Their talents are beyond reproach. The Matthews is thrilled to be hosting their live concert with us on Thursday, Feb. 26. CLICK for ticket/concert info.
This post is your introduction to each of the members of Nashville band, The Barefoot Movement.
The band can be traced back to the teen years of singer-songwriter and fiddler Noah Wall, of Oxford, NC. Just as she had begun penning her first compositions, she met mandolinist Tommy Norris their senior year of high school. Convinced of their musical chemistry and driven by mutual ambition, they continued to build the band from the ground up throughout their college careers. While Tommy studied classical music and recording engineering at Western Carolina University, Noah chose East Tennessee State, particularly for their Bluegrass, Old-time and Country Music Program. Here she began to shape her musical identity, under the tutelage of ETSU’s renown staff, and found an instrumental home in old time fiddling.
Just before graduation, she met fellow student and lively upright bassist Hasee Ciaccio. Hailing from Myrtle Beach, SC, Hasee brought another female vocal and a solid foundation of rhythm to the group. With the addition of versatile guitarist and singer Alex Conerly of Hattiesburg, MS in 2013, the lineup was complete with all the elements that make up the Barefoot sound: lush harmonies, thoughtful instrumentation, and memorable melodies.
Noah Wall – fiddle
Noah Wall is a singer, songwriter, and fiddle player from Oxford, North Carolina. She graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in Broadcasting and a minor in Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music. As a member of the ETSU Old-Time Pride Band, a showcase band from the program, she had the opportunity to present traditional Appalachian music to audiences far and wide, including appearances on the television program Song of the Mountains, and traveling across the pond for a series of dates in the Czech Republic. She currently hosts the radio program, “Highway Companion,” airing on WDVX FM, featuring performances and interviews with some of the best in today’s traditional music scene, including the Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Milk Carton Kids, and Dolly Parton. In 2008, she founded The Barefoot Movement with mandolinist Tommy Norris, the award winning acoustic band that has gone on to tour nationally, release two albums, and bring shoeless excitement to every performance.
Tommy Norris – mandolin
Tommy Norris, of Creedmoor, North Carolina, is a 2008 graduate of Western Carolina University where he studied the musical styles of classical and jazz, and music theory along with a focus in music technology. Since then, he has employed his mandolin talents as a teacher and composer, releasing a duo album “Yesterdays” in 2012, featuring many original compositions, with long time friend and guitar talent, Chalmers Croft. As a member and co-founder of The Barefoot Movement, Tommy continually tours nationally, helping bring their brand of acoustic music to new ears and audiences.
Hasee Ciaccio – bass
Hasee Ciaccio, a native of Myrtle Beach, SC, made her way to the mountains of Appalachia in 2010 to study traditional string band music. She attended East Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelors of Arts degree in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music. While a student, she was a member of the esteemed Old-Time Pride Band, an internationally recognized act, performing at such notable venues as Song of the Mountains and New York City’s own Lincoln Center. As a member of the The Barefoot Movement, she has shared the stage or opened for such artists as Ricky Skaggs, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Duhks, Jim Lauderdale, and The Milk Carton Kids. At the astonishing stature of 4’10”, she’s taking the world of upright bass playing to new heights!
Alex Conerly – guitar
Alex Conerly is a rising guitarist and vocalist making his mark in Nashville and beyond as an in-demand performer and studio musician. As the newest member of The Barefoot Movement, Alex traces his roots to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He formed his first 4-piece band, Live Bait, in grade school and has since been making a living as an accompanying guitarist and soloist. He earned a business degree at the University of Mississippi as well as recording and production certifications from the recording workshop in Chillicothe, OH and from Pro Media. Following his formal education he moved to Nashville In 2010 and quickly grew in demand for his songwriting, studio guitar work, and touring work with live acts of all genres, opening for world-renowned groups and artists such as Vince Gill. He has appeared on major networks such as CMT and TNT for his guitar playing. In the summer of 2013, Alex joined The Barefoot Movement and immediately felt inspired and connected to the group for its energy and it’s unique blend of traditional, old-time and modern Americana style. Creatively, Alex seeks to breathe the vibrant and meaningful life of music into any listener of his craft.
