Two years ago the thought of doing a new BATDORF & RODNEY LIVE CD was the farthest thing from my mind. I hadn´t spoken to Mark since 1987 and wasn´t feeling terribly nostalgic about the music we made together. I was making new music, exploring new creative frontiers and so the idea of reclaiming a by gone era wasn´t on my radar. But life, as the saying goes, is what happens to us while we´re making other plans. Turns out I was on my way to St. George Utah to do a gig at the beautiful Tuachan Center for the Performing Arts. My traveling companions were my wife Melanie, her sister Robin and her husband Steve Smith. Steve was the roadie, road manager and sound guy for Batdorf & Rodney all those years ago. When we got to Las Vegas we all decided to take a trip down memory lane and so I called Mark to see if he could meet us for dinner. It was a bit awkward at first, but before long we all were laughing and having a great time together. It wasn´t like the heavens opened and a Batdorf & Rodney reunion was ordained from on high, but it wasn´t long after that dinner while working on a new solo CD that I decided to re-record a few Batdorf and Rodney songs. So it was in making the CD "HOME AGAIN" that I invited Mark to play on the recording. It was a whole lot different than the old days but the finished product came out great. It must have been a good experience for Mark because he got the itch to perform again so I added him to a few of my shows here in L.A.. The word got around and the next thing you know, we were performing in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and the fans were really enjoying it.

It was while I was out on the road with James Lee Stanley last summer that I stopped by the XM Studios and had lunch with Mike Marrone, Jerry Rubino, and George Taylor Morris. James and I wanted to thank them again for the incredible support of our CD,"All Wood And Stones". Mike, who is a true Batdorf and Rodney fan, asked how the shows were going with Mark and I told him about how much fun we were having and the next thing you know, we were booked to do a Loft Session at XM Studios in November 16, 2007. The music gods at this point were really smiling down on us and Mark, Bill Batstone and myself recorded an hour of music and stories that was, (and I don´t know any other way of saying this) simply magical! XM was nice enough to give me the whole raw session so that I could mix it the way I wanted and release it as a new live CD. During the editing and mixing I tried to capture the sounds and the feelings of the early albums and the result truly makes me smile. My only regret is that we didn´t get to go for another hour! In addition to the live performances, the CD contains two brand new songs, "Summer of Love" and "Four Days Runnin´" recorded here in L.A.. I am very excited about this project and my hope is that everyone who listens to it will be taken right back to the first time they heard these songs and smile as much as I did.
John Batdorf

Starting Mon, 11 Feb '08 @ 12 Noon
(check your local time listings!)
Batdorf and Rodney / Live At XM Radio
XM Radio_The Loft_XM 50
http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/channelpage.xmc?ch=50
John Batdorf, Mark Rodney and Bill Batstone --
The Batdorf & Rodney Loft Session
will premiere on Monday
February 11th @ 12Noon (eastern).

It will encore on the following days and times (eastern):
Monday 2/11 @ 9pm
Thursday 2/14 @ 3pm & 9pm
Friday 2/15 @ 4am
Saturday 2/16 @ 7pm

Please check the show time for your time zone.
XM Radio offers a free 1 week trial online so anyone with a computer!

