Singer, songwriter, session musician,
arranger and multi-instrumentalist John Egenes has played a
strong part in the legacy that's being handed down by the
songwriters of the American Southwest. Hailing from Santa Fe, New
Mexico, he has spent his years on the road and in the studio
backing some of the best representatives of the craft.
More than
just another guitar player, he is a first rate
multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin, mandola, bass, dobro,
pedal steel, fiddle, lap steel, piano, accordion, harmonica,
quatro, Theremin, musical saw) and has lent his session chops to
a range of artists that includes Eliza Gilkyson, Bill and Bonnie
Hearne, Tish Hinojosa, Gary P. Nunn, Jono Manson, Tom Adler,
Jaime Michaels, Stefano Barotti, The Buckarettes, Paolo Bonfanti,
Cristen Grey, Kevin Trainor, and many others.
Whether it's
composing a piece for a string ensemble or writing a song about
cowboys, Egenes seems to be able to wear any number of musical
hats. He works as producer, session player, composer, arranger,
songwriter, and live performer, stepping into each role in his
usual easygoing, unassuming style. He adapts to just about any
musical situation--whether he is sitting behind the mixing desk
as producer of a cowboy album or playing the musical saw with a
string ensemble for an audience of classical music
aficiondados--and he seems to thrive on the challenges, playing
each new style and genre with passion and heart.
In addition to
being a sought after sideman and producer, Egenes is a talented
songwriter. His work is at once approachable, literate, heartfelt
and smart. Having garnered awards for his musical production,
performance, and scholastic achievements, John is currently
living in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he is completing
postgraduate work in music composition and contemporary music
studies. While enjoying the Kiwi lifestyle, he draws new
inspiration from the music and the people of New Zealand.