Russ Barenberg | |
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 Barenberg in 2008 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | (1950-10-08)October 8, 1950 (age 74) U.S. |
| Genres | Bluegrass,traditional bluegrass |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instrument(s) | Acoustic guitar,mandolin |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Labels | Rounder,Compass |
| Website | russbarenberg |
Russ Barenberg (born October 8, 1950) is an Americanbluegrass musician.
Barenberg began playing guitar at age 13, taking lessons from Alan Miller, whose brother, John Miller, Barenberg would later play with. His style was heavily influenced by theflatpicking technique ofClarence White. He attendedCornell University and metPete Wernick there in 1968. Together they joined to formCountry Cooking, who released two albums of bluegrass before breaking up in 1975.[1]
In 1975 Barenberg briefly began playingelectric guitar with a jazz rock group, Carried Away. Late in 1975 he quit playing music, but returned in 1977, moving toNew York City to play in the groupHeartlands. This group also played backup on Barenberg's debut solo effort,Cowboy Calypso, in 1980. He then moved toBoston, teaching at the Music Emporium inCambridge. Here he played in the groupsFiddle Fever andLaughing Hands.
In 1986 Barenberg moved toNashville, where he has played often withJerry Douglas,Edgar Meyer andMaura O'Connell, and done much work as asession musician withBéla Fleck,Hazel Dickens,Mel Tillis, andRandy Travis, among others. He has released several instructional videos.[2]
"Russ Barenberg is one of the most melodic instrumentalists and composers in contemporary bluegrass and acoustic music. Best known for his own unique style of flatpicking, Barenberg often uses his other three fingers to enhance rhythm and melody and create a more textural sensitivity."[3]
In 2007, his song "Little Monk" was nominated for aGrammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance.[4] Since 1995 he has been a member of the house band for theTransatlantic Sessions television programs on the BBC.
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