Happy New Year everyone. This past year has been very fulfilling and my goal is to make 2008 even better! Many thanks to everyone for fantastic support. It was so nice to meet many of you this year and even greater to perform at house concerts which were hosted by Paul Mannes in Arlington, Chris Abood in Cleveland , Walt Fogle in Seattle, Bev and Greg in Campbell, Doug West on Maui, Marty DeJarnette in Charlotte, Pierre Marchal in Penryn, and Russ and Julie in Oak Park. The Far West conference was held near Portland this year and Mark Rodney joined up with me to perform many showcases! It was Mark's first conference and he had a blast. I want to also thank Melanie, Jeanette Lundgren, Charlette Fugetta, Jackie Batdorf, Mike Hays and Rich Curiel, Dave Schoolman, Steve Smith, Bob Kivi, Bill Batstone, CareyDriscoll, Peter Holmstedt and others have unselfishly donated their time help me achieve my goals. This year, my solo CD "Home Again" will be re-released on a new label, Novatunes. Their roster has a talented group of artists including Jackson Browne, Graham Nash to name a few. Novatunes call themselves "the record company for the 21st century", and with their passion and hard work, I believe it can be possible. Iam thrilled to be part of Novatunes. The International Folk Alliance Conference will be in Memphis, Feb. 20th to the 24th. I have been selected to perform my first showcase and I am very happy about that. I will also be performing several guerilla showcases as a solo and with James Lee Stanley. Mark Rodney and myself recorded a live show at XM Radio in November which will be released as a CD in the spring. The CD also will include two brand new songs that will be recorded in the studio. We plan to support the new CD and I will continue to support "Home Again" and "All Wood And Stones". I hope to see you out there at a show some time this year.
John Batdorf

Mark Rodney, Bill Batstone and myself recorded a live concert yesterday for The Loft, XM 50 on your XM Radio dial. There was no audience and we played many of the songs from the first two Batdorf and Rodney Records. It is a little strange not having an audience but we spoke about the past and tried to set up each song with a bit of nostalgic information. The shows are described as warts and all because even though we were in a recording studio, there were no fixes or overdubs. The only re-records were another full pass at a song if the mistakes were beyond warts and all. Over all I thought we all did a pretty good job! The show is scheduled to air in February which is good timing for us. The plan is to release the XM show as a live B&R CD in the Spring of 2008. As a bonus, I have written two new songs that will be recorded in the studio and be the first new Batdorf and Rodney recordings since 1975. I really want to thank all of the folks at XM Radio, especially Mike Marrone, George Taylor Morris, Jerry Rubino, Earl Bailey, and countless others for all their support. Mike started playing Batdorf and Rodney records from his own burned CDs before they were re-released! XM Radio has continued to support "All Wood and Stones" as well as my newest solo CD, "Home Again". Thanks XM for allowing this music to get rediscovered!!!!!

On another front, a brand new self described "record company for the 21st century", Novatunes has signed on artists like Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Leon Russell and several more acts including myself. I think they have come up with a great new concept in selling music. Check out their site below.

http://www.novatunes.com/

John Batdorf Brings Us Home Again, April 13, 2007 - from Amazon.com

Reviewer: The Soft Needle (University Heights, Ohio)
This is a really a terrific CD from John Batdorf. It's deep, features two of his most memorable B & R songs in "Home Again" and "Ain't It Like Home" and just resonates with the beauty and the magic he first shared with us over 30 years ago. And, after 30+ years of waiting, we had the great pleasure of seeing him in Kent, Ohio for a solo show. He was superb. This CD is really the essence of what make John so much fun to listen to and take in. The acoustic guitar is memorable and distinctive. His voice is clear, harmonies are beautiful, and the lyrics are either loving or biting, depending on what the song's message is. And when I say "deep", the songs are strong throughout. Few throw-aways here, and there shouldn't be, because Mr. Batdorf hasn't been nearly as consistent with his CD releases as we'd like him to be. Know that his Batdorf and McLean CDs are excellent, but this one is really a return to the feel of Batdorf & Rodney, while giving us the full measure of just what a strong and gifted artist John is. Thanks, John, for reminding us how great it is to hear your brand of acoustic folk or acoustic rock, depending on your mood. Now, if you could just see your way to give us a remake of "Can You See Him," I could go to heaven fulfilled.

Reviewer: Cassidy - from Amazon.com. Cross-posted to CD-Baby
Home Again: Every Song Is Worth It, March 23, 2007
This is one of the best, most cohesive albums I've heard in a long time. The lyrics and melodies are equally strong, and I was pleased to see that it held up to the praise I'd heard. The acoustic introduction to "Home Again" is a wonderful beginning, and the clarity on John's vocal here is admirable. It makes the song believable. It's not often that one feels this way in life, and it's great to hear it expressed in song. My favorite line from "Home Again" is: "Now I'm sought instead of chasing."

