|
Barefoot Manner | Mannerisms
For years, North Carolina has been a hotbed of acoustic music. The latest group to come out of the Triangle is a newgrass foursome called Barefoot Manner. Playing frequently around the state, the band has developed quite a following for their bluegrass picking and high-octane live shows. Their first studio release Mannerisms captures their high energy sound and wealth of original material. In fact, in a genre where including a classic bluegrass cover or two on an album is par for the course, Mannerisms is twelve tracks of original material that grab you from the very first track and will set your feet to dancing.
The disk opens with “Barefoot Blues,” the band’s unofficial theme song. This upbeat song features fast guitar licks and traveling lyrics. Lead guitarist and vocalist Dave Kleiss has a unique voice which is perfect for those high harmonies. While fast and furious is Barefoot’s usual style of playing, they can slow things down as well. “Where do we go” illustrates their songwriting abilities with a beautiful melodic hook and contemplative lyrics. In fact much of the lyrics on this album have an introspective and idealistic quality without being over-the-top. The song “Just Be Free” sums it up well:
To the troubled souls what’s really on your mind? Are you living life your way or is life just getting by? You’ve all heard this before that doesn’t make it untrue. Anything’s possible but all of it’s up to you.
While the lyrics shine, it is this band’s ability to jam that makes this album fantastic. There are three instrumentals on the album, all with very complex compositions. “Have It All” plays off a jazz-like theme, presenting it in different styles and different tempos finally building up to a frantic climax. “Mudafunk” features bass player Walter Hensey laying down a funky bass line while the band stays exactly in step with each other through many elaborate segments. The song also has many quick stop-starts which they nail each time. The third instrumental “Cool Breeze” has a Caribbean feel as the name implies. Throughout the album Shawn Chase does an excellent job on mandolin laying out accents and bright silvery texture. He can also rip into some smokin’ bluegrass solos. Drummer Jeff Garland wears many hats on the album. Providing a well-timed
percussive backbone to the music, he is also featured on vocals and guitar for two tracks. His song “Wake Up” has a country feel with thoughtful lyrics as if Jeff is reminding himself to pay attention and live for the day.
Mannerisms creates an party atmosphere almost as if I was sitting by the beach, drink in hand, listening to the band play. In fact Barefoot Manner’s live shows are like giant beach parties. The songs from Mannerisms often get extended treatment in concert to the delight of dancing fans. And true to their name the band doesn’t wear shoes on stage. Barefoot has toured consistently around North Carolina and have built quite a fan base with high energy shows. An August show at The Pour House in Raleigh attracted a capacity crowd with many more waiting outside. At a more recent show in Greenville, hundreds came to party with the band. The album is due in stores September 25th. The band is planning a special in-store
appearance on September 24th at the Record Exchange on Hillsborough street in Raleigh to promote the album. Mannerisms is a great first release by an exciting band, don’t miss out!
Anson Burtch
JamBase Correspondent
Go See Live Music!
| 
