Album Notes

Blue Groove Soul Folk

Dedicated to making honest, sensitive art that reflects the conflicting beauty of this time. The Music of Galen Kipar and Island Ford carve a folk groove that playfully pushes the boundaries of the evolving genres.

..."Seeping wisdom into our hearts. So much magic...my chest fills with energy I could call it love for the voice who chants into my heart. I know he has given me such a beautiful gift, his music, I know no one feels it like I do" ~ a fan

He "narrates the tour in a crisp clear tenor, accented by an uncommon chiming guitar style that melodically mixes bluegrass-style picking, sultry blues slide work and percussive strumming." Steven Uhles - Augusta Chronicle

..."A prodigal son returns, with talented backing band; kipar has constructed an impressive musical resume..." Andy Stokes - Metropolitan spirit

..."Kipar has quickly established himself as a new voice in the folk realm." Garden City Folk Festival

He is a world/folk artist from Augusta, Ga who is based in Ashville, NC. His style centers around expressive vocal technique and acoustic guitar work. Influenced by the words and phrasing of Bob Dylan and Jackson Brown, the vocal technique of Joni Mitchel and rhythms of Cat Stevens, his music is a tapestry of haunting words and melodies. He is dedicated to making honest, sensitive art that reflects the conflicting beauty of this time. He is a recent graduate of Brevard College where he obtained a degree in music with an emphasis in composition. He performs on a regular basis throughout the east coast solo and with bands, Island Ford and The Non-Profits. Before he came to the Ashville area in 2001 he was performing regularly throughout the south east. He founded the Greater Augusta Singer Songwriter Series with one other host and for two years performed and hosted the show. In the past six years he has produced several live albums and four studio albums compiling over fifty songs among them. He has shared the stage with Kevn Kinney, Bill Berg, Jennifer Nettles, Sarah Lee Guthry and Jonny Irion, David Ezel and Champ hood, Jeff Sipe, Kodac Harrison, Cyrus Pace, Jack Williams, Jennifer Daniels, Jodie Manrose, Paul Elwood, Steep Canyon Rangers, Biscuit Burners, Jupiter Coyote, Edwin McCain among others.