"Me and You" is a nice nod to groups like Buffalo Springfield from the mid-'60s. I still can't get over how much John sounds like Graham Nash. I see a lot of CSN parallels in this album.

"I Don't Always Win" has incredible lyrics that keep a balance between honesty and hope. I think of those I know who have dealt with addiction, and in my opinion, John captured this feeling quite well.

The simple acoustic feel of "Ain't It Like Home" is something I don't hear very often anymore, and it's a brilliant vocal and a nice precursor to "Home Again" (even if the other was written first). "Ain't It Like Home" is still looking for home, and the latter has found it.

I absolutely love the lyrics to "Solitude". There are people who constantly miss chances, overwhelmed by stimuli and the demands placed upon them. And sometimes they have a lot of trouble escaping that mindset, even though they wish they could do something about it.

"I Never Wanted" is another one of my favorites. This is a theme often seen in life, but not usually expressed this well in song. There are more striking lyrics here: "I said I never wanted love / But love is the only thing I need."

For someone who didn't want to write an angry song, John and Michael McLean did a fantastic job. The guitar on the chorus of "Can't Be Trusted" especially stands out.

Another favorite of mine is "Something is Slipping Away". I'm fonder of earlier decades than my own, and there's another great lyric here: "And the greatest prize before our eyes / Is given to those who can take without having to give." It's ironic but true. This song has a wonderful melody, too.

"One Night Stands" is really a very clever lyric, and I have to agree with Michael McLean: this *is* the one that gets stuck in my head the most. I'd love to hear this live; I'll bet it draws a real crowd response.

"Where Are You Now?" reminds me a little of the Blue Jays' (Justin Hayward/John Lodge) "Who Are You Now" because they touch on the same theme. Since much of "Home Again" looks back at the past, it makes sense to close with this one.

What really struck me about this album is that I enjoy every single song on it. Not one is filler. I haven't heard all of John's music yet, but I'd have to say that this is my favorite so far.

Whoa!!!
Reviewer: David Porter (Tucson) -- February 14th. 2007 -- from Amazon.com
When I got this a couple weeks ago I immediately listened to it twice--it's that good. I've been a fan since the early '70s and used to play some B&R songs. The song writing is strong. The melodies are carefully worked out. This is a beautiful album. If you're in any way familiar with Batdorf songs or Batdorf and Rodney albums, you'll love this stuff. This record is a consistent pleasure to listen to. A couple old songs get a new treatment and sound thoroughly fresh. Don't miss this one.

Best music by John Batdorf ever, February 11, 2007
Mark Klaesener (St.. Peters, Missouri) - From Amazon.com
Home Again by John Batdorf is by far the best music John has put out solo or with Batdorf & Rodney. The remake of Home Again as the title song will knock your socks off. And it was nice to hear Mark Rodney play on the song too, I didn't think they could remake the song better but John & Mark blew the old version away and I did not think that was possible. The whole CD is packed with great songs, This is John's best work ever and once you listen to it you will not put it away. It's been in my car CD player since I bought it and still enjoying it now. John is touring right now if you get the chance to see him live don't pass it up you will regret it later.

Welcome back, Batdorf & Rodney, February 7, 2007
Reviewer: Jun Yamaya "j-boy" (Tokyo, Japan) - from Amazon.com

This is the first full-length solo album from John Batdorf, one half of the 70's folk-rock duo Batdorf & Rodney and a member of Silver. He has been making great music all throughout the years, but this is by far his best. Pleasant surprise is the appearance of Mark Rodney on two songs, for the first time in 30 years since B&R called it quits. Both of these songs (Home Again and Where Are You Now) are re-recordings of old B&R songs but they are a lot better. Just listen to the firing acoustic groove of Home Again! Amazing these guys out-shined themselves after such a long hiatus.

These B&R songs are naturally the high points of the album but the rest (including another old B&R song, Ain't It like Home) is just as good and enjoyable acoustic music. You won't be disappointed.

