Album Notes

John grew up on a generational German immigrant farm just outside of Madison, WI. Music and history were his interests in college, and after realizing that he would be hopeless in any rigid, formal nine to five, John gave up and accepted reality as a folk singer.

Armed with an in-depth knowledge of World War I and trombone performance, John writes songs about military battles and civilian injustices, and how past actions are reflected in the current events of our 21st century lives. For five years, the emotions and realizations of war, suburban America, the heights of Colorado, and even the country of Canada have found themselves subjects of John’s lyrics. Dusk Came Slow (2006) won a MAMA award (Madison Area Music Award) for Best Folk/Americana Album of 2007. Our Love was Made for Canada (2007) was nominated for two Folk/Americana awards the following year (2008).

John has made eight national tours and counting, rambling through the Midwest, East, South and West, playing festivals like Wakarusa and The World’s Largest Bratfest, and clubs such as The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS and the High Noon Saloon in Madison, WI. Folk societies, including the Black Rose Acoustic Society in Colorado Springs, CO, the Acoustic Brew Series in State College, PA, and the Granite City Folk Society in St. Cloud, MN, are favorite stomping grounds when traveling the country.

John just bought a 2005 Dodge Caravan—look for the sophisticated “magnesium pearl”-colored rock van (without a soccer sticker) at a venue near you!