Jeremy Baldwin of The Roots Music Project on "Many a Good Long Year"

Jeremy Baldwin is the host of The Roots Music Project w/ Jeremy Baldwin on NPR affiliate 89.1 WEMU-FM in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He has played songs from my album a few times recently, and he graciously offered these words of description and review about the album:

Jon Ponder's new album, Many a Good Long Year, is an extremely personal statement in song. Ponder seeks his roots by going back in time through several generations of his family's history and, by default, American History. The songs always sound authentic because they are based on true life stories, sometimes with exact quotes from Ponder's ancestors. The lyrics are dense and filled with rich details, but they are always balanced with hummable melodies and often danceable rhythms. The core supporting musicians, Eric Anderson (banjo/mandolin) and Danielle Gartner (cello/vocals) share the spotlight with Ponder, along with an impressive guest list of Michigan instrumental all stars: Allison Stanley (drums), Robbie Linkner (bass), Bruce Gartner (fiddle), Jason Dennie (mandolin), Mark Lavengood (dobro), Drew Howard (pedal steel).  

Several members of Ponder's family even make appearances through archival recordings tracing their musical heritage. Jon Ponder reminds us that the more things change the more things stay the same. This recording is literally a labor of love and you can hear it in every note.

--Jeremy Baldwin, host of The Roots Music Project w/ Jeremy Baldwin on NPR affiliate 89.1 WEMU-FM in Ypsilanti, Michigan.