Bob Dylan
The Beatles
Wilco
Ryan Adams
Damien Rice
David Wilcox
Counting Crows
David Bazan
Bon Iver
Bands we've had the honor of sharing the stage with:
David Bazan
Band Of Annuals
John Van Deusen (of The Lonely Forest)
Nick Jaina
The Senate
Karli Fairbanks
Garage Voice
Paper Mache
Kaylee Cole
War Stories
Pale Young Gentlemen
If David Bazan had a long lost little brother — one who also played acoustic guitars and sometimes wondered about his relationship with God and the afterlife — that young man would probably sound something like Noah Gundersen. Gundersen, who hails from Centralia, echoes some of the technique that made Bazan (of Pedro the Lion fame) one of Seattle's best songwriters: calm, lilting guitar with thought-provoking lyrics sung in a steady voice. On songs like “Middle of June,” Gundersen questions the nature of salvation, singing "Peace is a ladder up to the clouds/ And I'm wishing I could climb but I don't know how." But Gundersen's a less pensive and less solitary musician than Bazan: He tours with his sister, Abby, who plays violin, and a band of other musicians. He's also a more direct songwriter, addressing a song to Jesus rather than penning a questioning poem about whether Jesus exists. Maybe it's a product of his youth — Gundersen is young — but he's still needs to master the art of nuance. But he's still ahead of the musical game, because his songs are already heartbreakingly beautiful.
- Paige Richmond, Seattle Weekly
The first thing you’ll notice about Noah is that he’s a young man. When you hear him sing, you’ll wonder how old his heart is. Combining deeply personal lyrics, acoustic folk-rock guitar work, and a passionate voice, Noah creates emotive songs for his listeners. He expresses personal thoughts in hope that “someone will hear a song and be touched somewhere in their heart that often goes by unnoticed.”
- The Sisters Folk Festival
“Brand New World” gives us a steady, surging feel, a swelling of distended guitars and atmospheric violin. Noah’s vocals-soaring melodies, death-defying emotional acrobatics and pipes that could wail the phonebook and make it sound like a suicide note, make a messy, multidimensional celebration of life.
- Patrick Adickes, The Emerald Scene
Gundersen’s voice is a multifaceted, subtle thing that imbues his quiet folk with a sense of urgency and importance that acoustic strumming alone could never convey. If you’re even a passing fan of Sufjan Stevens, Josh Ritter or Conor Oberst, Gundersen’s your man.
- Jeff Echert, The Pacific Northwest Inlander
Complex lyrics, solid musicianship and a humble persona; Noah Gundersen and The Courage have won me over and made them one of my ‘bands to watch’. The former sibling duo has evolved into a full band, which has magnified the emotion Noah has in his voice and mature lyrics. In one song Noah’s crooning can move you to tears while the next song you may be out of your seat dancing.
- Jacquee Sovereign, Northwest Bands
thank YOU for Jesus, Jesus. just the song ive been looking for for a very long time. the rest of your music is beautiful as well. youve been on repeat all day today. :]
Hey Noah, you and Abby came and performed at the college a few weeks ago. Just wanted to thank you for playing for us Music students, you guys are awsome :) Keep up the great work!
Good seeing you last night..Great performance like always. wish you could have stayed longer last night for me to pick your brain, but I know how long of a drive it is home..Have a good show tonight!! Will be in contact with you.
