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A Normal Sort of Guy

by Jon Strongbow

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1.
Salvador Dali's Eyes 05:36
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2.
World's Inside Of You 04:44
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3.
Masculine Women/ Feminine Men 04:26
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4.
A Normal Sort Of Guy 07:00
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5.
Komodo Dragon 04:38
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6.
Some People 03:43
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7.
Like A Phoenix 06:29
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8.
Dancing Our Minds 06:12
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about

We continue our series of posthumous Jon Strongbow releases with 1987’s A Normal Sort of Guy, Jon’s first album after Alien City, originally released on cassette and long out of print. The album was remastered from the original tapes by the always excellent Steve Turnidge, Ultra Violet Studios, arsdivina.com.

Jon’s longtime bass player friend Marty Sutlovich recorded with Jon for the first time. His memories:

I first met Jon in the fall of '84 at a place called the University Bistro near the campus of the Univ of Washington. There was a vibrant open mike scene at that time in the 'U District' at many cafes and coffee places. I was playing my bass backing up many of the musicians and songwriters that came into the Bistro to play their latest songs or do their best Van Morrison imitation.

When Jon started playing at the Bistro he immediately stood out. He dressed very differently from the others there and his body language and performing style were completely unique. His songs were very dark and brooding and quite a departure from songs about ferry boats and climbing mountains that other people did. I was immediately intrigued by this guy whose music was so raw and felt like he was exposing an open wound every time he got up to play.

We gradually got to know each other and he confided that he wanted to record an album of his original songs. He didn't know anything about the studios in town or where might be a good place to record so I recommended a studio called RECIPROCAL RECORDING in the Fremont neighborhood. I had already been working there for some time playing bass on many different projects for local bands and songwriters and worked closely with engineer Chris Hanzsek.

Jon agreed and so this is where we went. I brought in my Art On Fire bandmate Leo LeBlanc to cover the drums and Mark Taylor and Linda Severt who added some great percussion tracks. We also had Linda Lee and Michelle Dorcas singing back-up vocals and we all actually sang together on quite a few songs. We recorded everything 'live' and usually on the first or second take to keep the songs fresh and with a spontaneous feel. It was a very enjoyable experience for everyone involved and this project began my lifelong friendship and musical journey with Jon.

credits

released March 10, 2023

Jon Strongbow - Main Voices, Guitars, Pianos, Bass & Drums on "A Normal Sort Of Guy"
Martin Sutlovich - Fretless Bass, Backup Vocals
Leo Leblanc - Drums, Bongos & Backup Vocals
Mark Taylor - Extraneous Percussion
Linda Severt - Percussion & Vocals on "Masculine Women/Feminine Man"
Jeff Greenlee - Bass on "World Inside of You"
Linda Lee, Michele Renae Dorcas - Backing Vocals

All words & music by Jon Strongbow

All songs recorded at Reciprocal and Engineered by Chris Hanzsek, except "A Normal Sort Of Guy" which was engineered by Ian Dunsmore in his loft and "World's Inside Of You" which was made at Green Monkey Studio & engineered by Keith Livingston & Tom Dyer.

All sales go to Jon's family. More about Jon can be found at jonstrongbow.com. View an interview with Jon here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGLJmwo3Gsw

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Jon Strongbow Seattle, Washington

Jon Strongbow was a nearly-hidden Pacific Northwest wonder, with six albums of his songs and another six albums of his instrumental music, most with his band Mystery School. He was an author and a graphic artist with multiple books and art prints which he sold at the Pike Place Market, where he was a community fixture. Books and CDs available here. All sales go to his family. ... more

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