A naturalist and tour guide at Jean Lafitte National Park by day, where he imparts his vast knowledge of Louisiana's swamps and wetlands, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes (a family nickname) as of late as been playing the role of an actor more so than a musician.
Hollywood productions and national commercials aside, Barnes has distinguished himself as a zydeco accordionist and a powerful singer, as a leader of the Louisiana Sunspots.
He grew up in Benton, Ark. where his father played harp at clubs and picnics, and more importantly, for the pure enjoyment of his family. Sonny Boy Williamson even played at his father's house at a family backyard barbecue.
The 11-track CD has numerous cuts that are worth mentioning, but none more than "Blues in the Morning," a ¾ time tune with several of the lines about being "wrapped up, tied up and tangled up" come from sermons delivered by Reverend Swimp at the Mount Zion Baptist Church where Sunpie attended as a child.
P.O. Box 6141, Diamondhead, Miss. 39525-6141
(601) 255-9908
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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