Despite the cold, wet weather, Del Barber delivered a solid, heartfelt solo set of country ballads to the community of Clearwater on Saturday (September 13). His earnest songwriting and his self-deprecating storytelling manner certainly endeared him to the hundreds who took in his set beneath blankets, tarps and parkas. Focusing mostly on his recent material, Barber dug into cuts like "The Waitress" and "Living with a Long Way to Go" with real zeal.
Between songs, Barber got deep into the stories behind the songs, not unlike John Prine or Todd Snider. Drawing heavily on his own agricultural background, Barber's poultry, cow and combine stories hit home particularly well among the many local festivals goers who were in the middle of a fine harvest season themselves. And, while admittedly edging close to hokey territory, Barber tugged on the heartstrings when he closed with a touching and appropriate cover of Neil Young's "Harvest Moon."
Between songs, Barber got deep into the stories behind the songs, not unlike John Prine or Todd Snider. Drawing heavily on his own agricultural background, Barber's poultry, cow and combine stories hit home particularly well among the many local festivals goers who were in the middle of a fine harvest season themselves. And, while admittedly edging close to hokey territory, Barber tugged on the heartstrings when he closed with a touching and appropriate cover of Neil Young's "Harvest Moon."
