Barrett Anderson

BIO

“Anderson has the chops and spark to make a real statement his own way. Hot stuff.” – Chris Spector, Midwest Record

Billboard and radio charting, award winning, Blues/Roots guitarist and singer, Barrett Anderson, has a career going back to the late ‘90s. This Boston-based musician tours nationally and internationally, and has played over a thousand shows in some of the largest – and also smallest – clubs, theaters, festivals and venues - solo, with his band, or supporting other legendary musicians (Ronnie Earl, Monster Mike Welch, Anthony Geraci, David Maxwell, Billy Price, T-Model Ford, Pinetop Perkins, “Steady Rollin” Bob Margolin, Johnny Rawls, and John Primer to name a few)

Ronnie Earl proudly refers to Barrett as his musical son; he invited Barrett to join fabled blues band, Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters, while Barrett was just 16 years old. By 19 Barrett had joined The Monster Mike Welch Band, and spent three years providing guitar – rhythm and lead – alongside Monster Mike. Barrett embraced being a bandleader in 2007, forming The Barrett Anderson Band. His debut album, All The Way down, produced by Jimbo Mathus and recorded in North Mississippi, was released that same year.

For the next five years The Barrett Anderson Band included Ron Levy (organist for BB King, Albert King, and more), and Per Hanson (drummer for Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters). This lineup recorded Barrett’s sophomore album, The Long Fall, produced by Dennis Brennan, and released in 2012. Shortly after its release Barrett won a 2013 Boston Music Award, Blues Artist of the Year.

Barrett’s third album was released in 2020, HypnoBoogie, a live album captured at one show, one take of each song and no overdubs. HypnoBoogie spent 3 weeks on the top 15 Billboard Blues Album Chart, peaking at #6. HypnoBoogie also appeared on numerous regional, national, and international radio charts, and was included in many critics’ “top 10 albums of the year” lists.

In 2021 Barrett was invited to join Anthony Geraci and The Boston Blues All-Stars. Fronted by Grammy nominated, Blues Award winning pianist, Anthony Geraci, Barrett’s passionate, fiery guitar has supercharged this already formidable group; they received a nomination for Band of the Year in The Blues Foundation’s 2023 Blues Music Awards. The Boston Blues All-Stars have toured extensively nationally and internationally, and you can hear Barrett’s vocals and guitar on their forthcoming full-length release (due 2024).

In addition to his work as a musician and performer, Barrett is a gifted teacher, and offers general guitar lessons to players of all skill levels as well as Blues Guitar masterclasses. Lessons are available either in person or remote via Zoom, and are tailored to each student’s interests and musical goals.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Ronnie Earl and the broadcasters

Member 1999-2002

✧ Barrett joined Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters while just 16 years old

✧ During his time in the band, Barrett was taken under Ronnie's wing as his protege. Ronnie still calls Barrett his musical son

✧ Barrett also worked as Road Manager for the band during this period

✧ Visit www.ronnieearl.com for more info

the monster mike welch band

Member 2002-2005

✧ Barrett joined the band as the second guitarist, playing rhythm guitar, organ-inspired guitar through a Leslie, lead guitar, and dual leads with Monster Mike

✧ Recorded 2005's Adding Insight to Injury (95 North Records)

✧ Visit www.monstermikewelch.com for more info