John Egenes has played a strong part in the legacy that's being handed down by the songwriters of the American Southwest. Hailing from Santa Fe, New Mexico, he has spent his years on the road and in the studio backing some of the best representatives of the craft. More than just another guitar player, he is a first rate multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin, mandola, bass, dobro, pedal steel, fiddle, lap steel, piano, accordion, harmonica, quatro, Theremin, musical saw) and has lent his session chops to a range of artists that includes Eliza Gilkyson, Bill and Bonnie Hearne, Tish Hinojosa, Gary P. Nunn, Jono Manson, Tom Adler, Jaime Michaels, Stefano Barotti, The Buckarettes, Paolo Bonfanti, Cristen Grey, Kevin Trainor, and many others.
Whether it's composing a piece for a string ensemble or writing a song about cowboys, Egenes seems to be able to wear any number of musical hats. He works as producer, session player, composer, arranger, songwriter, and live performer, stepping into each role in his usual easygoing, unassuming style. He adapts to just about any musical situation--whether he is sitting behind the mixing desk as producer of a cowboy album or playing the musical saw with a string ensemble for an audience of classical music aficiondados--and he seems to thrive on the challenges, playing each new style and genre with passion and heart.
In addition to being a sought after sideman and producer, Egenes is a talented songwriter. His work is at once approachable, literate, heartfelt and smart. Having garnered awards for his musical production, performance, and scholastic achievements, John now lives in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he teaches contemporary music studies at Otago University. Enjoying the Kiwi lifestyle, he draws new inspiration from the music, the people and the land of New Zealand.
So, if you're looking to find another side to Americana music, check out what this guy does.
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