The Barefoot Movement

Biography

The Barefoot Movement is a trio of immensely talented musicians from North Carolina and Tennessee whose music successfully melds Americana influences with the invigoration of acoustic modern rock and jazz. Their sound simultaneously captures the rustic beauty of old Southern front porch Bluegrass improvisation while being immediately accessible to the modern era.

The group was initially formed when Noah Wall, singer and fiddler, and Tommy Norris, mandolin player, attended high school together in their home county of Granville, NC and began setting Noah’s lyrics to Tommy’s chords. Though the band was threatened when the two members left to attend colleges in different states, it was while Noah was a student of the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Program at Eastern Tennessee State University that she met Quentin Acres, when both were chosen to perform for the Old-Time Pride Band. The three soon united to form The Barefoot Movement. The name evolved from Noah’s tendency to remove her shoes during shows, a testament to the relaxed atmosphere and down-home stylings of the group.

Noah Wall’s voice is captivatingly honest, marked by a clarity of tone and connection that is rare among modern singers. Mandolin player Tommy Norris and rhythm guitarist Quentin Acres provide an instantly recognizable and intricate backdrop of melody–a symbiosis that allows the group unparalleled fusion and adaptability. Lyrics are written by Noah and are often based on her personal experiences. However, she is also blessed with a profound empathy that enables her to write lyrics based on the narratives of others. Listeners may find themselves engrossed in the travails of heartbreak or experiencing the anguish of war-whatever the subject, Noah’s lyrics are a journey through the human experience. This is made all the more poignant by Quentin’s robust voice, which provides a masculine but emotional grounding woven throughout the band’s melodies.

This evolution of sound can be heard in their latest record “Footwork,” a polished opus showcasing the group’s maturation and talent. The record made it to #7 at folk radio. Noah’s voice is subtly piercing while displaying a remarkable range, from the toe-tapping, barn-raising Calico Jack to the melodic, nostalgic Tobacco Road. Barefoot Movement’s newest album is nothing short of addictive. Embedded in each track are compelling visual evocations, complex tonal twists, and a downright good time.

– Jenn Diffley

Video

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