John Bumgardner
John Bumgardner is a virtuoso guitarist, multi instrumentalist, songwriter / singer, and writer, who originally hails from the hills of North Carolina. John’s first major success came when he moved to Nashville, TN and became a guitar player for Paulette Carlson, (founding member of “Highway 101.”) John’s debut album entitled “My Grass Is Blue,” was released in 2004. John’s music leans heavily on blues and bluegrass, while combining other styles to create his sound. Jesse McReynolds said of John, “In this current trend of playing fast, you have carved out a melodic niche, that I like.” In 1996, at age 36, John nearing the height of his career as a musician, suffered a devastating stroke. The stroke seriously affected his memory to the point he could no longer remember how to play his instruments. John is currently writing an inspirational book detailing the stroke and the powerful story of God’s healing and redemption that brought John back to not only remember how to play again but play better than before.
John has recently been working on a blues infused acoustic guitar CD of Hymns and Spirituals. The title of the CD is “My Heaven Is Blue.” This CD consists of 10 instrumental hymns and spirituals, and is primarily acoustic guitar. Though the CD is mostly acoustic guitar, John also played mandolin, dulcimer, banjo, and some string arrangements. These arrangements utilize a style that are more traditionally found in secular music that will bring new listeners to some very spiritual tunes.
Chris Marion who is a member of “The Little River Band,” arranged strings and voices, and performed B3 organ on “Amazing Grace.” Pearly Curtis performed dobro on “We Three Kings,” and “Michael Row The Boat Ashore.” Mark Raylee performed harmonica on “This Little Light Of Mine.” “As a believer in Christ, it was no accident, these talented people came into my life at the right time.” John has set out a clear path to perform at any church, large or small, any venue, outdoor festivals, secular settings, concert halls, small group Bible studies, anywhere there are people who will listen. “I have felt God leading me to share this music and my story, so people who don’t know, will know, He is real and can heal.”
