Andrew Barr
The Barr Brothers, The Slip, Feist
Drumming is all about balance and feel. Part of our art requires us to be connected with wood and metal as an extension of our hands and feet and so it cannot be underestimated how much a properly balanced beater can change the way we feel behind the drum set. I had no idea that a beater could make such a difference until I tried a Low Boy.
I tried to make off with Charlie Hall’s “Red, White and Blue” beater but War On Drugs security frisked and stopped me before I could get out the door. Charlie hasn’t pressed charges, so thanks Charlie, but clearly I needed one of my own. I ordered one the next day and I’ll never look back. Really it was significantly more comfortable than any beater I’ve used. Bravo. Well done.
Andrew’s Gear
Standard Felt Daddy in Natural with Black Stripes
Born in Providence, RI, Andrew began playing the drums at a young age. A student of free jazz master Bob Gullotti and percussionist Jamey Haddad, Andrew studied at Berklee college of music before spending time studying music in Mali, West Africa. In 1995 Andrew founded the experimental rock trio The Slip (1995–2007) who toured steadily, released four albums and developed a large cult following. In 2007 Andrew began working with famed singer Lhasa DeSela, indie rock band Land Of Talk and pianist Marco Benevento, recording 7 albums between these artists. He then founded The Barr Brothers in 2010. The Barr Brothers three albums to date have been met with much critical success, winning several awards and leading them to perform on festival, club, and theatre stages throughout the world.
The Barr Brothers appeared twice on Late Night with David Letterman and have been regular guests on BBC, CBC and NPR shows. In 2019 Andrew began drumming with indie icon Feist, joining her on her Pleasure tour as well as the Bon Iver/Feist 2019 tour. Andrew has also regularly collaborated with Alexi Murdoch, Bassekou Kouyate, and composer Richard Reed Parry amongst others. Andrews style of drumming has been described as earthy, organic and fluid. He is known for his ability to meld laid back, subtle, minimalist playing with sophisticated pocket playing and improvisational finesse. He incorporates mallet percussion, found sounds and hand built instruments into his set up.
Media
The Barr Brothers – “Live on KEXP”
The Barr Brothers – “Kompromat – Full Performance”