Barry Waldrep

Last updated

James "Barry" Waldrep (born November 18, 1962) is an American Bluegrass, Jam Band, Americana instrumentalist, songwriter, composer and record producer. Main instrument is acoustic guitar, but also plays electric guitar, mandolin and banjo. Waldrep co-founded the bluegrass/jam band Rollin' In The Hay in July 1993. The band was based in Birmingham, Alabama, and formed as a side project. Waldrep was also a full time member of the Birmingham band Telluride. Rollin' In The Hay soon became a full-time band touring the Jam Band circuit of festivals and college campuses across the country until May 2009. The band produced 7 CDs and performed over 300 dates per year for 16 years.

Contents

During this time, Waldrep recorded 21 bluegrass tribute albums with CMH Records in Los Angeles for Eric Clapton, The Black Crowes, Widespread Panic, Phish, R.E.M., Tim McGraw, The Allman Brothers, Neil Diamond and others. He was also featured on the CD Masterworks of American Bluegrass also produced by CMH Records. At this point, Waldrep started recording solo records and doing tours & studio sessions with other artists.

September 2009, Zac Brown invited Waldrep to join him on his "Breaking Southern Ground Tour". Waldrep is featured on the Zac Brown Band Pass The Jar CD/DVD, along with Kid Rock and Little Big Town. During this time he met the husband and wife country duo Joey + Rory. He did a tour with them during the Zac Brown Tour, and in some cases, they all toured together. In addition, Waldrep played the Grand Ole' Opry several times and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, which was the previous home of the Grand Ole' Opry.

In January 2013, after landing a record deal with Singular Records in San Francisco, California, Waldrep began the Smoke From the Kitchen sessions, which is a bluegrass banjo/southern rock project. This project includes artists Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones), Paul T. Riddle (Marshall Tucker Band), Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), Coy Bowles (Zac Brown Band), Benji Shanks and Jazz Grass Mandolin player David "Dawg" Grisman.

In January 2016 Barry teamed up with singer songwriter Kelli Johnson to spend the year touring as a duo. During this year they released one CD "Hey Country (where are you now).

October 2016, Barry announces he will be touring with Country Artist John Berry as a member of his band on Johns 2016 Christmas tour.

January 2017, Barry Waldrep and friends began performing their fusion of Bluegrass/Southern Rock with special guest vocalists. The band is Barry (Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin & Banjo), Jason Bailey (Mandolin), Caelan Berry (Drums) & Bryan Hall (Upright Bass). Guest vocalists include Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie, Jeff Beck, Hank Williams Jr), Donna Hall & Joe Debrow.

2018, Barry continues with his own band, and their shows have been called by fans as a "SOUTHERN CULTURE REVIVAL". Waldrep states that this branding is the result of just being who we are. "No matter what we play it's gonna sound southern".

He and his band mates are all natives of Georgia or Alabama and have musical influences from Bluegrass, Jazz, Southern Rock and Gospel.

2019 - 2022, Barry is spending a lot of time in the studio recording for other artists. In addition he produced and recorded a tribute to the late guitarist Tony Rice which was recorded at the Nutthouse in Muscle Shoals, Alabama called Barry Waldrep & Friends Celebrate Tony Rice. (Released December 2021) Barry states that this is his favorite place to record.

The artists included on this project are Vince Gill, Radney Foster, Warren Haynes, Rodney Crowell, Mike Farris, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, John Berry, Jimmy Hall, Kelli Johnson, Donna Hall, Jacob Bunton, Darrell Scott, Patrick Simmons, John Paul White, Rory Feek, John Cowan, Kim Richey, John Jorgenson, Marty Raybon, Jim Lauderdale, Emmylou Harris, Tammy Rogers, Aubrey Haynie, Oteil Burbridge, Jason Bailey, Bryn Davies, Heidi Feek, Dillon Hodges, James "Hutch" Hutchinson, Spooner Oldham, Scott Vestal, Benji Shanks, Andrea Zonn.

Early years

Barry Waldrep (Son of James & Barbara Waldrep) grew up in Randolph County Alabama. James was a professional auto mechanic, and a part-time bluegrass musician. Barbara worked in the manufacturing industry. The family vacations were most every weekend as they performed on the southeastern bluegrass festival circuit.

Barry graduated from Randolph County High School - Wedowee, Alabama in 1982. After a short term at Jacksonville State University, he moved to Auburn, Alabama to start classes at Auburn University, but started a band instead. With several day jobs in the middle of all the club shows, he decided to make music a full-time job in 1988. His first stint at being a full-time musician started with a 3-month house gig at a beach club in Panama City Beach, Florida. Barry Was used to performing on the bluegrass festival circuit with his fathers band where people attended events to hear the music. The club owner in Panama City, wanted a band to make people dance and drink, so the summer gig only lasted a week. Determined to succeed, Waldrep hit all the clubs and landed another gig. The band quickly revamped the set list, and made it through the summer.

