We are proud to present a very special Blues in the Bar featuring Yorkshireman, SERIOUS SAM BARRETT. Sam is a singer/songwriter from Otley who has released 7 critically acclaimed studio albums, two of which were collaborations with Alabama based fiddle player ‘James The Fang’. These albums have explored country, old time blues, folk and even pop influences. Raised in the Dales village of Addingham, Sam began performing in and around Leeds in 2004. Word spread further afield with the release of his 2009 debut album ‘Close To Home’ which led to an appearance at the 2010 South x South West Festival in Austin, Texas. Thereafter, Sam has toured the USA extensively, usually in the company of The Pine Hill Haints; a bluegrass band from Alabama, who describe their sound as ‘Alabama Ghost Music.’ Barrett has also opened for U.S alternative rock-folk band Deer Tick and appeared at the prestigious WC Handy Music Festival in Florence, Alabama. A festival that happens every year to honour Florence native WC Handy, also known as the ‘Father of the Blues.’ Closer to home, Sam has shared stages with the likes of Martin Carthy, Stockton’s very own The Young’uns, and Scottish folkie Karine Polwart. Sam has performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, The Secret Garden Party, Deer Shed, Kendal Calling and through relentless touring and recording has built himself a reputation as being a fine guitar and banjo player. Sam’s worldwide following has grown steadily over the years and he regularly plays sold out shows at noted venues such as The Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, The Cluny In Newcastle and The Garage and Green Note in London. 

 

‘The sustained brilliance of this playing is really something to behold.’  - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

 

‘Songs that rattle with the ghosts of Appalachian folk, and southern blues yet sound emphatically English.’ - UNCUT Magazine

 

‘Old before his years, [Sam Barrett is a] country-folk fellow who mixes intricate John Fahey finger-picking with confessional tales of dirty old Leeds’ -  The Guardian

 

‘His well crafted original songs are accompanied by his own sparkling clawhammer banjo or dexterous 12 string guitar picking.’ - FRoots Magazine

 

‘Barrett shows his deft touch in blending English literature, folk and American sound’ - Americana UK