Listen up.
Barnaby and the Butcher are a 4-piece from Tucson, Arizona; playing music from the broadly defined genres of Roots Rock and Southwest Americana. Their original compositions and cover choices run the gamut of classic country, dark country, blues, and rock; all of which they perform with a distinctly unique style that evokes deep nostalgia while managing to feel entirely new. These musicians have played internationally for decades, but this is the project that finally allows them to play and create together.
As one of the band’s namesakes, Damon Barnaby brings powerfully skilled and complex guitar that is an integral driver of the band’s iconic sound. Barnaby’s mind-blistering style is much like a conversation with Barnaby himself: an experience that winds from recalling a teenage memory of the first time you heard that one album, to a serious and detailed music history lesson, culminating with a playful anecdote about something not so serious as life.
Joshua Butcher, namesake number two, brings a distinctly unique gift of voice that fans have described as a soothing warmth and welcome that “just feels like it’s everywhere.” As in his other projects, Joshua’s lyrics are heartfelt and emoting, with creative turns of phrase that harken back to the traditions of classic country songs. His music brings dancers to their feet, even as his word choice invites our hearts to enjoy a little time to ache. Partner that feeling with Damon’s composition and musical hooks, and this music will sink right into your soul.
Damon and Joshua are backed by the multi-talented Doug "Hurricane" Floyd on bass. Best known as a funk and hair metal guitarist, Hurricane deigned to pick up the bass for the chance to join this project, bringing his incredible talent and skill to the low end as well as to the creation process. The Butcher often expresses guilt that it is like handing a bass to the guitarist from White Snake. Hurricane’s ear in the recording process, his gear obsession, his experience in everything music from performing, touring, and recording make him an immeasurable asset.
Bringing the rhythm and the heart on percussion is the dazzling John “The Monkey" McIntyre. With upwards of forty years playing drums, The Monkey holds a line-drive connection to Joshua’s musical direction, interpreting with experience and intuition what The Butcher intends for each song where many drummers would simply power right by. John’s style is at once skilled and playful, powerful and expressive. He has been a part of the vast majority of Joshua Butcher’s projects and continues to be the anchor of the band (despite his self-proclaimed identification of KISS has his early inspiration).
Barnaby and the Butcher is serious music from not-so-serious musicians.