John Batdorf

Rank #2 West Hills, CA Folk / West Coast Acoustic Rock / Folk Rock

About

Members: John Batdorf

Sounds Like: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Buffalo Springfield, Stephen Stills, Don Henley

Label: BatMac Music

Bio: All Music Guide:

John Batdorf was born in Springfield, OH on March 26, 1952 and musically it all came together for him in the '60s when he saw the Beatles. He knew at that moment that music was what he was meant to do. Self-taught, except for a year of sight-singing courses in 1983 at the Dick G... See Full Bio

More Info

Status

: Going fishing. Enjoy the music!! http://t.co/zUlfZzDQ2Q

Press

“ John Batdorf and Terry Holder The consummate singer-songwriter, John Batdorf brought a bushel basket full of thoughtfully conceived songs containing insightful lyrics and tuneful melodies and delivered them to a rapt audience. With his clear, articulate, pitch-perfect tenor voice and superb acoustic guitar accompaniment, Batdorf made excellent use of the natural resonance of the room and moved effortlessly from delicate finger picking ballads to rhythmic rockers with powerful lead lines and strumming. His easy, relaxed stage presence and refreshingly transparent guitar sound (among the finest I've ever heard) were an added bonus to a performance that left nothing lacking. Terry Holder opened for John Batdorf with a solid, heart-felt set of originals and accompanied her sweet light and lilting soprano with fine open-tuned guitar. Terry’s performance was complimented by the skilled lead guitar work and vocal harmony of her husband, Jerry Holder, who added just the right touch”

— Tim Noah , Thumbnail Theater June 10th

“John Batdorf * "One Last Wish" Many of these songs have the Springsteen-like dynamic of endurance and self-belief. Unlike so much current music which paints landscapes both bleak and lonely, this is affirmative music, music that seems to have emanated from an old soul of much empathy and soul. He’s a great singer, with an expressive tenor like an unbound Don Henley on some songs, with hints of Stephen Stills and Dan Fogelberg. It’s a voice that cuts like a knife through the rich folk-rock textures of acoustic guitars, twin electric guitar leads, vocal choirs, tapestry drums and sparkling mandolins. People think nobody’s making music this meaningful anymore. They’re wrong; Batdorf is. This is great. – ”

— Paul Zollo, Bluerailroad

“One Last Wish The promise made back in 1972 with the first Batdorf & Rodney album has been fulfilled time and again by John - and this, his newest release, almost 40 years on is one more reason to have remained a fan all this time. His way of wielding words with sublime melody is a talent others only wish they had. Once more with feeling - and a lot of it. ”

— Dean Sciarra, Itsaboutmusic.com

"One Last Wish" as a whole, is John's most consistent album start to finish. While there have been no "bad" or "throwaway" songs on John's previous CDs, there have always been a song or two or three per album that have stood out greatly as the cream of the album. And as considerable as John's talents are as a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist, one of his greatest skills has become his mastery of the recording process. The production on this CD is note perfect, down to the last handclap and tambourine shake. This incredible collection of humble pop songs has fully risen to and even exceeded my admittedly high expectations, has made me fondly remember my younger days and has me upbeat and optimistic about the future! That's a lot to get from a dozen songs, a sure sign of Important music and a sure sign that, as John sings in "Life Is Good", "Today life got a little better"! PETER KRANTZ' INDEPENDENT MUSIC REVIEWS

— Peter Krantz, Petered Out

“ Most musical professionals seem to come to terms with their careers and creativity around the early fifties, ending with some sort of final "Best Of..." compilation. Not John Batdorf! At 59, and a defiant refusal to except this, Batdorf has proven, once again, that when it comes to age and music, it can be ever as exhilarating and wonderful as an aged glass of fine wine and some complimentary French pastry. Age beckons beauty in this case, without question. With the release of his newest CD, One Last Wish, retirement seems to be a distant afterthought for this talented musician, who has already encapsulated over 4-decades of a vast compendium of musical songwriting and melodic tunes. ”

