Elephant Country by John Andre Herrmann

On his new CD, "Elephant Country," the singer, songwriter and guitarist creates music that is somehow dense and minimalist at the same time, and lyrics that pull back at the brink of saying too much. The CD is full of such delights, and half the fun is just trying to figure out exactly what you're hearing. Clay Green, percussionist, uses dozens of percussion instruments to establish a distinct sonic atmosphere for each song. His arsenal includes a variety of African drums, finger sticks, chimes, bells, rain sticks, shakers, triangles, traditional drums and a gong."

ED KEMMICK - Billings Gazette

"In some ways John Herrmann is the "Cat Stevens" of the 1990s, with more experience and a wider range of instrumental backup. He pulls from world-wide influences, but makes what he has learned his own. John Herrmann's music stays with you much like a favorite meal from childhood."

LIZ STRAUSS - Fan and Music Writer from Massachusetts

"Every once in a while, an artist comes along whose music stops you in your tracks, who makes you sit up and take notice, who creeps in the back door of your heart when you least expect it and makes and indelible impression. John Andre Herrmann is such an artist."

MARY NABER - festival organizer - Washington

"There's a quality to John's music that pop artists today can't emulate. A quality found in most classical music, there's something hidden, something that makes you want to hear it again, and again."

JASON KINTZLER - Editor-in-chief, The Retort, MSU-Billings

"This is a superlative effort put forth by Mr. Herrmann. I listen to this album over and over. I am so enamored with his work that "Marrach Rong" is going to be my wedding song. If that isn't an endorsement I don't know what is!"

MATHEW LAPIERRE -Reviewer - Worcester, MA

"John Andre Herrmann's music has an intoxicating affect over me. His voice carries with it spirituality and grace."

BETINA L. - Teacher - Lucerne, Switzerland

"After listening to the CD the first time, I felt like John's music was almost too sweet for my taste, but then I listened again and found myself falling for his melodies."

ROBIN ROSEMOND - Oregon's 'Two Louies' Magazine Columnist

"Every time I listen to this CD I hear and learn more about the songs. There appear to be some very deep and thought provoking feelings in the lyrics. I would recommend this CD to anyone of my friends and family. In short, I love it!!!"

A music fan from Waterloo, IA

"Brilliant! This album leaves me wanting more! Re:Joyce is a classic song waiting to be discovered! Hollywood film producers are reading this review and subsequently use this song in one of their films, any chance of a "spotters fee"?). The more I listen to it all, the more I get out of it. The overtones of blues, folk, jazz (and the one ingredient, which prevails throughout the music, which cannot be categorized) makes this album totally unique."

A music fan from Australia

"I highly recommend Elephant Country! The more I listen, the more I hear. This music touches my soul. John's voice is an incredible instrument. After listening to him sing, so many other pop vocalists sound flat. The intricacies and overlays of guitar work, percussion and keyboard is a rich tapestry of sensual delight for the ear. The many layers of Clay's percussion texture the music with tribal pleasure. Without formal musical training, John has composed detailed pieces, weaving together the beauty of the instruments and allowing the joyful expression of the musicians. The magical connection between the musicians seems to enable each to stretch without constraint. I do hope these sounds reach many souls via recording, but especially via live performance as John's stage presence is so captivating. At performance end, you are addicted, waiting impatiently for the next concert."

A music fan from The Rocky Mountains

"Lots of surprises instrumentally to accompany great vocals. John Herrmann and Clay Green make for fine listening moments. It's an album covering a range of music genres. Good lyrics and hopefully the first of many."

A music fan from Geneva, New York

"Awesome melodies and great percussion on each song. There are so many different sounds on this CD - from the beautiful heartfelt melodies and lyrics of "Marrach Rong" to the upbeat folksy "Sun Rose". This album will grow on you. I find myself humming the tunes days after I've listened to it. Herrmann is quite a songwriter. There's a song in here for everyone. Listen to it with regular speakers first, then with headphones - you'll be amazed at the sounds and instruments you didn't pick up the first time!"

A music fan Iowa, USA

"This CD only gets better the more you listen to it! A Montana made product with a worldly perspective of lyrics and music. Mr. Herrmann (John) has a terrific voice; the vocals, acoustic guitar and percussion serve as the main treat, with harmonica, base, keyboards, strings, didjeridoo, thunderstorms, car wrecks etc. accompanying John has his own style, kind of like the ballads from a reformed rock and roll pirate. Aaaargh matey! This will be the first of many!"

A music fan USA

Please visit John's web site at johnandreherrmann.com for more reviews, photos, interviews and more.

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