Album Notes

UK born Johnny Butten started playing banjo (bluegrass) at the tender age of 9. He began his professional career at 16 yrs old, playing guitar (acoustic and electric) and later studied fiddle, mandolin, viola, cello, bass (electric and upright) dobro and even ukulele. playing most styles, though he seemed to find a niche for his natural talent in the ever growing field of bluegrass and 'modern country music' Awards have been too many to mention but include 'Best British Country Band', Musician of the year,European fiddle player of the year nominee and hundreds of others including 15 banjo picking competition wins when he was in the US' in '92.

In 2007, following his success at gaining the Guinness Record for 'The Worlds Fastest Banjo Player, he signed a deal with Kel Kroydon banjos and in 2008 he became an endorsee for Schatten instrument transducers.

In early 2008 he moved with his family to the US' and is off to an amazing running start with the launch of his new album 'Johnny Butten Solo'.

Butten doesn't limit himself to only the banjo. He is fluid and fluent on everything he plays and combines his skills on this album to give the sound of a full band.

The album is bluegrass based but with a great swing flavor! Also for release early August is the first of Johnnys 'Pick it Right' series. A beginner bluegrass banjo DVD taking the individual from novice to picker with ease. The DVD includes a tablature booklet and on screen graphics never used in any banjo DVD before. The rest of this 7 part banjo series will be released throughout the summer and fall of 2008.

Also for summer release is 'Cosmic Country'. Johnny has cleverly produced a techno dance track using drums, synths and featuring banjo to make a unique 'single'. Live, Johnny likes to put on a show. “If folks want to listen to music, they can stay at home and listen to their CD's or the radio for nothing, but if they're paying to see a show then thats what they should get”. Humour, energy, trick fiddle playing and great music is all part of the show.

A consummate professional, he always has time for audiences after a show, signing photos, selling merchandise or just 'shooting the breeze'.