The next 5 years were filled with road side honky tonks & college bar gigs with various bands until 1993 when he started Rollin' In The Hay.

Personal life

Spouses

Julie Russell (1986 - 1987), Rhona Leavitt (1996 - 2007), Lesia Williams (2014–Present)

Children

Mallorie McGue (Step Daughter), Morgan McGue (Step Daughter)

Banjo.com

In addition to touring, Barry purchased the 12 year old musical instrument company banjo.com in May 2015.

Smoke from the Kitchen lineup

The lineup on Smoke from the Kitchen includes: Banjo, Mandolin & Acoustic Guitar: Barry Waldrep, Bass: Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band), Drums: Paul Riddle (The Marshall Tucker Band), Hammond: Coy Bowles (The Zac Brown Band), Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar: Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), Electric Guitar, Resonator Guitar: Benji Shanks (Captain Soularcat/Last Waltz Ensemble), Mandolin: David Grisman (Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan), Keyboards: Chuck Leavell (Allman Brothers Band and Rolling Stones), Vocals: Paris Luna, Aaron Trubic (Sean Costello Band)

Toured and/or recorded with

Zac Brown Band - Randy Travis - Joey & Rory - Jimmy Hall - John Cowan - John Berry - Darrell Scott - Rodney Crowell - Marty Raybon - Mike Farris - Kim Richey - Warren Haynes - Oteil Burbridge - Charlie Starr - Chuck Leavell - David Grisman - Vince Gill - Radney Foster - Teresa Williams - Larry Campbell - Jim Lauderdale - Patrick Simmons - John Paul White - John Jorgenson - Rory Feek - Donna Hall - Emmylou Harris - Tammy Rogers - Spooner Oldham - Andrea Zonn - Dillon Hodges - Kelli Johnson - Scott Vestal - Aubrey Haynie - Caelan Berry - Bryan Hall - Jason Bailey - Bryn Davies - Benji Shanks, James "Hutch" Hutchinson - Heidi Feek - Jacob Bunton - Paul T. Riddle - Coy Bowles - Paris Luna - Sol Junky - Kurt Thomas - Nic Cowan AKA Nico Moon - Sonia Leigh - Levi Lowry - Sarah Peacock - Lynam - Wayne Mills Band - Caddle - Rock Killough - Brandon Perry - Andrea Frankle

Concert Promoting

Barry has hosted and promoted many festivals and concerts in the Alabama and Georgia region. Acts include John Berry, Jimmy Hall, The Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad, Wet Willie, The Marshall Tucker Band, Flatt Lonesome, Sarah Peacock and many others.

48 West

In June 2023 Barry opened 48 West, a listening room venue in his home town of Wedowee, Alabama. A place where he performs as well as presenting national artists he has met or performed with throughout his career.

Overview

Discography

Bluegrass Tributes

Barry Waldrep Projects

Rollin' In The Hay

Guest Appearances

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit</span> American jazz fusion band

Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit was a jazz fusion group founded by Col. Bruce Hampton. The band gained popularity in the Atlanta club scene in the early 1990s and went on to tour with the first H.O.R.D.E. Tour. During their formative years, the band was composed of Bruce Hampton, Oteil Burbridge, Jimmy Herring, Jeff Sipe, Matt Mundy, and Count M'Butu. Jeff Mosier and Charlie Williams were members of the band during the early years, but left to pursue other endeavors. Although the band was never commercially successful, their combination of bluegrass, rock, Latin, blues, jazz, funk, and impeccable chops became a template for future bands.

"Little Martha" was the only Allman Brothers Band track written solely by group leader and partial namesake Duane Allman. The song first appeared as the final studio track on the Allman Brothers Band's fourth album, Eat a Peach, released in 1972. The track was recorded in October 1971, a few weeks before Duane Allman's death in a motorcycle accident.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Bush</span> American mandolinist

Charles Samuel Bush is an American mandolinist who is considered an originator of progressive bluegrass music. In 2020, he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame as a member of New Grass Revival. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame a second time in 2023 as a solo artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony Furtado</span> Musical artist

Tony Furtado is an American singer-songwriter, banjoist, and guitarist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oteil Burbridge</span> American musician

Oteil Burbridge is an American multi-instrumentalist, specializing on the bass guitar, trained in playing jazz and classical music from an early age. He has achieved fame primarily on bass guitar during the resurgence of the Allman Brothers Band from 1997 through 2014, and as a founding member of the band Dead & Company. Burbridge was also a founding member of The Aquarium Rescue Unit and Tedeschi Trucks Band, with whom his brother Kofi Burbridge was the keyboardist and flautist. He has worked with other musicians including Bruce Hampton, Trey Anastasio, Page McConnell, Bill Kreutzmann and Derek Trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alison Krauss & Union Station</span> American bluegrass band

Alison Krauss & Union Station is an American bluegrass and country band associated with singer Alison Krauss. It was initially composed of Krauss, Jeff White, Mike Harman and John Pennell. Later additions included Tim Stafford, Ron Block, Adam Steffey, Barry Bales and Larry Atamanuik. In 1992, Stafford was replaced by guitar and mandolin player Dan Tyminski and in 1998, Steffey left and was replaced by Dobro player Jerry Douglas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doyle Lawson</span> American bluegrass and gospel musician

Doyle Wayne Lawson is an American traditional bluegrass and Southern gospel musician. He is best known as a mandolin player, vocalist, producer, and leader of the 6-man group Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Lawson was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2012.

