John Batdorf

Artist Information

Biography

Biography

I have survived many careers in one lifetime. Starting with the 70's as a recording artist with Batdorf and Rodney and Silver. I made records and toured this country and Canada for most of the 70s. We headlined many shows, but as an opening act we got to play with a lot of great groups like America, Seals and Crofts, Dan Fogelberg, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, Bread, The Youngbloods, Hall and Oats, Cheech and Chong, England Dan and John Ford Coley, Pure Prairie League, Harry Chapin, John Prine, Dave Mason, Kris Kristofferson just to name a few! A great time was had by all.
I spent the 80's as a staff songwriter writing songs for America, England Dan, The Curry sisters and Kim Carnes, and as studio singer singing on hundreds of jingles, movies, and TV shows. I sang on four main titles including, "Doctor, Doctor", "Tom and Jerry Kids", "Garfield and Friends" and "Promised Land". I sang background vocals on some really great recordings by Rod Stewart, Motley Crue, Dave Mason, Eric Anderson,The Jefferson Starship, Berlin, Donna Summer, Dwight Yoakum, Boy Meets Girl, Mickey Thomas, Stan Ridgeway, James Lee Stanley, David Lee Roth, The London Choir Boys to name a few.
Then came the 90's and I started producing records and commercials. During that time I met and went on to write some great songs with my friend, Michael McLean. We have recorded 4 CDs together. In 1996 I got my first chance to score a CBS TV prime time show, "Promised Land". I composed all the music underscore for three years until the show came to an end. I went on to compose music for another CBS drama, "Touched By An Angel" which after nine very successful seasons is no longer in production. TBAA and Promised Land reruns still appear somewhere on the planet every day of the week. Soon after, I composed the entire musical score for a 2 hour made for PAX TV movie called "Book of Days" which appeared January and March of 2003. "The Best Two Years", which I also scored and wrote songs with Michael and Scott McLean, had a successful theatrical run in 2004 and is now available on DVD as well as the soundtrack on CD.
Now entering into the new millennium, John has recorded a new CD with James Lee Stanley "All Wood And Stones" (a highly original take on early Rolling Stones songs, done acoustically with tight harmonies) along with his first solo EP, "Side One." His first full length solo CD, "Home Again" is an acoustic guitar and vocal enthusiasts dream come true! John's 2008 CD, "Still Burnin'" teams him up again with Mark Rodney. The duo recorded a live show at XM Studios in Washington D.C. revisiting many of their great songs from the 70s. Also John and Mark have recorded two brand new songs in LA that are also included in the package. This marks the first new Batdorf and Rodney recordings since 1975!
In June 2009, John released his third solo CD, "Old Man Dreamin'," which got rave reviews and extensive radio play and truly established John as a solo artist. May of 2011, Batdorf and Rodney were elected into the Las Vegas Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Now in the fall of 2011, John has released arguably his finest solo CD, "One Last Wish," and will be supporting the project all of 2012. When you hear John sing songs about things that really matter to him, you'll understand why they mean so much to his fans that have spanned over four decades.

Instrumentation

John Batdorf /Acoustic Guitar/Vocals

Discography

Batdorf and Rodney "Off The Shelf" 1971
Batdorf and Rodney "Batdorf and Rodney" 1972
Batdorf and Rodney "Life Is You" 1975
Silver "Silver" 1976
Batdorf and McLean "Look Inside" 1992
Batdorf and McLean "Don't You Know" 1997
Batdorf and Stanley "All Wood and Stones" 2005
John Batdorf "Side One" EP 2005
John Batdorf "Home Again" 2007
John Batdorf and Mark Rodney "Still Burnin'" 2008
John Batdorf "Old Man Dreamin'" 2009
John Batdorf "One Last Wish" 2011

Links

• John Batdorf Music Videos
• Old Man Dreamin CD Review/Bob Lefsetz
• Venue Testimonials

Audio

• Don't Give Up On Dreams
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• Revolution
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• Mama's Comin' Home Tonight
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• Heaven Help Me
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• Life Is Good
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• Don't Tell Me Goodbye
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• I Don't Always Win
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• Summer Of Love
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• What D'Ya Got
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• I Feel Loved
  Listen  

Lyrics

• I Don't Always Win
• Summer Of Love
• What D'Ya Got
• Don't Tell Me Goodbye
• That Don't Seem Right To Me
• I Feel Loved
• Revolution

Video

Will I Love You Forever?

Photo Gallery

Press

• Lefsetz Letter "Home Again" Review [+ Show ]
  

  John Batdorf and James Lee Stanley, performing their acoustic rearrangements of Stones songs, some s...John Batdorf and James Lee Stanley, performing their acoustic rearrangements of Stones songs, some solo stuff and recounting a bunch of rock history, like how Batdorf was signed to Ahmet's Atlantic but then asked to be switched to Geffen's Asylum for the second album and ultimately ended up on Clive's Arista, which is the last time he recorded with Mark Rodney until NOW!
  
  Yup, listen to the Stones samples at http://www.allwoodandstones.com and tracks from John's new album at http://www.johnbatdorfmusic.com.
  
  Last time I saw Batdorf perform, a month ago, he told us how he was inspired by Stephen Stills' great guitar playing. Then, John proceeded to work out on his Martin and bring me right back there, into that pocket, when acoustic music ruled. If you were a fan of that Stephen Stills debut, check out "Can't Be Trusted".
  
  But, the most meaningful song is "I Don't Always Win".
  
  Remember those late night teenager and early twentysomething years, when you had more questions than answers, and you stayed up long after dark, with only your records to console you, keep you company? "I Don't Always Win" sounds EXACTLY LIKE THOSE MOMENTS!
  
  There's a feeling that oldsters, aged baby boomers, can't recapture the greatness of their youth. I think Batdorf is now BETTER! Sure, he got some airplay with Mark Rodney thirty years ago, and toured, but he never broke through to big time fame, he can't survive on his royalties. He's lived inside his head, he hasn't been worried about dealing with groupies at Kitson, but rather feeding his family. So, the passion, the desire, IS STILL THERE!
  
  I didn't listen to Batdorf's album the first time he sent it to me. I mean in today's Net world, how much can you experience, how much can you check out? But, after seeing him live, I INSISTED he send me another. I WANTED to hear it, the way you bought the album of the opening act you experienced in the triple header at Fillmore East.
  
  And for those who were fans the first time, be sure to listen to "Home Again" on MySpace, a remake of a tune from Batdorf & Rodney's second album.
  
  This is the song that won me over. I went to see Batdorf and Stanley for the Stones tunes. I wasn't eager to hear unfamiliar new stuff. But when John started strumming that Martin, when he got lost in the music, when the audience no longer mattered, when it was about the power of music to transform both the player AS WELL as the listener, that's when I got hooked.
  ... "Solitude" (is) ... my other favorite on his album. It sounds like one of those Stills songs off a Crosby, Stills & Nash album, like "4+20", or "Helplessly Hoping".
  
  If you were ever lonely, if you ever thought the world was unjust, if you ever listened to a record to get you through the night, you'll get this.
  By Bob Lefsetz

• AMG "Home Again" Review [+ Show ]
  

  Though an essential songwriter/singer behind the scenes in the music and film industry, John Batdo...
  Though an essential songwriter/singer behind the scenes in the music and film industry, John Batdorf deserves equal time on the radio and Home Again provides solid evidence for that argument. A reunion of sorts with 70's partner Mark Rodney, the title track is a re-make of a Batdorf tune from their second release as a duo, 1972's eponymous Batdorf & Rodney release. As with Ian Hunter, Buzzy Linhart, the group Epitaph and a notable list of other veteran artists, the music they are generating in the new millennium is in many ways superior to their previous efforts, and better than what radio and what's left of the industry is attempting to force on the masses. Mark Rodney writes the liner notes here inside this elegant package with over a dozen photo images of the players and he mentions the sound of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Yes, the title track could fit nicely into that trio's repertoire, though John Batdorf takes this disc through his own personal journey. "Me and You" is one of seven co-writes with Michael McLean and it would be a nugget on any Paul McCartney album. Vocally sounding like a cross between John Anderson from Yes and Seals & Croft (both of them; and yes, Batdorf & Rodney have been compared to that duo in the past), John Batdorf generates a striking album with help from his colleagues, a master craftsman delivering the goods without resting on past laurels or going through the motions. Though there is nothing ground-breaking here, that isn't the objective; it is refreshing to hear an artist do what he does best and do it without concern for Top 40 airplay or commercial success, though this album is oh so very radio friendly. Drifting through folk/pop and the blues of "Solitude" Batdorf communicates his ideas superbly, backing vocals cascading in a spacious production that is minimal yet still big. "I Don't Always Win" evokes that minstrel in the gallery feel Ian Anderson spoke of, the voices matching the guitar sounds with amazing effect. The ten titles clock in at under forty-five minutes but it is great playing and well considered production that makes this a very special project. The final track, "Where Are You Now?, is an old Batdorf & Rodney number which previously only showed up on their Live At McCabes release. Perhaps collaborations with Jonathan Richman and other quirky originals could take this music to an even different path and audience in the future but for right now the sounds on Home Again is warm, eloquent and very enjoyable.

• The Impressive John Batdorf [+ Show ]
  

  The Impressive John Batdorf July 1st, 2007 It’s the perfect time to experience the music of John...The Impressive John Batdorf
  July 1st, 2007
  
  It’s the perfect time to experience the music of John Batdorf. John truly knows he is Home Again, and there is no better place to be. Anyone who appreciates good music must appreciate John Batdorf. His energy driven vocals singing heartfelt lyrics, accompanied by perfect harmonic melodies are not to be forgotten. John leaves a long lasting impression the very second his acoustic guitar is in his hands.
  
  Longtime fans will know that John Batdorf’s journey began in 1970 with Mark Rodney, and they were known as “Batdorf and Rodney”. They released a couple albums and gained a nice fan-base during the early 70s, John also being part of the group Silver. Over the past 30 years he has been busy singing as well as songwriting for artists such as America and Kim Carnes. You will even hear John singing background vocals for a variety of artists like The Jefferson Starship, Motley Crue, David Lee Roth, and James Lee Stanley.
  
  He has released a CD with James Lee Stanley titled “All Wood And Stones” which is an acoustic focused album featuring Rolling Stones songs. The most recent release is “Home Again” which is John’s latest solo work. The songs are absolutely fantastic, and I highly recommend giving the album a good listen.
  
  You can read a lot more about John at his website. The website is very informative, so be sure to check it out. You can listen to and buy albums and dvds at the site.
  http://www.johnbatdorfmusic.com
  http://www.myspace.com/johnbatdorf
  
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• JOHN BATDORF/Home Again:BATMAC Music [+ Show ]
  

  Funny thing about the music biz that never changes, you can have all the auspicious beginnings you ... Funny thing about the music biz that never changes, you can have all the auspicious beginnings you want but the next step is to get hot or go home. 35 years after putting Batdorf & Rodney to rest after some of the most auspicious beginnings, Batdorf catches up with his roots and re-examines the cult band that faded away but didn’t die. After moving on and successfully wearing other hats, a spate of reissues caused Batdorf and Rodney to come to light again and was the genesis of this set that brings old and new together. Even 35 years on, Batdorf is running with the heart of a kid and adds wisdom to the old songs while adding wonder to the new. A singer/songwriter with more on the ball than a lot of today’s crop, this set is a welcome return home again. Whether an old or new fan, it’s well worth checking out.
  
  

• Sacramento Bee 4-star review of Home Again [+ Show ]
  

  Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, March 4, 2007 CD review: John Batdorf, Home Again Batmac Music, ...Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, March 4, 2007
  CD review: John Batdorf, Home Again
  Batmac Music, 4 stars
  By Jim Carnes - Bee Staff Writer
  The Sacramento Bee
  http://sacbee.com/122/story/131222.html
  More than three decades after putting an end to Batdorf and Rodney, John Batdorf and Mark Rodney are singing together again -- and it's great. Just like old times. Except with a maturity of songwriting on Batdorf's part that imbues this set with warmth and depth. Batdorf refers to "Home Again" as "the Batdorf and Rodney album that was never made," which is sure to delight a bunch of old fans. It includes three songs from the duo's days together -- the title track, which is performed here in a version that's even better than the original; "Ain't It Like Home," which Batdorf performs as a solo; and "Where Are You Now," a duet that has never appeared on a studio album -- plus seven new songs.
  Those two "home" songs are a clue to a major theme of this set. It's about finding a place of safety and comfort. Other fine songs include "Solitude," "Me and You" and "One Night Stands," which is only about extramarital affairs in that it's about a performer's love of his music and the one-night concert stands on the road. This is a really fine collection.

• John Batdorf: Keeps Focus on Music [+ Show ]
  

  BY DON THRASHER CONTRIBUTING WRITER THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS (March 30, 2007) http://www.daytondaily...BY DON THRASHER
  CONTRIBUTING WRITER
  THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS (March 30, 2007)
  http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/index/news/
  
  Singer-songwriter John Batdorf was only 15 years old when he left Beavercreek in 1967 and migrated west to seek his fame and fortune with the Loved Ones. The band soon imploded, but the singer-songwriter never left California or gave up his dream of making music.
  
  Batdorf, who performs tonight at Canal Street Tavern, reached his commercial peak in the mid-’70s with acoustic duo Batdorf & Rodney, who released two LPs on Atlantic Records. Despite the ups and downs in his career, he never quit playing and recording. And as Batdorf proves on his new self-released LP, Home Again, at 55 he is still completely focused on creating music.
  
  The album is packed with memorable gems such as Home Again, Solitude and Something is Slipping Away, which are sunny slices of West Coast folk with shimmering acoustic guitars, warm harmonies and Batdorf’s rich, youthful tenor.
  “I thought it might be a really cool idea to try to recreate a retro-throwback record,” Batdorf said recently. “I wanted the songs to sound like they were recorded in the late ’60s or early ’70s but were still modern by today’s standards, kind of like a lost album. I wanted to kind of do the songs how I do them at the shows, which is a little different arrangement, a little more scaled down, kind of a house concert approach.”
  
  Home Again, recorded in Batdorf’s home studio, is clearly his baby, but he received musical assistance from James Lee Stanley, Michael McLean, Greg Collier and other talented friends. The project also gave Batdorf the opportunity to work with his twin sons, Brett and Matt, who provided harmony vocals on several cuts. Mark Rodney, his old partner from the ’70s, also added guitar and vocals to re-recordings of a few old songs, marking their first collaboration in 30 years.
  
  Batdorf is promoting the CD to NPR affiliates and Internet radio stations, but his main focus is on XM satellite radio. “I was really trying to gear this project at XM because I thought they would be the immediate national airplay I could get,” said Batdorf, who was pleasantly surprised at the positive response. “All of a sudden I had three songs on XM. I was thrilled. Now they’re playing nine out of the 10 songs. It felt like mission accomplished, now I just have to try to keep spreading the word.”
  For more information: www.johnbatdorfmusic.com.
  
  Contact contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.

• Home Again [+ Show ]
  

  "Home Again" by John Batdorf, is a very impressive acoustic adult rock CD. The CD is filled with imp..."Home Again" by John Batdorf, is a very impressive acoustic adult rock CD. The CD is filled with impressive acoustic guitar work, which sounds really good on this recording. John's vocals are especially beautiful on this CD, and include rich harmonies on many tracks. The recording quality is crystal clear, which is especially effective on this acoustic, unplugged CD, and allows the lyrics to cut through nicely. The songwriting combines well thought-out and thought-provoking lyrics combined with memorable choruses. "Home Again," the title track, combines memorable acoustic guitar work and a memorable chorus, with a powerful lyrical message. "Me and You" includes clever lyrics and nice 2-part harmonies. "Something Is Slipping Away" is a remarkably beautiful song. The up-tempo "One Night Stands" is one of our favorite tracks, with it's hook-filled chorus. If you enjoy acoustic adult rock artists of the 60s and early 70s, such as Crosby, Stills, & Nash, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
  - Review by RadioIndy staff

• Earbuzz Review HOME AGAIN [+ Show ]
  

  earBuzz Review: John Batdorf's most recent offering is "Home Again", a collection of 10-tunes that r...earBuzz Review: John Batdorf's most recent offering is "Home Again", a collection of 10-tunes that run the emotional gambit from poetic dedications to peace and love to the darker analysis of human relationships and politics. The record opens with "Home Again", a Batdorf and Rodney beloved tune. The wonderful thing about music is that it is completely free to be redefined and done with newness and "Home Again" is one of those tunes. Batdorf's keen sense of harmony has CSN timbres that were stylized synchronistically and could as easily be called Batdorf timbres. But, here you have it, acoustic guitar advanced performing along with four-part clear harmonies within tunes that are written by an artist. Track 2, "Me and You", is a bluegrass groove that celebrates the relationship that takes two hearts and two minds and equal one thinking and one beat. The harmonic complexity continues with "I Don't Always Win". The self-deprecating raw and poignant picture of the reality of life's ups and downs is touching and as honest as anything we've heard. Batdorf sings, 'still that sweet companion when i feel abandoned, keeps poisoning this canyon called my life'. The insight and depression revealed continues in "Something is Wrong". Batdorf sings of the race to go nowhere that can be for the listener a realty-check not only for political topics, but also personal references as a companion to 'win'. The final track, "Where Are You Now", is an acoustic guitar trance and mystic revelation as Batdorf leaves the listener with something to ponder at the end of this records' journey and delivers it with a firm foundation in mature adult and kind artistry.
  

• Home Again (A rating) [+ Show ]
  

  John Batdorf BatMac Music/Indy Half of the underappreciated '70s folk-rock duo Batdorf and Rod...John Batdorf
  
  BatMac Music/Indy
  
  Half of the underappreciated '70s folk-rock duo Batdorf and Rodney, singer-songwriter John Batdorf has a new album out that recalls the heyday of the acoustic guitar backing vocal harmonies age. Eight new songs and rerecorded versions of a couple of old Batdorf and Rodney staples, "Home Again" is as fun an album as Batdorf has ever been involved with.
  
  Fans of the old duo will be delighted to see Mark Rodney on harmony vocals both on a revamped version of "Home Again," as well as on "Where Are You Now?," which has been available only on the "Live at McCabes" album. Both tracks stand among the very best the two have done together, and hearing them together again after 30 years is truly a treat.
  
  Fans of Batdorf's more recent recordings will be glad to know that he's joined here by collaborators James Lee Stanley and Bill Batstone. Stanley, in particular, provides a ready foil to Batdorf's own guitar work. And Batdorf's two sons, Brett and Matt, provide some harmony vocals as well, adding a familial touch.
  
  Batdorf's singing is better than ever, his songwriting as strong as always, the supporting cast outstanding.
  
  Anyone who digs the acoustic singer-songwriter school of '70s folk rock is likely to enjoy the groove Batdorf and Co. have laid down here.
  
  John Batdorf plays April 27 at Normal Heights United Methodist Church in San Diego.
  

• Earbuzz Review SIDE ONE [+ Show ]
  

  earBuzz Review: John Batdorf's liner notes explain that he's been trying to get his solo project out...earBuzz Review: John Batdorf's liner notes explain that he's been trying to get his solo project out since 1969. His intentions, always the best, were always side-lined by 8 different albums with partners from his musical life. This release, "Side One", is an aptly titled 5 song EP, with a CD that literally looks like a grooved record. Side One is the best side so far. The record opens up with "I Found You", a personal tune that describes a partnership that sent his cynicism away and heart soaring. The wonderfully written tune sings, 'now that we are beyond those awkward dances i know what it feels like to fly'. Track 2, "All for You", is written for an unknown soldier, and tears at the heart as Batdorf sings from the point of view of the soldier who gave his life fighting for freedom. The following track, "Only Seventeen", Batdorf gets caught with an infatuated shock as the object of his attraction is under-age. The fourth track, "One of the Lucky Ones", reflects on Batdorf's interpretation of fortune and fate as he lyrically balances out the confusion of perspective as he feels he wasn't able to fly, why others cannot run and 'and why does a stranger who's dreams were denied have me wondering why i'm one of the lucky ones'. "See Us Shine", the final track, is an anthem of triumph that has depth, joy, and a wholesomeness that feels and sounds like the love of life. Batdorf's vocals throughout remind us of slightly more baritone Jon Anderson of Yes - he has a texture that cuts through the mix beautifully. The record and performance is clearly about one thing, the song. The production is professional and world-class, and as good as the performances are musically, it's all about the writing. Every nuance and aspect of the 5 songs is focused on supporting the communication - 36 years, 8 records, and not a minute too soon.
  
  

Setlist

John Batdorf 2 Hour Set List with a 30 minute break

All Original Songs From Past and Future Recordings

Basic Requirements

Calendar