February 3rd, 2007
John,
Welcome back! Song 1 is of course better than ever, 3,5,6,7,&10 are equally vintage B & R. Attached is a picture of my D-35 with my thoughts about where you should go with this recaptured sound. Your harmony with Mark is so refreshing with today's music I can only say thank you and do more! I also thought the words were inspirational and at 55 myself, I have to say they were meaningful.
Great job and keep picking!
AJ Peterson

Press Reviews

John Batdorf: Keeps Focus on Music
Dayton Daily News
BY DON THRASHER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS (March 30, 2007)
http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/index/news/

Singer-songwriter John Batdorf was only 15 years old when he left Beavercreek in 1967 and migrated west to seek his fame and fortune with the Loved Ones. The band soon imploded, but the singer-songwriter never left California or gave up his dream of making music.

Batdorf, who performs tonight at Canal Street Tavern, reached his commercial peak in the mid-'70s with acoustic duo Batdorf & Rodney, who released two LPs on Atlantic Records. Despite the ups and downs in his career, he never quit playing and recording. And as Batdorf proves on his new self-released LP, Home Again, at 55 he is still completely focused on creating music.

The album is packed with memorable gems such as Home Again, Solitude and Something is Slipping Away, which are sunny slices of West Coast folk with shimmering acoustic guitars, warm harmonies and Batdorf's rich, youthful tenor.
"I thought it might be a really cool idea to try to recreate a retro-throwback record," Batdorf said recently. "I wanted the songs to sound like they were recorded in the late '60s or early '70s but were still modern by today's standards, kind of like a lost album. I wanted to kind of do the songs how I do them at the shows, which is a little different arrangement, a little more scaled down, kind of a house concert approach."

Home Again, recorded in Batdorf's home studio, is clearly his baby, but he received musical assistance from James Lee Stanley, Michael McLean, Greg Collier and other talented friends. The project also gave Batdorf the opportunity to work with his twin sons, Brett and Matt, who provided harmony vocals on several cuts. Mark Rodney, his old partner from the '70s, also added guitar and vocals to re-recordings of a few old songs, marking their first collaboration in 30 years.

Batdorf is promoting the CD to NPR affiliates and Internet radio stations, but his main focus is on XM satellite radio. "I was really trying to gear this project at XM because I thought they would be the immediate national airplay I could get," said Batdorf, who was pleasantly surprised at the positive response. "All of a sudden I had three songs on XM. I was thrilled. Now they're playing nine out of the 10 songs. It felt like mission accomplished, now I just have to try to keep spreading the word."
For more information: www.johnbatdorfmusic.com.

Contact contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.

Sacramento Bee 4-star review of Home Again
Sacramento Bee
Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, March 4, 2007
CD review: John Batdorf, Home Again
Batmac Music, 4 stars
By Jim Carnes - Bee Staff Writer
The Sacramento Bee
http://sacbee.com/122/story/131222.html
More than three decades after putting an end to Batdorf and Rodney, John Batdorf and Mark Rodney are singing together again -- and it's great. Just like old times. Except with a maturity of songwriting on Batdorf's part that imbues this set with warmth and depth. Batdorf refers to "Home Again" as "the Batdorf and Rodney album that was never made," which is sure to delight a bunch of old fans. It includes three songs from the duo's days together -- the title track, which is performed here in a version that's even better than the original; "Ain't It Like Home," which Batdorf performs as a solo; and "Where Are You Now," a duet that has never appeared on a studio album -- plus seven new songs.
Those two "home" songs are a clue to a major theme of this set. It's about finding a place of safety and comfort. Other fine songs include "Solitude," "Me and You" and "One Night Stands," which is only about extramarital affairs in that it's about a performer's love of his music and the one-night concert stands on the road. This is a really fine collection.

