Local musician returns to area for guest performance
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

Renowned blues performer John Baldwin returns to his hometown of Marlborough. PHOTO/SUBMITTED

Marlborough - From Boston to Florida, John Baldwin's performances are bringing audiences to the dance floor. Baldwin, a former Marlborough resident, is returning home to perform at Dante's in Marlborough Friday Aug. 31 and at Firefly's in Framingham Saturday Sept. 1.

Baldwin, who attended Berklee College in Boston, has become a recognized name in the blues industry for his vocal and guitar talents.

After the release of his first CD in 2005, "Ninevolt" magazine said, "Baldwin's skills as a songwriter, guitarist and singer are really amazing. Baldwin is a true blues man."

The "Virginia Pilot" said that he had a range of style reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eddie Van Halen.

His musical influences include popular artists like the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Baldwin said. He often performs both acoustic guitar as a soloist and with his band, John Baldwin Group. He commonly performs seven nights a week to a full house in and around Virginia.

After having his music performed on the television show "American Idol" and after opening for Steely Dan, Baldwin is pleased to come home and have the opportunity to perform where it all started. Marlborough residents might remember Baldwin from when he taught at Mr. C's music store or when he played with his high school band, 72 Belleview.

Baldwin explained that he is coming home to visit his grandmother, who still resides in Marlborough, and to sneak in a few performances with some local musicians.

In his upcoming performances, Baldwin plans to perform songs off his latest CD, "Six String Slinger," which is due to be released later this year. He recorded the second CD with several guest musicians, including a performance of his song "I Can't Feel You in My Heart," recorded with Will Lee from the David Letterman Show.

Also featured on the CD is one of the last recordings of Tonight Show legend saxophonist and arranger Tommy Newsom. Newsom arranged a big-band piece of Baldwin's that he recorded with Baldwin prior to his death April 28.

"The most exciting part for me," Baldwin said, "[was] I got to bring one of my songs to Newsom and watch him arrange it."

Of all of Baldwin's songs, one of his favorites is "Walk Away," which is an autobiographical song about leaving a girlfriend, because, he said, he feels a particularly close personal connection with the lyrics.

Since leaving Marlborough, Baldwin has won "Portfolio" magazine's Best Blues Artist Award and has performed with several musical legends. He is excited about performing in Marlborough and getting the chance to reunite with old friends.

"I am really looking forward to seeing people I have not talked to in years," he said.

For more information about Baldwin, visit www. johnbaldwinmusic.com.