Acoustic guitarist Russ Barenberg is known as one of the most melodic instrumentalists in contemporary acoustic music, and his compositions are among the finest the genre has to offer. He got his start in 1970 with the groundbreaking bluegrass band Country Cooking and since then has been a member of a variety of highly influential groups, most notably his collaboration from 1989 to 2001 in a trio with dobro master Jerry Douglas and bassist Edgar Meyer. His 1979 debut solo album Cowboy Calypso showcased his sophisticated playing and immediately established him as one of the premier composers and arrangers in the emerging new acoustic scene. His work since then, including his most recent collection, When at Last (2007), reflects an ever-deepening musicality with continuing dedication to vibrant, roots-based melodies and ensemble interplay. “Little Monk,” the opening track from When at Last, was nominated for the 2008 GRAMMY for Best Country Instrumental Performance. The album was nominated for the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Instrumental Album of the Year.
From Transatlantic Sessions 3
Downloads
Sheet music and tablature for Russ’ tunes and guitar parts can be purchased for download here. Russ’ classic study of Clarence White’s playing, “Clarence White Guitar,” is also available for download here.
Private Lessons
Want to improve your musicianship and take your playing to the next level?
Russ is available for online private lessons using Skype or Facetime. Inquire here.
