Jonny Barefoot

I am a solo performer and as such, I don't need a whole lot of space to perform. I can set up on a stage in front of a band's gear or in a corner off to the side to provide background music.

I know a wide selection of songs ranging from the '60s to the '90s, in traditional, folk, folk-rock, and pop styles played on acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica, played with my own personal touch. I write and play my own original songs as well.

I try to accommodate requests whenever possible. I can blend into a relaxed environment or interact with an audience in a warm and friendly manner.

Folk musician, singer/songwriter, Jonny Barefoot has spent his whole life surrounded by music. Classically trained from the age of nine he then went on to strum acoustic guitar with friends in parks and at parties in his hometown of Toronto, Canada. This prepared him to go on to play in the pubs and clubs downtown and then throughout Southern Ontario as a solo act and in bands (Orphan Lake, Manfred John Company, Temper).

After moving to Japan in 1997, and spending some time in the countryside delving into some of the traditional sounds there, Jonny made the move to Tokyo. There he met local indie heroes and country/folk-rockers, Jimmy Binks and The Shakehorns and he picked up the banjo for the first time. Also, he got into the studio with fellow Shakehorn, Julian Peters at the helm to record his solo record, A Different River.

While having experience in many different styles, Jonny finds his natural mode of expression to be a blend of folk, alternative country, roots, and blues which has been called "Country Soul" and "Progressive Folk". Through his life-long passion as a multi-instrumentalist, he has also become adept at other instruments fitting this genre; mandolin, banjo, harmonica, lap steel/slide guitar, and mountain dulcimer.

Jonny Barefoot has also now released his self-produced album of original songs, Sunrise In Reverse, and a collection of instrumental improvisations, Wednesday Night...Mid-November, available on Bandcamp. He has now relocated to the Toronto area and is looking forward to playing live for music lovers here!

I play completely acoustically. If a sound system is provided, I possess the capacity to set up and run it. See below for the equipment list.