Today marks the nationwide release of ‘Pizza Box’, by banjo pioneer and visionary, Danny Barnes. The lead single at Americana, “Overdue”, features familiar background vocals by fan and friend, Dave Matthews, who is a champion of the project and releasing the John Alagia produced album on his label, ATO Records. Known early on for his work with the seminal Austin alternative country band, the Bad Livers (Sugar Hill), Barnes has developed a proﬁle for himself as one of the most progressive and genre-bending artists of his craft.
With ‘Pizza Box’, Barnes spins tales of American life like a latter-day John Steinbeck, wielding banjo and pen with equal effect, and the character of his voice as the perfect mouthpiece to truly bring these songs and stories to life. ‘Pizza Box’ comes stuffed with sharp hooks and addictive vocal and instrumental melodies, but it’s Barnes skills as a storyteller that shine strong. He tells tales with the wry wit and humor of Garrison Keillor, the lyrical eccentricities and intellect of Randy Newman, performed with the southern twang and swagger of Levon Helm. Barnes combines and blends all of these elements into a style that is uniquely his own.