Reviews from the 90’s

The Virginian-Pilot

The Norfolk Compass; August 20, 1998

Close-Up: “John Baldwin - Singer/guitarist/songwriter”

By Kelly L. McMahon

(Highlights of article)

          “John Baldwin can strum anything on his guitar, from Elvis Presley to Bob Dylan to The Dave Matthews Band. You might call him the jack of all trades on the six-string. In addition to performing covers by more than 100 artists and more than 1,000 songs in his repertoire, he also writes his own music.

          He recently was voted the highest placing male artist at the Tidewater Entertainment Association’s 1998 Songwriting Contest.

          ‘My music is kind of a mixture of rock, jazz, blues and pop,’ he said. His single, ‘Indecent Exposure’, receives airplay and rave reviews from local radio stations the Coast 93.7 and the former 96X, 96.1.”

The Virginian-Pilot

Chesapeake Clipper & The VA Beach Beacon inserts

February 6, 1998

"Baldwin brings eclectic style to the Beach." By Eric Feber

          (Highlights of article)

        “Baldwin draws from his music education and performing background whenever he steps on stage.

          The Marlboro, Mass., native, inspired and influenced by jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, made his first instrumental jazz-fusion recording when he was only 17. That recording was good enough to earn him a scholarship at the famed and prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston where he was raised. He moved to Virginia Beach when he was 21 where, over the years, he's developed his own solo act and created a local following.

          Baldwin said he now knows more than 1,000 songs and can offer a cross-section of pop, jazz, folk and even classic rock styles all in one evening.

          And if he goes over well with his covers on any given evening, he said he'll unveil his own original tunes.

          ‘If you pull off your covers well and you get enough of a rapport with the audience, they'll be ready to hear what you can do,’ Baldwin said.”

Dimensions Magazine

VA Beach; September 1997

“John Baldwin: The Music Maker” By Tara White

(Highlights of article)

          “John Baldwin is a trailblazer who has the ability to make music that extends beyond the current domain in sound to one which can not yet fully be categorized. He brazenly blends flavorings of jazz fusion, folk and rock to create an intriguing and delightful individualistic euphony.

          A performance by John Baldwin does indeed provide a feast of heartfelt, passionate words coupled with a variety of sometimes easy listening sounds. Along with his original compositions, he offers a broad repertoire of cover songs presented in a first-rate fashion while singing and strumming clearly and creatively. Especially good are his renditions of blues songs. His original music not only contains beautiful melodies, but often shows his truly astounding talent of guitar playing. It is marvelous to watch him move fast-fingered and furious over the strings.

          Make no mistake, despite his young and humble appearance, John Baldwin plays like a master musician who has spent many decades of his life exploring and perfecting his art.”

Metronome Magazine

Boston, MA; May 1991

(Review of demo tape)

      “John's expertise lies somewhere between fusion and New Age expressionism. He is a very capable player. He's got musical savvy too. He knows how to create a hook and weave intricacies throughout in a plausible manner. This guy is no slouch as a player or songwriter and this demo reflects that beyond a doubt. He has a grasp of sound and equates his emotions with a flurry of compatible notes, thumps and bumps. Young artists like John Baldwin make my job all that more worthwhile. This kid should go far.”