— Mike Hays, Amazon Review

“John Batdorf is known for his distinctive, truthful lyrics and vocal style. He is no stranger to looking inside his very heart and soul. "One Last Wish" has exceeded all expectations. Fasten your seat belts because this man will run the gauntlet with his heartfelt and honest song writing skills. He holds us in his palm from the first track to the last. The transitions from track to track is smooth and unobtrusive. He is unequaled in his ability to connect to each listener, time stamping this era perfectly. John Batdorf brings it to the table with "One Last Wish", making this album the one you will wear out and replace again and again. Fantastic! The thing about John Batdorf's work, is that he is a perfectionist and when he releases an album, the entire play list is high quality and heart felt. If you have not heard this master of song, grab this album today. I promise you, you will be hooked for life. ”

— Shashona, Indie Showcase

“ The latest project by Batdorf is by far his best work to date, proving success, does not necessarily create a lack in effort or lack of willingness to cultivate quality. John’s melodies, lyric writing, vocal range and catchy heart-felt hooks have truly reached a new level. The new release includes 12 tracks, five co-written by Batorf’s long-time collaborator, Michael McLean. From the opening track, Don’t Give Up On Dreams, incorporating mandolin (as in several other tracks on the record), to the string-accompanied arrangements in Forgotten, to the rocking title track, One Last Wish, this project has both a contemporary and roots feel, keeping the progressions interesting, while breaking up the tempos to keep the project flowing smoothly. Hats off to this great project, One Last Wish, that truly is a pleasure to listen to and will certainly bring added respect to the brilliant songwriter John Batdorf is. Tom Tranchilla Host: Songwriter’s Studio, KPFT 90.1, Houston, TX”

— Tom Tranchilla, DJ Review

“With "One Last Wish," John Batdorf ... once again succeeds in sharing his life with us through this moving series of songs. At times confessional, other times full of love and joy, John straddles the emotions we all feel as life continues to move forward, throwing us home run balls and nasty curves alike. Among the highlights of this generally strong set are Don't Give Up on Dreams, Real Life, Can You Hear Me and One Last Wish. A couple of notable things: this CD is really much more "acoustic" then some of his more recent recordings. While there are some rockin' tunes on his previous works, this CD is more laid back and pensive. Having said that, this may his best-produced record ever. The music and instrumentation are pristine, harmonies lush, and his voice clear and strong. Lyrics are deeply personal and reflective...as you catch up with John, through his health challenges and family celebrations & concerns, one can understand how this may be his most personal work in a long career. ”

— The Soft Needle, Amazon.com

“Old Man Dreamin' is an incredibly vibrant set of songs based in honest thought, word- and song craft and some of the prettiest melodies you're likely to find in Folk or Pop music.”

— Wildly's World

“Enough horseshit that people over fifty can’t write and perform vital material, that the audience should just retire. People are hungry for fulfilling new music. And John Batdorf has delivered it.”

— Bob Lefsetz , Bob Lefsetz Letter

“John Batdorf is a master storyteller and this album is a treasure trove of genuineness and truth. The beauty and purity of the vocals are breathtaking and mesmerizing. I highly recommend this album to anyone who loves music. I give Old Man Dreaming five stars. ”

— Michelle Williams, AC_ Arts and Entertainment

“John Batdorf’s music provides a glimpse into the past, a haven for those who lived there complete with new and improved melodies, which soothe the soul. ”

— Shannon Anderson, FEATURED MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS

“ I may have a softer, warmer heart because of history, but that only adds to..it does NOT define the beauty that is the music John is giving us today!!”

— Donna Baker, NA

“Expressive lyrics, acoustic guitar, and a catchy bass line fuels the fire on “Ain’t No Way” with its country tonality and moving beat. Fans of the group Eagles will want to tune in to “Old Man Dreamin’” by John Batdorf, as it is fused with well-written gems of folk/country style.”