<i>Still Phishin</i> 2002 studio album by Various Artists (Phish Tribute)

Still Phishin': A Bluegrass Tribute to Phish 2 is a bluegrass tribute album to the rock band Phish led by Alabama-based bluegrass collective Rollin' In The Hay. The songs' arrangements were constructed by bandleader Rick Carter. Unlike the previous Phish bluegrass tribute album Gone Phishin, this album features a number of rare songs, some of which were never released on a Phish studio album.

<i>Peakin at the Beacon</i> 2000 live album by The Allman Brothers Band

Peakin' at the Beacon is a live album by the rock group the Allman Brothers Band. It was recorded at the Beacon Theatre in New York City in March, 2000, and released later that year.

Joseph Calvin "Butch" Robins is an American five-string–banjo player with his own, distinct style. He's an individualist and, according to himself, "a seeker of information, knowledge and wisdom."

<i>DGBX</i> 2006 studio album by David Grisman

DGBX (David Grisman Bluegrass Experience), is a collection of bluegrass songs by David Grisman and his latest band, DGBX.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Song's for You</span> 2010 single by Joey Rory featuring Zac Brown Band

"This Song's for You" is a song written by Rory Lee Feek and Zac Brown and recorded by American country duo Joey + Rory. It was released to country radio in July 2010 and as a music download on July 20, 2010, and serves as the lead-off single to their second studio album, Album Number Two, which was released on September 14, 2010.

<i>Album Number Two</i> 2010 studio album by Joey Rory

Album Number Two is the second studio album from country music duo Joey + Rory. The album was released to the public on September 14, 2010, via Vanguard Records and Sugar Hill Records. Its lead single, "This Song's for You," was released to country radio on July 20, 2010. However, the single failed to enter the Hot Country Songs chart. The album's second single "That's Important to Me" was released to country radio in October 2010, and debuted at number 58 on the chart week ending February 12, 2011.

Rollin' In The Hay is an American alternative bluegrass band from Birmingham, Alabama. The group has self-released six CDs and also has created 15 nationally released instrumental tributes called the Pickin' On series. The band is listed in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame as "Music Achievers".

The Lonesome River Band is an American contemporary bluegrass band. The band has released 15 recording projects since its formation in 1982. Lonesome River Band is led by Sammy Shelor who is a member of the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame and a 5-Time International Bluegrass Music Association Banjo Player of the Year Award recipient. The band has experienced numerous personnel changes over the years, and has not included an original member since Tim Austin left the band in 1995 to focus on Doobie Shea Records.

<i>Stand Back: The Anthology</i> 2004 greatest hits album by The Allman Brothers Band

Stand Back: The Anthology is a compilation album by the Allman Brothers Band, released in 2004. It is the only retrospective which is cross-licensed among the different record labels for all of the band's studio recordings from its debut in 1969 through 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paris Luna</span>

Paris Luna is a band based in Carrollton, Georgia formed in 2004. They play a blend of rock, country and Americana music. Members include Heather Russell, songwriter, acoustic guitar, piano, vocals, Michael Harris on lead guitar, Toby Marriott on bass and Kane Russell on drums. "Paris Luna" is Russell's stage name.

<i>The Grohl Sessions, Vol. 1</i> 2013 EP by Zac Brown Band

The Grohl Sessions, Vol. 1 is an extended play which was released by the Zac Brown Band on December 10, 2013. Originally released only to digital retailers, it was physically released on May 19, 2014. The physical release includes a 45-minute DVD on the creation of the album. Included on the album is the single "All Alright", which was sent to radio on April 28, 2014.

Scott Vestal is an American banjoist, songwriter and luthier, known for his innovative approach to playing and designing the banjo.

<i>Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit</i> (album) 1992 live album by Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit

Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit is a live album by the band of the same name. It was recorded at the Georgia Theatre in Athens, Georgia, and was released in 1992 by Capricorn Records. On the album, band leader Bruce Hampton is joined by guitarist Jimmy Herring, mandolin player Matt Mundy, keyboard player Chuck Leavell, bassist Oteil Burbridge, conga player Count Mbutu, and drummer Jeff Sipe, listed as "Apt. Q-258."

References

    This page is based on this Wikipedia article
    Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
    Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.