When Texas singer/songwriter john Arthur martinez speaks of the country and small town influences in his album, On the Border his words ring with authority. He spent his early childhood on a ranch near Round Mountain, Texas, and like an old oak, john Arthur's roots reach deep into the rocky soil of the Texas Hill Country. This multi-talented songwriter reveals his affinity for the country life in his gripping lyrics and stunning vocal performances. He doesnt just write songs, he has lived them. "The songs come first" john Arthur says. They are driven by a desire for success, ambition, and even some failures. But, ultimately they are songs of optimism, which have impressed audiences and critics alike. john Arthur's composition Seguro que Hell Yes, co-written with Alex Harvey and Mike Blakley, has certainly impressed the executives at Arista. The song is the debut single for Flaco Jimenez sung by Raul Malo of the Mavericks. John Arthur' s musical roots began with his father, a drummer who played in several bands, and his mother, who sharpened his poetic instincts. In grade school, john Arthur began writing poetry and was soon writing heartfelt songs. It was in college that john Arthur's singer/songwriter career emerged. An uncle had given him a small amount of money with some advice attached: Buy something you don't need. John Arthur spent the money on a guitar. At the time, I didnt think I needed a guitar, he recalls. Of course, now I know I couldnt live without one. By the time john Arthur graduated from college (where he was voted most talented Hispanic) with degrees in English and Journalism, he was playing three engagements a week. This has grown to an average of four nights a week sharing the stage or opening for Diamond Rio, Emmylou Harris, Holly Dunn, John Prine, Hal Ketchum, Gary P. Nunn, T.G. Shepherd, Jainie Fraickie, Johnny Gamble, Alex Harvey, and Hall of Famer, Floyd Tillman. Hes performed from Arizona to Maryland to Austria. And, john Arthur has taken time from his busy schedule to organize and host Pickin in the Park, a charity concert series benefiting the Texas Special Olympics. With the release of john Arthurs current CD On the Border, his career stands on a new launching pad, ready for ignition!

The Album

jAm Highlights