Earbuzz Review HOME AGAIN
http://www.earbuzz.com/johnbatdorf
earBuzz Review: John Batdorf's most recent offering is "Home Again", a collection of 10-tunes that run the emotional gambit from poetic dedications to peace and love to the darker analysis of human relationships and politics. The record opens with "Home Again", a Batdorf and Rodney beloved tune. The wonderful thing about music is that it is completely free to be redefined and done with newness and "Home Again" is one of those tunes. Batdorf's keen sense of harmony has CSN timbres that were stylized synchronistically and could as easily be called Batdorf timbres. But, here you have it, acoustic guitar advanced performing along with four-part clear harmonies within tunes that are written by an artist. Track 2, "Me and You", is a bluegrass groove that celebrates the relationship that takes two hearts and two minds and equal one thinking and one beat. The harmonic complexity continues with "I Don't Always Win". The self-deprecating raw and poignant picture of the reality of life's ups and downs is touching and as honest as anything we've heard. Batdorf sings, 'still that sweet companion when i feel abandoned, keeps poisoning this canyon called my life'. The insight and depression revealed continues in "Something is Wrong". Batdorf sings of the race to go nowhere that can be for the listener a realty-check not only for political topics, but also personal references as a companion to 'win'. The final track, "Where Are You Now", is an acoustic guitar trance and mystic revelation as Batdorf leaves the listener with something to ponder at the end of this records' journey and delivers it with a firm foundation in mature adult and kind artistry.


Home Again
Review by RadioIndy / POSTED ON: 23 Apr 2007
"Home Again" by John Batdorf, is a very impressive acoustic adult rock CD. The CD is filled with impressive acoustic guitar work, which sounds really good on this recording. John's vocals are especially beautiful on this CD, and include rich harmonies on many tracks. The recording quality is crystal clear, which is especially effective on this acoustic, unplugged CD, and allows the lyrics to cut through nicely. The songwriting combines well thought-out and thought-provoking lyrics combined with memorable choruses. "Home Again," the title track, combines memorable acoustic guitar work and a memorable chorus, with a powerful lyrical message. "Me and You" includes clever lyrics and nice 2-part harmonies. "Something Is Slipping Away" is a remarkably beautiful song. The up-tempo "One Night Stands" is one of our favorite tracks, with it's hook-filled chorus. If you enjoy acoustic adult rock artists of the 60s and early 70s, such as Crosby, Stills, & Nash, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
- Review by RadioIndy staff

JOHN BATDORF/Home Again:BATMAC Music
Chris Spector/Midwest Record Recap
Funny thing about the music biz that never changes, you can have all the auspicious beginnings you want but the next step is to get hot or go home. 35 years after putting Batdorf & Rodney to rest after some of the most auspicious beginnings, Batdorf catches up with his roots and re-examines the cult band that faded away but didn't die. After moving on and successfully wearing other hats, a spate of reissues caused Batdorf and Rodney to come to light again and was the genesis of this set that brings old and new together. Even 35 years on, 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, it's well worth checking out.



Home Again (A rating)
Jim Trageser Staff Writer North County Tribune
John Batdorf

BatMac Music/Indy

Half of the underappreciated '70s folk-rock duo Batdorf and Rodney, singer-songwriter John Batdorf has a new album out that recalls the heyday of the acoustic guitar backing vocal harmonies age. Eight new songs and rerecorded versions of a couple of old Batdorf and Rodney staples, "Home Again" is as fun an album as Batdorf has ever been involved with.

Fans of the old duo will be delighted to see Mark Rodney on harmony vocals both on a revamped version of "Home Again," as well as on "Where Are You Now?," which has been available only on the "Live at McCabes" album. Both tracks stand among the very best the two have done together, and hearing them together again after 30 years is truly a treat.

Fans of Batdorf's more recent recordings will be glad to know that he's joined here by collaborators James Lee Stanley and Bill Batstone. Stanley, in particular, provides a ready foil to Batdorf's own guitar work. And Batdorf's two sons, Brett and Matt, provide some harmony vocals as well, adding a familial touch.

Batdorf's singing is better than ever, his songwriting as strong as always, the supporting cast outstanding.

Anyone who digs the acoustic singer-songwriter school of '70s folk rock is likely to enjoy the groove Batdorf and Co. have laid down here.

