Durham, NC (by way of Michigan) flatpicking guitarist and songwriter Alan Barnosky expertly crafts Americana songs that detail the life of a modern troubadour. His critically acclaimed debut Old Freight, which was noted as being “a fantastic album, full of clever guitar work, excellent vocal performances, and punchy arrangements“ put him on the map as an artist to watch. Since its release he’s been a festival and showcase regular, appearing at the 2018 IBMA Songwriter Showcase, receiving an honorable mention at the Telluride Troubadour Contest, showcasing at the Southeast Regional Folk Alliance conference, and opening for genre mainstays The Steel Wheels, Robbie Fulks, and Charley Crockett. In addition to his work as a solo artist, he has performed with bands at the IBMA World of Bluegrass, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, and Bristol Rhythm and Roots.
2020 sees Barnosky poised to build on this momentum with the release of his sophomore work, as he returns with Lonesome Road on January 17th, an EP that spotlights instrumental prowess while remaining true to the honest songwriting, authentic delivery, and no-nonsense production for which he has become recognized.
With the album announcement, Glide is thrilled to premiere “Might Be A Call” from Lonesome Road, a riveting composition of Appalachia and heartfelt folk. Barnosky delivers a kindred mix of Ralph Stanley and David Rawlings, an earthy joy where pioneering meets the modern.
Barnosky was compelled to face and conquer some testing medical challenges in the early stages of the EP’s production. An enigmatic physical malady caused vocal damage and he wasn’t able to sing — or even speak comfortably — for several months. The band had no choice but to put the project on hold, and Barnosky had to face the possibility that his singing career might be over. Luckily, with time the condition receded and he was able to resume recording in late 2019.
This challenge strengthened the tone of resolve within Barnosky’s songs, and the EP is all the better for the experience. This acoustic masterclass was recorded at Arbor Ridge Studio in Chapel Hill with Jeff Crawford serving as lead engineer. Performers on the album include fiddler Jack Devereaux (formerly of Town Mountain), Robert Thornhill (mandolinist for Hank, Pattie & The Current), and bassist David Kinton.
A lifelong musician, Barnosky began playing bluegrass in his late teens as an upright bassist and only started singing and writing in his mid-twenties. “I moved from Michigan to North Carolina in 2012, and fit my most essential belongings into a 4-door car,” he recalls. “Unfortunately an upright bass would have taken up just about the entire car, so that got left behind – but I did squeeze in an old acoustic dreadnought guitar.” Then, living in a new place without a bass or bandmates to play music with, Barnosky starting flatpicking, writing, and working on his singing voice. A couple of the songs on Lonesome Road were first penned during that period.
An avid backpacker and cyclist in his spare time, Barnosky grants that a lot of the album was inspired by nature and his extensive time outdoors. A two-month solo bicycle tour quite literally served as the material for the title-track “Lonesome Road.” His new EP channels this experience–the life of a modern hobo making his way down the road to see what the next moment brings.
Barnosky will be on tour throughout the coming months in support of Lonesome Road.
