The story of The Waymores feels as familiar as a plot line in the prime-time soap, Nashville.
“Nashville brought us together,” says Sally Barris, aka “Sister Waymore” of the supergroup trio of respected country music songwriters and solo artists.
There’s a subtle southern lilt to Barris’ voice, even though she’s a native of Minnesota. She calls Nashville home, and describes the city as a quintessential melting pot of talent from all over the U.S.
The group of friends, comprised of Barris, Don Henry and Tom Kimmel, have supported each other’s solo careers for many years. They met and watched one another perform at The Bluebird Cafe, an iconic cradle for a slew of successful Nashville artists. Realizing they could create exquisite three-part harmonies and magnify their individual charisma collectively, they teamed up for shows there, where they still play.
Individually, they’ve penned songs for big-name country acts. Barris has written songs for Martina McBride and Lee Ann Womack, and her original music has been covered by Keith Urban and Trisha Yearwood. Henry has written for Ray Charles, Patti Page and Conway Twitty. Kimmel composed tunes for icons Johnny Cash, Randy Travis, Linda Ronstadt and Joe Cocker.
The three contribute songs written individually, but also produce group projects like “Ain’t Afraid to Work,” about less-glamorous jobs the band members worked before their industry breakthroughs. Among those jobs: blackjack dealer, janitor, window washer and taxi driver.
It’s an ode to blue-collar folk. It’s also wry and intelligent, brimming with characters who work themselves rawer than a hipster’s diet. Willie works at a fast food restaurant and supplements his income by selling “eight tracks, lava lamps and waterbeds.” The melody and jangly instrumentation feel retro and unique, belonging to a place apart from what’s played on contemporary country radio.
Barris says the group’s foremost inspiration is the ’60s band The Byrds. That influence is recognizable in warm harmonies and nostalgic guitar and percussion.
The Waymores are touring California and playing songs from their first album, which is self-titled and was released in 2012. The Waymores perform at Bay of Pines in Monterey on Thursday and Barmel on Friday. For the recently re-opened Bay of Pines, it’s part of a relaunch of regular live music, under new promotional direction.
THE WAYMORES 7pm, Thursday, May 5. Bay of Pines Restaurant, 150 Del Monte Blvd., Monterey. $10/suggested donation. 920-3560, www.kikiwow.com. 7pm Friday, May 6. Barmel, 4214 San Carlos St., Carmel. Free. 626-3400.