Here it is Easter Sunday and I finally have a chance to reflect upon what's happened since the release of "Home Again". Since the release party in January, I have been doing everything in my power to get this CD heard. Being a one man band just doesn't apply to performing music. Having my own label, being my own manager/booking agent/record promoter and on and on has its challenges. It is really nice to get a true reading on what's happening and more importantly getting paid when I sell product and perform. It's no wonder artists have bolted away from the big labels and are trying to take control of their careers! it's so gratifying to me to see XM Radio playing nine of the ten songs form my new CD and continue to support All Wood And Stones as well as all of the Batdorf and Rodney records. I can never thank Mike Marrone and George Taylor Morris enough. You guys are fantastic. It's nice to hear DJ's playing music because they love it, opposed to having to play music that corporate committees choose for them. I also am meeting some great folks as I visit venues across the US for the first time as a solo artist. The promoters have been very supportive and I appreciate them inviting me play in their venues. It has also been very cool having Mark Rodney play some gigs with me. We have only done a few shows but there are times when the magic really shines through. Mark is going back to the midwest with me in the fall to do some shows and that should be exciting. Last but not least, I want to thank all the people who helped me get this thing going and continue to help forge ahead, and to all the fans who support my career by buying CDs and attending my shows. These one night stands do mean so much!
John

Home Again is now being played on FM and internet radio. My biggest surprise came when I was singing over in Hawaii, I found out that XM Radio has also started playing the CD. The Loft, XM 50 is playing "Where Are You Now" and "I Don't Always Win". Deep Tracks, XM 40 is playing "Can't Be Trusted". I can't express the happiness that brings to me. I am certainly not an automatic add on XM. While they have been so supportive of Batdorf and Rodney's three albums and "All Wood and Stones" by James Lee Stanley and myself, this marks the first solo airplay that I have gotten on XM. Thank you Mike Marrone and George Taylor Morris and everyone else who has started playing "Home Again"! (:

BATMAC MUSIC
JOHN BATDORF/Home Again: Funny thing about the music biz that never changes, you can have all the auspicious beginnings you want but the next step is to get hot or go home. 35 years after putting Batdorf & Rodney to rest after some of the most auspicious beginnings, Batdorf catches up with his roots and re-examines the cult band that faded away but didn´t die. After moving on and successfully wearing other hats, a spate of reissues caused Batdorf and Rodney to come to light again and was the genesis of this set that brings old and new together. Even 35 years on, 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, it´s well worth checking out.

Chris Spector
Midwest Record Recap
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
www.midwestrecord.com
www.myspace.com/midwestrecord

I get my first order of CDs on Tuesday and I will be shipping out all of the pre orders ASAP. Thank you so much for everyone's continued support and here's to a great 2007! See you somewhere out there on the road.

I have been so busy these last months recording my new CD, "Home Again" but the end is near. The last two weeks, Mark Rodney has been here with me recording guitars and vocals with me for the first time in 30 years. It has really been a blast. The CD will consist of seven new songs and three songs from the B&R days. The new version of Home Again is so great, I can't wait to get it out there. I am also recording a solo version of Ain't It Like Home as well as a duet of a song that was never recorded in a studio until now entitled Where Are You Now. The only place that it exists is on the live McCabes CD but the new version is so much better. We were going to record it on the fourth record that never happened so it's great to finally do it right. The new songs are, I Don't Always Win, Can't Be Trusted, One Night Stands, Something Is Slipping Away, Me and You, Solitude, and Never Wanted. I am truly so excited about this CD, I wish I could be in a room with all of you when you hear it for the first time. It really takes me back to the day when I would get a new album by one of my favorite acts and couldn't wait to get it home and get lost in the music. The music really does make me feel "Home Again"!

