Liz Barnez

Barnez drew her primary sonic inspiration from the singular musical atmosphere of New Orleans, where her upbringing in the French Quarter led her to fuse funk, gospel, soul, and Dixieland elements into the style she labeled acoustic swamp-rock. While studying at the University of New Orleans she encountered Steve Amedee, drummer for The Subdudes, who urged her to keep developing her songs and performances. When The Subdudes relocated to Colorado in 1987, Barnez followed shortly afterward. She cut a demo the next year, and one of its songs, Easy Life, began receiving steady rotation on a regional station. She also contributed the track Don't Worry to a compilation spotlighting Colorado musicians. Soon she found herself supporting an array of acts across the Rocky Mountain region, captured first prize in the Colorado Sound Contest, and appeared at the American Music Festival. Her self-titled debut album, Liz Barnez Band, arrived in 1992. Further touring and live appearances continued until she returned to the studio in 1995. Teaming with Tom Sullivan, she issued Inkmarks On Pages in 1996. Regularly likened to Melissa Etheridge, she played the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival across two consecutive years.