Doors and Windows reviewed in Music Matters!July 31, 2009
Bearfoot is an Anchorage, Alaska-based band that met while they were counselors at a bluegrass camp for children and teens. They do not consider themselves to be a bluegrass band because as they somewhat jestingly say, they could not find a banjo player among their Alaskan contemporaries. Like many of youthful bands influenced by bluegrass, they have taken some of the sensibilities and spirit of the music and blended it with traditional music and their own perspective as songwriters. The vocals are mostly handled by the newest band member, Odessa Jorgensen. Her voice has a sultry cheerfulness, but if she sang the blues she would sound a lot like Lucinda Williams. The other men and woman provide backing vocals rather than strong harmonies. Garry West’s production showcases the band’s charisma and musicianship, adding Larry Atamanuik on drums and a touch of banjo from Compass Records’ co-founder Alison Brown. If this album is any indication, Bearfoot is a band to seek out and see live! —Michael Devlin
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