“I’m just the bass player.” That’s a line we often hear from the guy who stands in the back, laying down the beat and keeping the band in time. They don’t often get much time to shine, though the contributions they bring are essential, especially in bluegrass where we only very rarely see any form of percussion on stage.
But sometimes bass players get a moment in the sun, as is happening now for veteran bluegrass team member Randy Barnes, who has spent time with some of the top entertainers in our business. His career has included stints with Rhonda Vincent, Lou Reid, Larry Stephenson, Josh Williams, Marty Raybon, Audie Blaylock, Fast Track, NewFound Road, and most recently, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers.
He’s paid his dues, and done his time.
Now Barnes is stepping out for a solo career, recording with Mountain Fever Records, with whom a new single is now available, the third from an upcoming album. It’s a deeply personal track for Randy, written by his late father, William Barnes, about a man facing life without his long time partner.
As you might imagine, it involves a good bit of emotion for Randy to sing this one.
“My dad had a way of writing songs that came straight from real life. No One Here to Love Me Now captures the loneliness that follows losing someone you love.
Recording this song is my way of honoring his songwriting and keeping his legacy alive through music.”
Barnes sings the lead, plays bass and guitar, and adds a harmony vocal, supported by Gibson Davis on banjo, and Danny Barnes on mandolin and harmony vocal.
It’s mighty lonesome. Check it out.
No One Here To Love Me Now is available from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