This past Saturday, the 26th of August, I performed with Michael McLean at a fund raiser for the Pond family in Rexburg, Idaho. The event was put together by Geoff Pond and Shaun Bills for Matt Pond and his lovely wife and three beautiful little children. Back in the early nineties, I was fortunate to be asked by Michael McLean to perform in Idaho with the Pond brothers who were a local vocal trio consisting of Geoff, Dana, and Matt. They had a little venue in Idaho Falls where for the price of a ticket, you could get a great barbecue and a musical performance by the Pond Brothers who just happen to be three of fourteen children. The Ponds who had met Michael a year earlier asked us to come up and join them and we did. We had a great time that night and went fishing on the Snake River the next day. At the show, I was struck by a touching original song Matt had written for his brother, Ron, who had died the year before of cancer. They recorded the song on their Montana Sunrise CD which I participated in as a singer and songwriter and had a great time hanging with the guys. I returned to Idaho a few more times to perform and fish and every time I went there, the Pond's have always treated my family and myself as nicely as anyone has ever done before. A few months ago Michael McLean called me and shared some terrible news about Matt Pond. Seems he wasn't feeling right and went to the doctor only to get the worst news you could ever want to hear. He had a malignant brain tumor that had to be removed and no one knew until the surgery whether he would survive or not. Well he survived the operation but not without some complications. He has trouble speaking and remembering things but is showing some progress. Matt is still receiving heavy doses of meds and radiation five days a week. As with many folks in our great country, his insurance did not cover everything and thus the fund raiser was put together which was organized through the Bills Family Memorial Foundation. There was a great turnout and the true highlight of the show was when Geoff, Dana and Matt sang together for the first time in a long while. Matt's five year old son practiced with him over and over until Matt could sing the song and he did just fantastic! We all hope and pray that Matt beats this thing but they will continue to need help in the future. If you can find it within your heart to give, you can go to the website below and make a donation. They are truly a great deserving family and are just hoping for a chance to get through this!
Thanks,
John

http://www.bfmf.org/Matt%20Pond/mattpondmain.htm

Here it is mid August and we are heading for one of my favorite seasons, fall. After a scorching summer it's nice to have the air cool down somewhat. It is my favorite time to fish! The big browns are on the move and I plan to slow a few of them down if only temporarily. I am also into my fourth month of working on my new CD. It is finally coming together with six new songs having lead vocals and many acoustic guitar tracks. After returning to the road and performing again, my song writing perspective has changed a bit. When I did my first solo EP, Side One, I had been working on that CD before I ever got involved with James Lee Stanley and the CD, All Wood And Stones. I am again realizing just how powerful a great song, great vocal and slammin' acoustic guitar can be. I am very pleased with the new Batdorf/McLean collaborations and I think anyone that has enjoyed our previous works will really appreciate the metamorphosis that has taken place. I am adding background vocals as we speak with George Merrill and Bill Batsone who happen to be two of my favorite singers on this planet as well as anxiously awaiting Mark Rodney's LA trip so we can redo the likes of Home Again, Ain't It Like Home, Is It Love and possibly, Can You See Him. Realistically, the CD won't be done until January but I am working as fast as I can and will put up examples of the work when it is done. I honestly believe that this is my best work. I guess I am just a late bloomer..............

This past week of May , I had the pleasure of returning to my
home state of Ohio for some performances with James Stanley.
We started our three day mini tour upstate in Kent and
performed at a venue called Kent Stage which is a beautifully
restored theater. We opened for Al Stewart and although the
house was small, the audience was very receptive to us. I had
the pleasure of meeting some really great folks that I have been
e-mailing for years. It's always nice to finally put a face to those
e-mails.That night we drove south to perform live the next
morning on the radio at WYSO which originates out of Antioch
College. That seemed to go well and we headed out to
Bellfontaine which is north out in the deep country. There is a
house concert series that runs six times a year and what a joy
that was. The performance happens on the second story of an
old restored barn. What a cool place! There is no no sound
system, which is my preference, and the intimate audience was
fantastic. Many regulars were there as well as some of my family
and friends. I must say, we played great and the audience really
appreciated it. The wonderful hosts made us a great breakfast
the next morning and we were off to Dayton Ohio's Canal Street
Tavern. Having grown up in the Dayton area, this was a special
moment for me. The last time I played in Dayton was at Wright
State with Mark and we opened fro Harry Chapin in 1976. I knew
many family members and friends would be attending and the
pressure was on! When I started the solo section of the set I
said, " Am I ever nervous. I know way too many people here!" The
show could not have gone any better. We were great, the
audience was great and what a trip it was to see some folks
after all those years. My old band members, The Convoys, were
there as well as most of the guys had ever been in bands with
as a teenager. I had my sister and one of my brothers there and
many other family members. I am so happy that we were able to
come back here and play. There was so much love in that
building that it was unbelievable. It almost felt like, " John, This Is
Your Life!" I will carry that memory with me wherever my life
leads me next. Thanks!!!!
John

