Little Barrie

Little Barrie is a London-based trio whose sound is an exciting blend of hard rock, blues, soul, and funk that calls to mind classic bands of the '60s like Traffic and Cream, and whose loose and groovy earthiness earns it a place near the front of the jam band class. Formed in Nottingham in 2000 by Barrie Cadogan (guitar, vocals), Wayne Fulwood (drums, vocals), and Lewis Wharton (bass), the group released a handful of singles for small labels like Stark Reality and Showdown before getting signed to Genuine Recordings and beginning work on its first album. Produced by indie pop legend Edwyn Collins (whom Cadogan had met while working in a guitar shop), We Are Little Barrie hit the shops in February 2005. Recorded over the course of 23 weeks in Collins' studio, working on Wednesdays only due to Collins' busy schedule, the band concocted an album that sounds both meticulously crafted and bashed out. The record, combined with the group's fiery live performances, gave Cadogan a rep as one of the best young guitar slingers on the scene and led to his subbing for Morrissey's guitarist in some live dates and collaborating with Johnny Marr and inspiring Collins to pick up his guitar again. Artemis Records released the album in the U.S. at the end of June 2005. Before the recording of their second album, Fulwood, who had tired of the rock & roll lifestyle, left the band. Sophomore record Stand Your Ground was recorded during 2006 in New York with producer Dan the Automator at the helm and Blues Explosion drummer Russell Simins, and in London with Mike Pelanconi producing and new bandmember Billy Skinner on drums. The album was released in 2007 by PIAS/Wall of Sound. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide