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Brennon John
Variations 1
Self-Produced
Brennon John plays Blues in much the same respect as Bob Dylan or Dave Van Ronk play Blues. Brennon John is a first-rate songwriter, guitarist, harmonica player, vocalist and a superb storyteller. As it was with the wandering minstrels, John weaves an elaborate tapestry in music as a background for his timeless stories. Yes, Brennon John is a blues player…and in good company.
All tunes listed on the CD are originals with the exception of track 13. Cut 13, a "ghost track" was arranged by Brennon, adapted fr om Son House's rendition of "John the Revelator"…a great cover of a timeless classic. Variations 1 is a delightful piece that is sure to find a permanent place in my personal play list. The arrangements are superb, the musicianship, immaculate and the delivery, flawless. Add the artist's warm inviting stage presence to the mix and the result is hard to beat. Billtown is honored to have Brennon John represent us in the solo category at the International Blues Competition as the runner-up of our 2007 Festival Auditions. If this CD is any indication, this may be the year the trophy comes to Billtown - Bill Wilson - Billtown Blues Association
Brennon John
Babbling Beasts XI
Self Release
Brennon John of Altoona PA is representing the Billtown Blues Association as our solo artist at the International Blues Challenge this winter. As people who attended our local competition and the Blues Fest at Hughesville know Brennon John is a powerful and dynamic performer. He's also a talented songwriter.
95% of John's songs are his own. They're damned good, like "You've Got To Move" (not the traditional Gospel song but John's own). He's passing through, got nothing to lose. "To The Moon" is a moody piece that has nothing to do with the TV show The Honeymooners. The lyrics are outright literate. Brennon John creates Blues with a poetic bent.
There's a minor problem with this CD. It's a trifle under recorded. Well that's what the volume and bass buttons are for. Use 'em.
Babbling is satisfying lyrically, melodically and rhythmically. Brennon John will hopefully go far. The CD is available from the artist at his performances. Go see and hear him. Intensity. - Smokin' Joe Miklos - Billtown Blues Association
Discography
VARIATIONS: I
a compilation of songs selected from a volume of unreleased material that numbers over 100 songs, spanning the length of 10 years.
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Bio
After completing his childhood quite successfully in the once-booming Pennsylvania Railroad hub, Altoona, our hero (like most young people of an adult status yet malleable mentality) was corralled into an institution of higher learning where he spent the better part of six years. While operating under the guise of a student of architecture, Brennon cultivated his love of traditional folk, blues and bluegrass, producing a vast body of musical work while becoming acquainted with a variety of instruments. After completing the academic chapter of his life, Brennon John, like so many who came before, packed his bags and headed for the Nashville skyline. He and his motley crew of wayward gypsy souls set up camp, surrounding themselves with kindred spirits of similar mind from all walks of life and many diverse locales... During his stay in Music city, Brennon released one album which is gaining both popularity and notoriety, VARIATIONS: I. After spending a year collaborating with some of the greatest talent music has to offer, Brennon John decided to walk away from the bright lights of Nashville to operate his music career from his home in the Pennsylvania mountains.
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