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A few words from his bio online:
Assimilating the sounds of southern Appalachian traditional music, Byrd writes new songs in an ancient style.
Red River Scrapbook
Music from the heart -- Jonathan Byrd to perform at Harmony House Concerts Feb. 11
By Harmony House Concerts
Feb 8, 2011
"The most buzzed-about new songwriter in folkdom," wrote Scott Alarik of the Boston Globe...that was a quote from over five years ago, after Jonathan had taken the grand prize in the North Carolina Songwriter's Co-op Song contest in his hometown of Carrboro, NC. Folks just started talking about his talent, and the "buzz" began and word about hasn't stopped since then. His first CD, Wildflowers, with its spare production made a surprising impact on his audiences and listeners through its simple tales of love and dealth.
Folk music legend, Tom Paxton, discovered Byrd's music online and sent him an e-mail saying, "What a treat to hear someone so deeply rooted in tradition, yet growing in his own beautiful way!"
In 2003, Byrd was one of six winners of the New Folk competition at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival, winning him a place alongside other winners of the past like Lyle Lovett, Nancy Griffith, and Shawn Colvin.
Said, Arthur Wood, of Folkwax, "Jonathan's five song set was an accomplished tour-de-force. He is a 'fully realized' songwriter, and the number of folks who are acknowledging that fact grows daily."
Yes, if Byrd's music were a "bee," it has buzzed all over the USA and abroad by now, and he has pollinated many a flower into a song.
A few words from his bio online:
Assimilating the sounds of southern Appalachian traditional music, Byrd writes new songs in an ancient style.
One of those first songs was "Velma," a murder ballad based on the true story of Velma Barfield, the last woman to be executed in North Carolina (in 1984) and the murderer of Jonathan's own grandfather. This was the track that prompted Tom Paxton to respond so eloquently to Byrd's music.
As Jonathan grows into a contemporary artist of increasing influence, his traditional roots are always evident in his simple, poetic storytelling and classic flatpick guitar style. But, as quoted in a recent interview for Dirty Linen magazine, Jonathan says, "Everything I do is a departure from what I've done."
The Sea and the Sky is certainly evidence of that. Keep an ear out for an upcoming electric album, sure to take us further out on a limb without forgetting our roots.
On Friday evening, February 11, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., Harmony House Concerts welcomes back Jonathan Byrd....no longer a new songwriter on the block, but a very seasoned songwriter with a large following!! Please make reservations by calling 903/583-2661, leaving your number of seats desired and contact information (reservations confirmed by e-mail). The requested donation is $15 per person, and all reservation monies go to the performer. To prepay, make a check to Jonathan Byrd and mail to Faye Wedell; P.O. Box 812; Bonham, TX 75418. Refunds will be made, if cancellations are received by Tuesday, February 8. Seats are limited to fifty persons.
Harmony House is located at Wildscape Acres, which is 10 miles north of Bonham and 65 miles northeast of Dallas, in a vintage home. This casual venue offers an assortment of bottomless cups of coffee, teas, punches, and goodies (sometimes, homemade). An optional $1 cash donation per person helps hosts, Faye & Scott, to defray expenses.....basket provided in the breakfast room for this!
Jonathan will play two 45-minute sets with a 30-minute intermission. A Potluck Baked Potato ("loaded" with an assortment of toppings) Supper will begin at 6:15 p.m. Please indicate whether your intention to participate in the Potluck, when making reservations.
Faye & Scott will provide the baked potatoes, and guests are requested to provide the toppings, salads, breads, and desserts......you can let Faye know what you prefer to contribute to the dinner to avoid duplications!
A Song Circle will be held for those who wish to stay after the concert and play, sing, or listen....bring whatever instrument you wish to play (kazoos and voices included)!
To learn more about what all the "buzz" is about and to hear some song clips of Jonathan's soulful music, visit www.jonathanbyrd.com. Below are just a few words from Byrd's CD recorded with The Dromedary, "The Sea & The Sky", all words and songs copyrighted by Jonathan Byrd, 2003:
"The sea is a lady in love with the sky
She scallops and spins for his winds rushing by
But the day it is calm and the day it is still
And they dare not to dance of their own free will......
She cries out to him, her waves on the wind
Forever and ever and on without end
Where the ship meets the shore, where the sky meets the sea
The two of them joined are finally free
She meets him there, to dance and to sind
And he meets her there, his bounty to bring
And the thunder rolls on into the night
And the whole world is gold in the new morning light
The sea is a lady in love with the sky."
The preface to this CD are words written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem, "The Building of the Ship":
"The merchant's word
Delighted the Master heard
For his heart was in his work, and the heart
Giveth grace unto every Art."
It also describes Jonathan Byrd's Art of Songwriting & Storytelling through Song!