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The Mountain Echo 4:390:00/4:39
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The Anchor 4:360:00/4:36
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Stardust Saltwater 4:360:00/4:36
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California Golden 4:570:00/4:57
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Sunrise Letdown 3:190:00/3:19
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Fence Posts 4:140:00/4:14
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Mixing The Medicine 4:220:00/4:22
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Louise 3:220:00/3:22
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The Devil's Darner 3:260:00/3:26
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Rain In July 5:350:00/5:35
"Jonathan Foster's music has magic, melody and even some mirth." – Song of the Soul
“The California based folk artist got his start as more of a rock ‘n’ roll kid, but through influences like John Prine and Bob Dylan, landed on a softer, more old-fashioned sound in his solo career. That career has led to a decade of cross-country tours and several albums – all presented with a palpable level of sincerity. Foster isn’t reinventing the folk-music wheel but adding layers of his own observations and lived experiences to the rich mythologies of blue-collar heroes and rural history.” - Sandpoint Reader
Authentic roots music for the ears of old souls - award-winning songwriter Jonathan Foster is a recording artist and touring musician from Cranberry Lake, New York (hometown) and Redding, California (current city). Over the past ten years he has released six independent studio albums, two live albums, and his latest LP Roadside Attraction (June 6, 2023). He has performed several U.S. tours than span the country, playing over 600 shows with a sound referenced as Folk-Americana, featuring strong vocals woven with imaginative lyrics, acoustic guitar, harmonica, and engaging songs. Whether he’s in the mountains, the plains or on a city stage you’ll find this songbird singing. Jonathan enjoys sharing his music and stories from his travels at an intimate level mixing in observations of the people, places, and wonders of the world. Join Jonathan Foster as he explores and smiles his way through his musical journey and take his songs down the highway, water, or trail with you.
"Foster is original in his songwriting and his ability to tell stories through his music. If you mixed John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, and Blaze Foley all together you would get Foster.” - Americana Highways
“Foster’s new single, “The Mountain Echo,” with its warmly sung lyrics and gently rolling music, falls solidly in the folk tradition.” - The Advocate
His new album Roadside Attraction, is a snapshot of imagery presented through music and lyrics, primarily inspired by his years of touring solo across the continental United States. Accessible songs with in-focus hooks include the upbeat The Mountain Echo (reflection on primary school) and Lander Spring (the west), to thought provoking The Anchor (self-doubt) and The Warm Light (near death experience), to the laid back Cottonwood Vines (wine), the reckless Americana Insomnia (road tales), to the moody When You Leave (southwest), The Change (climate disruption), Roadside Table (season’s greetings) and his frame on traditional tune The Cuckoo (Appalachian). Take the exit, peak through the viewfinder, hear the depth of field, and enjoy the new long-player Roadside Attraction by Jonathan Foster.
"A breezy songwriting style, alternating between lyrical introspection and worldly observation, takes listeners on the road with him across America, admiring the beauty of rivers and forests while appreciating individuality along the way." - The Canton Rep
Genres: Acoustic, Folk, Americana, Roots, Alt-Country, Singer-Songwriter, Alt-Folk, Indie, Folk-rock, Rural, Folk-country, Mountain, Blues-grass, West
Referenced similarities: Bob Dylan, John Prine, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Blaze Foley, James Taylor, John Denver, Steve Earle, Gordon Lightfoot
Influences: John Prine, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt, Natalie Merchant, Lead Belly, John Hiatt, Bob Dylan & The Band, Paul Simon, Gillian Welch, Ben Harper, Todd Snider, James McMurtry, Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark, Hayes Carll, Warren Zevon, The Tragically Hip, Mark Knopfler & Dire Straits, R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, Uncle Tupelo, David Bowie, Crosby, Stills, Nash, Donna the Buffalo, Tracy Chapman, The Decemberists, and Pearl Jam.
Past venue samples: Soul Food Festival (LA), Whole Earth Festival (CA), Redding Roots Revival Music Festival (CA), Rockwood Music Hall (NYC), POPs Performing Arts Center (CA), Purple Fiddle (WV), High Desert Music Hall (OR), Vintage (CA), The Blue Note (OKC), Railroad Blues (TX), Blue Tavern (FL), The Nick (AL), Radio Bean (VT), Sidney's Saloon (NOLA), Russell Theater (NY), Montrose Saloon (CHI), Evangeline's (StL), Carousel Lounge (ATX), One World (NC), Blue Canoe (MS), Filling Station (MT), Axe & Fiddle (OR), Lander Bar (WY), Red Brick Tavern (TX), Black Dog (WA), Dan Electro's (TX), Herman's Hideaway (CO), Lefty's (IA), Rava Wines (CA), Terminal Gravity (OR), New World (FL), Leftwoods (TX), Slim's (WA), The Down Under (NE), Plain Folk (OH), Springwater (TN), Kirby's (KS), Bisbee Grand (AZ), Torch Club (CA), The Nile (AZ), Sunnyside Theatre (OR), Shea's (NV), Irving Theater (IN), The Bridge (PA), Awendaw Green (SC), Moxy Nashville (TN), Miner's Park (UT), Raven Cafe (AZ), JaM Cellars (CA), Steve's Guitars (CO), Lost Chord Guitars (CA).
States played (45): AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Opener for: The Paperboys, Deadstring Brothers, June Star, The Sam Chase, Rita Hosking, Dead Winter Carpenters, Banditos, Coffis Brothers, The Rallies, Von Stomper, The Brothers Reed, Jack Grace, Craig Chaquico, Scott Joss, MAITA, W.C. Clark, The Ohio Weather Band, and Randy Weeks.
Accolades:
2021 Best Music of 2021 "Lantern Shade" album - The Repository
2016 After Five Magazine Songwriting Contest winner "Reclamation Town"
Member: Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
Stage Plot (solo): Direct inputs (2) - Beta SM58 Mic w/ stand, Baggs DI from acoustic guitar, (2) stage monitors (provided by venue).
All inquiries please email JF at jonathanfostermusic@gmail.com
