JOHN SALEM

“Deep in the wilds of Wichita is a hidden gem named John Salem. I've known John since he was a very young man and his artistry and creativity have grown exponentially year-by-year. This record has it all. The tracks are alternately upbeat and poignant, soulful, youthful and mellow with age. The music lovely; the lyrics meaningful, and masterful and the whole thing just made me smile. 

Thanks John, it's amazing.” - Tracy Nelson 

Tracy Nelson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_Nelson_(singer)#:~:text=Nelson%20was%20born%20and%20grew,in%20The%20Fabulous%20Imitations%20band.

“John Salem was in the first band I put together in Nashville and he was so good he was quickly poached by Tracy Nelson. He was 20 then and already the best musician i’d ever played with. Ive played with some greats since then and he’s still on the top shelf.

We lost touch for a while and somewhere in there he settled into a life in his hometown and never stopped making beautiful, intelligent, nuanced music. Goodbye California is the culmination of all that work” - Steve Earle

“The album Goodbye California is the John Salem one-man show NOT to be missed. Spend days with it if you know John, and add several more days if you don't. The payoff of listening deeply is that Salem's tracks move you. John was a gifted musical youth but now he has the wisdom of many years, and he puts it all in song.  

For example, the title track "Goodbye California" is so well crafted that while the musical structure loops subtly, the vocal narrative moves you toward your final destination. It's a beautiful musical example of the journey being its own reward. In other words, the greater value is in the process rather than the outcome.

John knows to trust the process, and as a result he reaches ever deeper into himself and likely further into a universal awareness. 

Call them hooks or earworms, there's a cornucopia of catchiness to keep you invested in the songs. "On the Way to Somewhere" is a fitting example wherein Salem shares his essential philosophy of optimism encased in a soothing musical arrangement and glorious vocal harmony. 

Many more songs take you to other emotional highs and lows, but you want to go to those place[s] with John. You will be uplifted. It's life affirming music.

Nothing is more inspiring than 'seniors' doing what they love and loving what they do. I realized by thirty I wanted to listen to music by the elders, because they knew better than me. That's how I hope to grow. Now I'm not saying he's older than me, but John is that kind of teacher, as a songwriter, musician, arranger and producer. 

When he performs this album on stage, I want to be a background harmony singer just to bask in the beauty of his musical world.”

- Bill Goffrier

Former member of The Embarrassment and Big Dipper. Goffrier is also a gifted painter with his “Authenticity” series of Wichita architecture and iconic scenes.

https://www.goffrier.com/

"In 'Goodbye California' John Salem sets out for parts unknown. There’s a fresh and fearless aspect to his harmonic structures. To say that he may be strolling through Brian Wilson‘s neighborhood is no mean feat, and no small accomplishment.--"Dr. Bob" Bob Hartley  (Lifelong musical co-conspirator)

“...new album Goodbye California is an epic journey of a musical motion picture movie of beautiful sound and wonderful words about travel found in the title track - as well as in other songs called Tomorrowland and On The Way To Somewhere.....’Lisette - I know I have no jet - but I bet I could fly you places that you've never been before.......’

It sounds like a lost gem collabo between Donald Fagen and Brian Wilson where Steely Dan meets The Beach Boys - both musically and lyrically......one of many centerpiece album jewels.

The album ends with yet another beautiful timeless message and melody - another masterpiece called You Never Know.....

...Goodbye California.....and Hello World, this is John Salem's amazing new album - that sounds like a long lost friend  you just might find....on the way to somewhere...... “

- Dawayne Bailey - Guitarist Singer/Songwriter -  Chicago. Bob Seger, Veronique Sanson

“Wistful and sentimental songs from one of Wichita’s finest. Shades of both Randy Newman & Marker Starling underpinned by vintage electronic beats and dusty keys. A lovely album by an even lovelier guy.” - Shawn Lee American musician, producer, composer and co-founder of London-based duo Young Gun Silver Fox.

“The title track of John Salem’s Goodbye California immediately transports the listener to…the iconic imagery of a 1960s West Coast paradise…bittersweet lyrics about leaving one place for another. Lush background vocals evoke the spirit of Brian Wilson–era Beach Boys and The 5th Dimension without ever tipping into pastiche.” - Larry Chaney Former Nashville session guitarist. Current recording/touring guitarist with Edwin McCain,

"Seemingly inspired by a wide and eclectic range of musical influences—including The Beatles and Steely Dan—John Salem has crafted an album that travels effortlessly across time and temperament. There’s the perspective of an old soul here, paired with the pure, generous heart of a boy. His affection for his friends and the world around him runs through every track. Listening feels like taking yet another road trip with a man I’ve known forever—and I’m grateful for every mile." - Dianne Davidson has recorded five albums, toured as a member of Linda Ronstadt’s band, and has provided backing vocals for a host of major league performers such as B.B. King, Jimmy Buffet, Tammy Wynette, Barry Manilow and Leon Russell.