— -Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team , Radioindy

“With all the fervor of a new artist making his first album, John Batdorf attacks the tracks on his new "Old Man Dreamin'" and succeeds. Fans can rejoice in the fact that John has made his best album ever in "Old Man Dreamin'." ”

— Dean Sciarra, Itsaboutmusic.com

"If you listened to todays' show with guest John Batdorf.... He sounded awesome, his voice has not changed and his guitar playing is second to none. He was also very gracious and extremely down to earth. It was definitely the highlight of my 9 years at KSBR FM."

— Bob Goodman, "Whole Nuther Thing" at KSBR FM

“Batdorf played this one number, "Let Me Go". John waxed rhapsodic about Stephen Stills’ guitar-playing abilities, he was influenced by him. It was AMAZING to see John work out. And his VOICE! He hit every note, it was so sweet, I was TRANSPORTED! And I was only TEN FEET AWAY!”

— Bob Lefsetz, The Lefsetz Letter

“...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, [Home Again is] ... well worth checking out.”

— Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap

“...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.”

— GoDigital on WordPress

“John is a seasoned singer/songwriter who has written and continues to write music that stays fresh with no expiration.”

— Gary Brewster

All Press

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Songs

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Play "Honky Tonk Women"

Honky Tonk Women

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Play "Jumpin' Jack Flash"

Jumpin' Jack Flash

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Play "Revolution"

Revolution

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Play "Don't Give Up On Dreams"

Don't Give Up On Dr…

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Play "Mama's Comin' Home Tonight"

Mama's Comin' Home …

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Videos

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Shows

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Thu
May 23

The Talking Stick Coffe…
Venice, CA, US | 7:30pm
The Talking Stick Coffee L...
Venice, CA, US
Thu May 23 7:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Fri
May 24

Coffee Gallery Backstage
Altadena, CA, US | 7:30pm
Coffee Gallery Backstage
Altadena, CA, US
Fri May 24 7:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Fri
Jun 7

Egan's Ballard Jam House
Seattle, WA, US | 12:00am
Egan's Ballard Jam House
Seattle, WA, US
Fri Jun 07 12:00am
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- Tickets
Details

This is a co-bill with terry Holder
Sat
Jun 8

Watermark Writers House…
Vaughn, 98394, US | 7:30pm
Watermark Writers House C...
Vaughn, 98394, US
Sat Jun 08 7:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

I will be sharing the stage with Terry Holder.
Fri
Jun 14

Traditions Cafe
OIympia, 98501, US | 7:30pm
Traditions Cafe
OIympia, 98501, US
Fri Jun 14 7:30pm
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Store

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Don't Give Up On Dr...
MP3: $0.99
Real Life
MP3: $0.99
Mama's Comin' Home...
MP3: $0.99

Comments

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Susan Martin
Great guitar work and incredible sound! Love your music.
PER DIEM
great guitar work mate! PER DIEM
Brian Haley
Hey John, really digging your sound. Amazing job on the covers; and lovely originals. I prefer your version to the Stones!
Michael Sky
John....Awesome tunes man...Been a fan since seeing you in the early days in L.A. Aloha from Maui..!!! You should do a show over here.
Jim Saxton
Awesome Songs. Its well worth scrolling down and listening to them all.
Andrew M. Hall
Lovin your "Honky Tonk Women"

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Stats

Song Plays 13,568 +2
Video Plays 1,099
Total Fans 20,890 -1
ReverbNation Fans 1,958 +2
Facebook Likes 3,269
Twitter Followers 786 -2
MySpace Friends 14,800 -1
YouTube Subscribers 77
Widget Impressions 66,653 +9

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Q: Would you like to be featured in a new media publication with major as well as independent artist? If so contact us today http://wp.me/P2wowZ-8 also can you check out The Real Yung Bank ?

A: Only if it's free!

Asked by anonymous. Answered on Fri Aug 10 2012

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