Today on the Music Room, we talked to Russ Barenberg, described by songwriter Jon Weisberger as “perfectly blend[ing] a mastery of roots music tradition with melodic originality.” His music is exceptionally lyrical, relying primarily on composition rather […]
Grammy nominated acoustic guitarist and composer Russ Barenberg is known for his melodic playing, beautiful tone and memorable instrumental compositions. Long at the creative forefront of the acoustic music scene, he has collaborated with many of its finest artists, including […]
In 2007, guitarist Russ Barenberg released When At Last, and was promptly nominated for a Grammy. That’s an exclusive ticket. For Russ, the big fun was heading off to Los Angeles for the 50th annual awards show, and having a mini-reunion with old friends and former bandmates Tony Trischka and Andy Statman who were also […]
If you’ve been following bluegrass and flatpicking for the last decade or so, you may not have heard his name much, but Russ Barenberg has had an indelible (though unheralded) influence on the development of lead guitar and contemporary accoustic music. Barenberg was one of five guitarists (Dan Cray, Tony Rice, Larry Sparks and Norman Blake were the others) whose playing in the 1970s amplified the work of Doc Watson and Clarence […]
Russ Barenberg has a lot to smile about these days. His new record When At Last is receiving high praise from all the critics, and he’s just been nominated for a Grammy (best country instrumental) for the tune “Little Monk.” Moreover, he gets to perform with folks like Edgar Meyer […]
By Chris Thiessen
[Editor’s note: In the eleven years since we started publishing FGM, subscribers have repeatedly asked us what’s been happening with many of our cover artists. This new column, “Catching Up,” allows us to do just that. We’ll be revisiting—in no particular order—many of those artists and see what they’ve been doing since their […]
BY WALTER TUNIS
from Pop Matters, McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) 14 April 2008
Never mind that the guitarist was among a pack of eager bluegrass thrill seekers in the 1980s, a gang that included star players like Bela Fleck and Jerry Douglas, that forged new acoustic voices […]
“Russ is a musician’s musician. For many years he made every film he played on for us better. His talent and his heart always announce his presence.”—Ken Burns
Barenberg’s touch on the guitar strings is simply a delight. This wistful title tune feels like a caress on your skin. The other instrumentals here alternately dazzle the mind, soothe your spirit and fill your heart. This is a collection of lyrical, “new acoustic music” of the highest order […]
RUSS BARENBERG/When At Last
Writer: Barenberg; Producer: Russ Barenberg; Publisher: Laughing Hands, BMI; Compass (track) (www.compassrecords.com)
The title of his publishing company says it all. Barenberg’s touch […]
Nashville-based bluegrass guitarist Russ Barenberg has just released his first solo record in nearly twenty years called When At Last. For those not familiar with Barenberg, he is, without a doubt, one of the finest acoustic […]
© 2025 · Russ Barenberg · All Rights Reserved