Austin Echo

1. Effortlessly Beautiful

2. Losing Oxygen

3. Green Lights

4. Poverty Lines

5. Blowing Kisses

6. Rainbows Will Fade

7. Patience

8. Andromeda

9. White Rose

10. Moving the Lighthouse

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
John Austin is known for his sincere and vivid lyrics, full of depth and charm. His album "Byzantium" (sadly out of print) was hailed as a "do-it-yourself masterpiece" by Performing Songwriter Magazine.

It was 1988 when John Austin was first paid to perform, but it was not the typical way that artists receive compensation for their efforts. The Chicago subways were John's first venues, and it was there he honed the art of songwriting. "That's where I first started singing songs for money. The commuters would just toss their spare change into an open guitar case. Everything I know about pop songwriting I learned down in that subway tunnel ... because during rush hour you only get about 2 or 3 minutes before the next train blows through in front of your stage."

In 1990 John was playing the clubs and coffee houses around Chicago, and entered a songwriters competition at a festival outside of the city. He won the contest and began getting offers from record labels. None felt 'just right' until Mark Heard called, knowing nothing about the songwriters competition. "He just said that he liked my music. A friend had passed a few songs along to him, so he offered to produce a record. I flew out to Mark's studio (Fingerprint) in Los Angeles and in one week recorded The Embarrassing Young,"

The album was licensed by Glasshouse Records and distributed nationally. Two singles received attention on radio charts, and John had his first opportunity for a nationwide tour. However, at the end of 1992, Mark Heard, now a friend and confidant of John's, died. John returned to Chicago to prepare for a new record without Mark, and an international tour. But things did not go as planned. Glasshouse was dissolved, and on the eve of his European tour, John was assaulted by members of a street gang in Chicago. They shattered both his windshield and his right elbow with a baseball bat.

After a slow recovery ($20,000 in medical bills and no insurance) John got back on the stage in 1994 touring as an opener for the Vigilantes of Love. It was during that time that John landed in Kansas City with Newton Carter (former VOL guitarist) and recorded Authorized Unauthorized Bootleg.

1996 found John in Atlanta, continuing to perform, and recording a new album. He got together with members of VOL, Better Than Ezra and Billy Pilgrim and produced Byzantium.

In the fall of 1997, John found WeatherVane Music. His latest release, If I Was A Latin King, is a ground breaking effort. It's a bit of a concept record, dealing with the time and events surrounding his assault in Chicago." John says, "the record is about the other side of violence and forgiveness." It is perhaps John's finest work.

Since then, John has moved back to Atlanta, released Busted at the Pearly Gates, and now returned to Pennsylvania and released the new Austin Echo CD.

Product Description:
John Austin joins with his wife and singing partner Erin Echo to deliver a glorious crop of tunes - backed by an incredible cast of players including Gerry Hansen (Indigo Girls), Mike Steele (everybody), Don Peris (Innocence Mission), Bret Hartley (Sugarland), Clay Cook, Glenn Matullo and Brandon Bush (Train).

Tracks:

Effortlessly Beautiful
Losing Oxygen
Green Lights
Poverty Lines
Blowing Kisses
Rainbows Will Fade
Patience
Andromeda
White Rose
Moving the Lighthouse

Album Description

John Austin joins with his wife and singing partner Erin Echo to deliver a glorious crop of tunes - backed by an incredible cast of players including Gerry Hansen (Indigo Girls), Mike Steele (everybody), Don Peris (Innocence Mission), Bret Hartley (Sugarland), Clay Cook, Glenn Matullo and Brandon Bush (Train).

Customer Reviews:

Something you won't find at Wal-Mart.......2004-07-31

Erin and John's voices are perfect for each other. Thoughtful lyrics combine with wonderful arrangements that will make you ache. If you have a heart and want to explore music that requires you to actually sit and listen this is the album for you. Run to your nearest Super Wal-Mart and inquire why they aren't carrying this gem.

Music Album:

Music Album