Beartracks began as a trio in 2004. Legendary Dobro player Junior Barber convinced his cousins, Tom and Julie, to make the switch from playing traditional country music in clubs to playing bluegrass oriented material at festivals around the Northeast. The main focus of the group was the sibling vocal harmony of Tom and Julie and Junior’s unique stylist approach to playing resonator guitar. Although not a traditionally structured bluegrass group, the trio gained acceptance and a solid fan base at festivals throughout the Eastern US and in Canada from Calgary to PEI. When illness forced Junior to retire in June of 2013, we added a banjo and fiddle to Beartracks, giving us a much more traditional sound. We have had some changes in musicians over the years. I am finding out that this is fairly normal in the bluegrass world. We grew up playing in a family band with our dad, mom and brother, so we were used to a continuity of players. However, we have been fortunate to have some very skilled musicians work with us and have found, as Junior told us a long time ago, that as long as we (Julie and Tom) are together, the backbone of Beartracks remains the same. Since our inception in 2004, we have recorded six albums. Our music is available on CD Baby, I-Tunes, Rhapsody and Spotify. Our repertoire includes traditional bluegrass songs, classic country with a bluegrass twist and originals. “Smooth vocals from Tom and his sister Julie in the old-time duet tradition. Great playing from Junior… solid soulful lead and backup” - Tom Foote, KAOS-FM, Olympia, WA “Sometimes we tend to forget the simplicity from which our music springs. That’s why I think “Beartracks” is such a find. It’s traditional country and bluegrass music featuring the beautiful sibling harmony of Tommy and Julie and the masterful dobro artistry of one of the truly great players Junior barber, spare, rootsy and beautiful. It doesn’t get much better.” - Charles Stone, WIRY-AM, Plattsburgh ny “There seems to be magic when family members gather to make music. This family will not disappoint those seeking tight family harmony. As one would expect, there is no shortage of hot slide licks on “Makin’ Tracks”. The pleasant surprise is the total sound produced by Tom and Julie’s vocal work combined with Barber’s instrumental dexterity. - Jeffrey Anzevino, The Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association (taken from the review of “Makin’ Tracks”) Read individual bio's: Julie Hogan Tom Venne
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