Barefoot

by Scott Yanow
A colorful group that utilizes four-to-six percussionists, dancers and a variety of solo instruments, Barefoot was founded in 1988 by percussionist Clay Henry (who in the 1960's had been a jazz bassist in New York) and violinist Steve Kindler (formerly with a later version of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jan Hammer and Jeff Beck). Kindler and Henry met while living in Big Sur (where Henry had headed a similar band called Pulsations for six years) and their goal was to form a very open group that combined together the freedom of jazz, folkish melodies and lots of dancers. With such participants as flutist Sulubika (who joined on Charles Lloyd's recommendation), saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum, guest bassist David Friesen and the wordless vocals of Jackie Ryan, Barefoot recorded its debut CD for Global Pacific in 1990.