>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

ENTERPRISE — Danny Barnes and Thee Old Codgers will perform from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at Terminal Gravity.

The concert is free, but donations will be accepted.

A native of Texas, Barnes has been playing banjo and guitar at clubs, festivals and in living rooms for nearly three decades and is considered by many to be among the country's best songwriters and acoustic musicians.

Former frontman for the Austin, Texas, bluegrass band, The Bad Livers, Barnes was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, from Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe and Ernest Tubb to avant garde to jazz. In 1999, seeking a change of scene, Barnes relocated to Seattle and began touring with jazz guitar virtuosos Bill Frisell.

As Thee Old Codgers, he has teamed up with bassist Keith Lowe and violinist Jon Parry. Their debut album is "Things I Done Wrong."

Despite rubbing shoulders with elite musicians and being a highly revered musician himself, Barnes remains one of the most humble figures in music. Speaking of Lowe and Parry he says, "If I'm not really on top of my game, these guys will blow me off the stage."

"Things I Done Wrong" is a departure from Barnes' recent work with The Bad Livers. Steering away from the punk tendency to offend, while maintaining a steadfast do-it-yourself work ethic, he is more focused on the songwriting process.

Of the albums' two tracks written by Parry, "Devil on the Mountain" provides the perfect canvas for the trio to showcase their respective talents. The backing touches of guest musicians, including Bill Frisell, Wayne Horvitz, Mike Stone and a four-piece string section, adds a rich texture that complements the traditional, minimalist style of the album.

"Lyrically, my music relates to the concept of trying to find dignity as a poor person," Barnes says. "I'm not preaching to the choir, rather my music is for and about people having tough times."