stranded on Earth 2015 / Self-Released Sea Monster Runway 2014 / Self-Released Test Apes 2014 / Self-Released

Bad Livers Blood and Mood 2000 / Sugar Hill Ridgetop Sessions 2000 / Lumpydisc Dust on the Bible reissue 1999 / Quarterstick Industry and Thrift 1998 / Sugar Hill Hogs on the Highway 1997 / Sugar Hill Horses in the Mines 1994 / Quarterstick Delusions of Banjer 1992 / Quarterstick The Golden Years 1992 / Quarterstick Lust For Life 1991 / Fist Puppet Dust on the Bible 1991 / Self-released

Danny Barnes & Thee Old Codgers Things I Done Wrong 2001 / Terminus Records (CD)

With Pete Krebs Duet For Clarinet and Goat 2001 / Cavity Search (CD)

Barnes, Hokkanen & Rubin Aka The Mad Cat Trio 1999 / Lumpydisc (CD)

As a guest musician Dave Matthews Band, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King 2009 Greasy Beans, Busted Double Ought Wayne Horvitz/Tucker Martine, Mylab 2004 / Terminus Bill Frisell, The Willies 2002 / Nonesuch Jackstraw, Jackstraw 2002 / Self-released Greasy Beans, Real Live Music Double Ought Gully Jumpers, Peas & Corn Steve James, Art and Grit 1996 / Antone's Records Steve James, American Primitive 1994 / Antone's Records