Barefoot Manner: An Influential Side
An Interview
by
Jennifer Harp

There are many musical groups and artists that leave an impression upon us, the listeners, at some point and time in our lives. Some of these help us through the hard times, while some cause us to remember the good. Then there are those few who follow us throughout our lives, carrying us through the bad, the good and the mundane. Barefoot Manner is one of those bands, with the kind of music that crosses several genres and can make even the most stalwart listener feel the contagious beat of their original songs.
Beginning as a trio in 2000, this group of down-home, back porch artists became a quintet by 2003. The next few years saw these talented musicians touring heavily while working on album after album. David Kleiss, Shawn Chase, Walter Hensey, Jeff Garland and Hank Smith were the backbone of this Caribbean infused bluegrass group.
New Year’s Eve of 2005 was an ending and a beginning for this long running band. Walter Hensey retired and Leo Kishore came on board. With the most positive of attitudes and the best of original bluegrass music, Barefoot Manner has changed little over time. As a group who, some say, is best heard live, they have left their own mark on this industry, becoming an influence named by many; new artists and fans alike.
I was fortunate to have a chance to chat with them at The Old Town Draught House in Greensboro, NC, before their set that night, opening for Sam Bush. The humbleness of these guys and their genuine love for what they do came across in our conversation. Amongst the joking around with each other, the members behind this wonderful music discussed how they feel about becoming influential and their plans for the future.

J: I have talked with other bands recently in this same genre of music, Beaconwood and The Avett Brothers specifically, and both groups had nothing but good things to say about you guys and the positive influence you have been, and still are, to them as musicians. How does that make you guys feel to know that you have been this ‘driving force’, so to speak, for newer groups, especially the younger set, such as Beaconwood, who are just teenagers?

David: It’s sort of, like, coming full circle, so to speak, because there are obviously many bands that influenced us. So, to do that for another group is like “coming of age.”

Jeff: That’s what Leftover Salmon did for you, right?

David: Sure. Yeah, exactly.

J: I’ve noticed a lot of younger fans at the all age’s shows and festivals. They become interested in learning to play instruments, such as the banjo, the mandolin, the bass, because of watching you guys perform. I know personally, and from talking with other Barefoot Manner fans that have children, the increased amount of interest in these instruments specifically. It’s not so much the drums and electric guitar anymore. Does that influence your performance at the ‘all ages’ shows vs. the ‘adult only’ shows, when you know that a younger group is going to be there?

Hank: Well, it’s sort of like, you’re trying to stay true to what you’re doing and stay true to the music no matter who they are. It’s up to them how they experience whatever it is that we have to offer. It’s not so much like we cater it one way or the other, we just play. Then whoever likes it, likes it. It’s not set to one specific crowd, the Bonnaroo crowd...

Jeff: Whatever that is... (laughs)

J: Is there going to be a new album from you guys coming out soon? It has been while.

Jeff: Yep, we’re going to the studio in September.

J: Who writes the majority of your songs, the lyrics and the music? Is it more like a group effort, or is it like you’re sitting at home alone, come up with something and take to everyone else?

HANK: It just depends on who came up with it. Everybody’s got their own different way of bringing something to the table when we have a rehearsal or something like that. I know Shawn and Dave like to have a bit more of a group thing, everybody has an input. They’ll come