“Tampa Bay’s most seasoned and professional original singer/songwriter.” -MusicTampaBay.com
That’s right folks, Fremont John is not from Fremont, Michigan.
A distinctive acoustic guitar style with the resonate growl of a baritone voice is reason enough to listen to the music of Fremont John. Add it to his penchant for taking the classic songs we all know and creating them in his own style and you have a captivating show of musical ability. Developing his musical talents since age 5, he’s played the music of the classical greats to the rock hall of famers and now pen’s his own music with the richness of his life experiences weaving a variety of styles into his own.
As an electric guitar rock-n-roller during his early career, Fremont John toured extensively throughout the Midwest with his band Innervision. Taking a break from regular performance and touring for nearly 25 years, he continued to perform sporadically at venues thoughout Michigan while writing some of the songs that became a part of his first CD, ACOUSTIC THUNDER, released in 1999. That same year Fremont John returned to full time performance, honing a professional music career on the stages of the popular Key West venues. He continues to be a favorite both solo and trio performer at Sloppy Joe’s, The Bull, Vigilio’s and Willy T’s in Key West where he still does a monthly tour.
Record producer Larry Baeder, wowed by FJ’s songwriting, initiated a collaboration with deeply talented seasoned musicians and recording technicians in NYC’s Pyramid Studio in 2004. The 2005 indie CD release of TIMELINE included Richard Crooks (Dr. John, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan) on drums, Fernando Saunders (Lou Reed, Pat Benatar, Jeff Beck, Jan Hammer) on bass, Charlie Giordano (Bruce Springsteen, Pat Benatar) adding keyboard, Crispin Cio (Joe Cocker, Rolling Stones) on sax, with Larry Baeder (James Montgomery, Carly Simon, Apollo Theater House) adding guitar licks. This collaboration resulted in a national radio campaign with airplay in many US cities and global airplay via hundreds of Internet stations. The CD received strong reviews in the industry and continues to enjoy strong sales at live shows and online.
GUITAR SONGS, the first all instrumental effort, was brought on by years of requests from fans for “more guitar!”. The CD features Fremont John’s identifiable melodic and distinctive acoutic style that captivates his live audience. Tampa Bay’s premier online music e-zine, The Bay Buzz (www.thebaybuzz.org) writes, “John’s sound is clean and his acoutic lead tone is wonderful; clear and crisp but also warm.” And then, “If you enjoy melodic guitar, buy this disc. A good instrumental CD is difficult to make but this one (Guitar Songs) is excellent.” -Pete Gallagher, WMNF 88.5 FM, Tampa, FL.
Fremont John’s solo live performance is a relaxed and comfortable way to kick back and enjoy music. Whether it’s a remake of a classic or an original selection, the guitar work is sure to please and the stories surrounding the songs are delightfully entertaining. When backed by a rhythm section for a trio sound it’s sure to be a rocking good time as he incorporates an ‘electric’ sound into his trademark Blue Taylor acoustic guitar. With an uncanny ability to ‘read’ his audience, Fremont John tailors his vast musical selections to the mood of his listeners like a master entertainer.
Click here to visit Fremont John’s website.
Click here to purchase tickets. $12.50. Black Box. General Admission. 7:30 p.m.
Tables can be reserved with the purchase of 8 tickets. Please call the Dogwood Box Office to reserve yours today!
Dogwood Box Office Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and two hours prior to an event. For more information please contact Dogwood Box Office at 231.924.8885.
Tickets may also be purchased at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont. Hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.. For more information please contact the Artsplace at 231.924.4022.