Well, here it is mid February and James and I are waiting for the All Wood And Stones concert DVD to get finished. In the meantime I have booked myself here in LA at several venues as "An Evening with John Batdorf And Friends". The first show went fantastic at Gayle's Perks. My song writing buddy, Michael McLean joined in and so did ex-Silver member Greg Collier. Also joining us onstage was Michael's son, Scott who is in the process of making a CD with his brother Jeff. Many old friends, some who I have not seen in years, showed up and for three hours, the guitar was passed around and all involved showcased their many talents. I have several more solo gigs coming up and I must say I am really enjoying it! If you are in the LA area, come on down and check out the show. All the upcoming shows are listed on my schedule page and on the John Batdorf Yahoo site.

Happy New Year to all and welcome to my brand new web site! It was designed by Roseann Flickenger. She was so great to work with and did a fantastic job. Thank you Zan! Also thanks to Jeanette Lundgren for all of her help. Jeanette started the Yahoo Group and continues to help in any way she can to get me out in public and performing. Now that 2006 is here, I am anxious to get back on the road and spread the word about "ALL Wood and Stones". Last year after our new label Aezra/EMI rereleased the CD on September, 13, James Lee Stanley and myself started the AWAS invasion of the United States. Everywhere we have traveled, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Altadena, Culver City, Salt Lake City or Charleston we have left several thousand fans in our wake. This whole AWAS thing started when Mike Marrone at XM Radio went on the CD the day after he received it way back in November of 2004. That airplay eventually led us to Aezra/EMI. Thank you so much to Mike, Kate Bradley, George Taylor Morris and Earl Bailey for their continued support of AWAS as well as Batdorf and Rodney. Mike also promised to add my new solo EP, "Side One" to The Loft playlist and I am really excited about that! In case you missed our live concert which included our friend and bass player/singer, Bill Batstone at XM in November of 2005, you can access it on my site by going to the "Listen" link and click on the "XM Radio Loft Session". Special thanks to Sam Kopper who is the program director at "The Bridge 105.5" Classic Rock station in Charleston, S.C. His station was the first "Classic Rock" station to put us into full rotation. We went to Charleston and played live on the radio, did a few clubs, played at a record store and finished our trip with a house concert that was a prize for a contest "The Bridge" had arranged with it´s listeners. The week before we came to town, The Bridge gave away AWAS CDs to call in listeners and the the grand prize/booby prize was a private house concert for a lucky listener. It was so much fun and we hope to do more of those. The first time we did that was in Detroit with Pam Rossi at 94.7 WCSX´s and it also was very successful. We hope to do more of those up close and personal concerts! While James and I were in Pittsburgh, we filmed a concert in high definition and will be made into a DVD and released in January sometime. An electronic press kit will also be made containing concert clips, interviews and footage of our XM show which I am also anxious to see. Aezra is doing a nice strategic job promoting AWAS and we want to thank everyone at Aezra we have met so far including Mike, Paul, Jeff, DeAnne, Juanita and everyone else who continues to try and break AWAS. Also thanks to our manager, Derek Sutton for making sure that everyone, including James and myself, is doing all they can to spread the word about All Wood And Stones. Here´s to the health of all our friends and families and may 2006 be a great year for all to remember.
John Batdorf