Bio
"Singer, songwriter and guitarist John Baker is among the Australian music scene’s best-kept secrets. A poet’s eye for lyrics and an educated ear for melody and rhythm, his elegant and understated roots-inflected albums rank alongside those of acclaimed national treasures such as Paul Kelly and Shane Howard".
The Australian 4.5 Stars****
Beautifully crafted art-folk songs delivered with a twist of Parisian jazz.
The Baker Suite are John Baker (guitar/vocals) and Gayle Buckby (accordion, vocals), and are often joined by musicians Julian Ferraretto (violin), John Aue/Lyndon Gray (double bass), and Enrico Mick Morena (drums). They have been delighting audiences with their cinematic storytelling for over 12 years, and 2016 sees the release of their 5th studio album, Still Life.
Festival appearances include WOMADelaide (AU 2014), International Asia-Pacific Music Festival (RU 2014), Bohemia Jazz Festival (CZ, 2012), Okayama Cultural Festival (JP, 2010), Nelson Arts Festival (NZ, 2010), International Guitar Festival (AU, 2009), Adelaide Festival of Arts (AU), Adelaide Cabaret Festival (AU), Lorch Am Rhein Cultural Festival (DE), and The National Folk Festival (AU).
“Harks back to great writers such as James Taylor, Jimmy Webb, Carole King and Burt Bacharach.”” (Paul Grabowsky)
'Minor masterpieces that blend folk, country, blues and jazz speckled with global allusions sit beside quirky pop songs suggestive of Paul Simon'. The Australian, 4 stars****
'Like a Hemingway novel...full of romance and stories that contain truth, beauty and intrigue in equal measure'. Kate Ceberano
'rouses aural aphrodisia' InDaily
'Pithy pop for thinking people' Sydney Morning Herald
Discography:
2016: Still Life (for release April 8)
2013: Your Dreaming Self, Produced by Shane O'Mara
2009: A Quartet For Car Horns & Brakes, Produced by Paul Grabowsky
2005: Slow Music (John Baker Duo)
2003: The Raft (John Baker)
Albums:
Your Dreaming Self (2013)
A Quartet For Car Horns And Brakes (2010)
Slow Music, John Baker Duo (2006)
The Raft, John Baker (2004)
Sounds Like Cafe (Autumn 2014)
Semaphore Songs (2012)
Sounds LIke Cafe Volume 29 (2010)
Sounds Like Cafe Volume 17 (2007)
Three D Radio Compilation CD, Depthcharge 5 (2006)