Biography

HISTORY

The Barker Band began when twin brothers Jake and Sam Barker started playing bluegrass with their oldest friend Laurie Sherman and their dad, Lenny. Pretty soon they were writing and recording their own songs, drawing on influences from bluegrass, rock, country and blues. They made their live debut in 2004 and by 2005 the band had expanded to include vocalist Nella Johnson and bass player Tom Wright with drummer, Ru Shreeve, joining the band in 2006. By 2007 they were playing regularly at venues like The Borderline & The Boogaloo and as well as appearing at several festivals including The Camden Crawl and The Innocent Festival in Regent's Park. They also toured with Jack Penate and Adele. In March 2008 they were invited to play at the South By South West Festival in Austin Texas. Tipped by NME, Time Out and Vogue Magazine as a band to watch out for, they are now emerging as one of London's top country-rock acts.

DISCOGRAPHY

The band released their first album, imaginatively entitled "The Barker Band" in September 2004 and garnered a bucket-load of excellent reviews. Their second album, "Lonesome Waltz" was released in March 2006 on the BB records label to even better reviews, including the national press. In early 2007 the band's first single, a 7" limited edition vinyl 45, was released on the Young Turks label (Jack Penate, Kid Harpoon) The third album "The Night Ain't Over" was set loose on the world in September 2007 and has had extensive radio play including Bob Harris and Steve Lamacq. The band are currently working on several new projects in their LA studio (Lower Acton). For details of recordings, click here

THE BARKER BAND MEMBERS

JAKE & SAM BARKER

Sam and Jake play banjo, mandolin, guitar and share lead vocal duties. Being twins they are completely telepathic and can predict the future up to 8 seconds. Their influences include Ralph Stanley, Iain Matthews, the Everly Brothers and Def Leppard.

NELLA JOHNSON

Nella joined the band in 2005 adding her beautiful, haunting voice to the mix. She now takes lead vocals on several songs and is currently recording her first solo album for our label, BB Records. Posesses the strongest punch in the band

LAURIE SHERMAN

Plays electric guitar and often writes with Jake & Sam. Laurie can also turn in a slick performance on banjo and mandolin when called upon. Laurie also skateboards at pro-level but so far the band have been unable to find a way to exploit this musically

RU SHREEVE

Our highly talented and sympathetic skin basher and owner of the band's heaviest bags. Has been dubbed the "human metronome" by his largely Norwegian fans.

TOM WRIGHT

Bass player Tom is the tallest member of the band - a role which he takes seriously. Although he comes from the country he is comfortable amongst city dwellers.

LENNY BARKER

Rhythm guitar, mandolin and vocal harmony. He is allowed to sit in with the band as long as he doesn't say anything embarrassing.

Hana Loftus. Old-time fiddle practitioner extraordinaire who also plays with the UK's top bluegrass band The Coal Porters

JOSEPH CREAN. The hardest working fiddle player in London with a unique talent and a fiercely individual style.

RICHARD PHOENIX. Drummer (ex Captain Everything) and all-round decent bloke made his debut with the band at the 12 Bar in Jan 2006 and then went to live in Brighton

STEVE BRAYNE. A very old mate of Lenny's and occasional guest Blues-harp player of true distinction. Ex-frontman with legendary 70's band The Fox, Steve is still blowing them away with his own blues band - Big Road.

TED SHERMAN. First rate drummer & percussionist and Laurie's older brother, Ted has played with many bands around London as well as doing session work including Top Of The Pops. He is now playing with the ultra-fab FastLane Roogalator