studio:
Nate Parker - stand-up bass
Bill Patton - pedal steel, backing vocals
Milo Petersen - drums
ilen Young - backing vocals
Laurianne - backing vocals
Rachel Bowman - cello
Naphtali Ebna-Hakim Rachid - harmonica
Beverly Ann - fiddle
Mark Baker - keyboards
Ryan FitzSimmons - mandolin
Norman Baker - vocals, guitar, bass, organ, drums
Damian Bradley - harmonica
Pierre Ferguson - sequencing
Randy Neal - lead guitar
live:
Norman Baker - guitar, vocals
Katie Mosehauer - violin
Jonathan Kimball - melodica, dobro, backing vocals
Influences
Taraf de Haiduks, Fela, Patsy Cline, Midnite, Bill Evans, Don Nguyen, Jeronimo DeLeon, Mark Scott, Eze Anamelechi, Naphtali Rashid, Bill Patton, the Band, Gigi, Method Man, Milo Petersen, Olu Dara, Jabrille Williams, Garrison Keillor, Nick Gold, Smithsonian Folkways, Ali Farka Toure, all Petersens and Bakers, Hornitos, Mark Feilds, friends, Ry Cooder, Tom Brush, Nick Gold, Looshis Cashflo the White Collar Rapper, my Sex Pistols tribute band from Jr. High, Detective Jonathan Kimball, First Degree, Hamilton Rockwell, the Nevvers, Bill Lazwell, Burt Valencia.
the music of norman baker
Norman Baker transcends the musical world with his poetic lyrics and whimsical melodies. His songs are reminiscent of the fairy tales we read as children and held close to our hearts as we grew up; stories of magical creatures and life-changing journeys. Inspired by significant (and the occasional insignificant) events in his life, Baker's music is carefully crafted to be thought-provoking, and at times, amusing, as he often pokes fun at himself.
"I must admit I have trouble living in the now, and dwell on the future. I'm merely a spec progressing on a time-line, re-living, but trying to erase, ancient mistakes of past lives while trimming my path through the jungle for tomorrow."
Baker is a musical mastermind and his solo music reveals just one of his many personalities. It exists as a separate entity and takes on a life of its own with a unique indie folk sound that ranges from upbeat to melancholy.
"I consider this music a separate personality from my own as it has nothing to do with music I listen to these days or the other music I play."
Influenced by the likes of Neil Young, Patsy Cline, Chet Baker, Why?, Ry Cooder, The Band, and Tom Waits, Baker began writing and playing music at the age of 12. Born into a musical family, he studied with his uncle, local jazz guitarist/drummer Milo Petersen, and played with many musical greats such as Brazilian jazz pianist/percussionist/composer Jovino Santos Neto, Jamaican Studio One legend Winston Jarrett, jazz trombonist Robin Eubanks, Heart drummer Ben Smith, and reggae drummer Wadi Gad from Barbados.
the art of not knowing
Norman Baker writes, composes, and produces all of his music, including the ten songs on his long-awaited debut solo album, The Art of Not Knowing, released by Ancient Vessel. In addition to singing and playing guitar, Baker impresses with his vast musical talents by playing bass, organ, drums, and percussion. Instrumentation is completed by several guest artists such as Bill Patton, Laurianne, Rachel Bowman, Naphtali Ebna-Hakim Rashid, Randall Neal, as well as many other fine players including his uncle Milo Petersen and both his parents. The Art of Not Knowing consists songs written by Baker between 2000 and 2007.
Hey- haven't kept in touch at all, but I saw you are also playing at the Arts and Nature Fest, we're (Dar Sirena) also playing there on Saturday at 3p at the Pond ;) Hope we can catch each other!
PS: We just give you the link to the iTunes store above as we hate long link lists. But the songs are also available on AmazonMP3.com, musicload.de etc.
Welcome aboard Norman. I am honored by your request and I accept without hesitation. I offer my original songs for your listening enjoyment. Perhaps you will find my “genre” suites your style…perhaps not. Music is very personal and the beauty is; we get to make it and every human gets to choose any music they prefer.
I will be honest with you up front, if you play computer games/apps I will be unable to partake. I love computer games! The temptation to play often tugs at my mouse. Time is the issue for me. No longer a spring chicken, I must dedicate the majority of my spare time to my work.
Music is my therapy and as my lyrics clearly show, I wear my emotions on my musical sleeve.
I am truly pleased that we are friends.
Tom Wilson Singer/Songwriter/Publish Author Producer new CD: www.myspace.com/bredtojamforbread (Every penny from sales goes to food banks in my small area of our planet). Never take anything without giving something back. Peace.
Thanks for your friendship + supporting our music! Check out our latest single, "Drop". You can download it FREE at Reverbnation ~ http://www.reverbnation.com/wunderbugg
