MP3 Bob Koenig - Abbey Lane
8 songs about Levittown, NY for their 60th anniversary, plus four bonus tracks from previous works, some unreleased. The Cover is a Beatles parody.
12 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Folk Pop, FOLK: Modern Folk
Details:
BOB KOENIG - LEVITTOWN’S HOMETOWN MUSICIAN
"Bob''s music, just like his personality, is filled with passion, intelligence and joy, all very rare commodities. Having him perform and share his experiences on my radio show was not only a thrill for me but also generated a large and positive response from my audience.” Bob Levinson, Host of “Positively Dylan” WHPC 90.3 FM
“Bob Koenig''s songs about Levittown not only sound good but more importantly come from the heart. They capture the spirit of GIs returning home from the war. Bob Koenig''s songs have something that many other songs don’t --they have something that you will remember and be singing for a long time.” Rob Leonard, Host of "Beatlesongs" WHPC 90.3FM
Talented musician and songwriter Bob Koenig sings of suburbia in his new CD, ABBEY LANE, just released from BKM records. The CD commemorates the 60th anniversary groundbreaking of the first suburb in America – Levittown, New York – which is being celebrated this year.
Bob was recently profiled in the New York Times about his unique place amongst singers who have composed and performed songs about the suburbs. “Now one Long Islander has taken up his guitar pick and composed a series of favorable songs about Levittown, where he lives,” applauds the New York Times.
Bob has been recording and performing music since the early 1980s. But his music has taken a dramatic turn toward folk, with guitar, banjo, hamonica and mandolin all coming into play in ABBEY LANE. His music is inspired by the folk era of the 1960s, yet he’s a Woody Guthrie for the 21st century, with vivid stories and a vibrant sound in his new album.
A native of Long Island and a current resident of Levittown (in a house reflecting original design elements!), Bob notes, “Historically, Levittown on Long Island was the first suburban community. It has always embodied the American dream. I thought I could contribute some kind of ‘offering’ of songs for the people who started this dream, and for the people working hard to continue it today.”
Reflecting this philosophy, the songs on ABBEY LANE range from Levittown, which has an interview with William Levitt – founder of Levittown – spliced in the recording (courtesey News 12), to Talking Suburban Veteran Blues, a song particularly inspired by Woody Guthrie that celebrates the veterans who were the first Levittown home owners.
In the last year, Bob has performed at over a dozen Long Island locations, including many libraries, the Huntington Folk Society, and Eastenders Coffeehouse in Riverhead. He was the featured performer at the Target-sponsored National Night Out, Levittown Community Council’s annual Winterfest, the John Lennon Birthday Celebration concert at Dix Hills Center for the Performing Arts at Five Towns College, and the Centennial Celebration in Mineola. He has also has recently played live on "Positively Dylan," performing both Dylan songs and his own compositions, as well as "Beatlesongs" – both popular shows on WHPC radio.
In addition to ABBEY LANE, in 2006, Bob issued a three-song EP/CD titled "I Love Mineola" for Mineola’s centennial. In the 1980s, Bob fronted the Keys, a popular Long Island pop band, which once appeared on Dance Party, USA on USA Network. Produced by Mark Gaide for ChromeOrange music, the featured Levittown compositions on the new disc also include You’ve Come A Long Way, Levittown, originally from the 40th anniversary, as well as a reworking of Malvina Reynolds’ “Little Boxes,” featuring guest musician Peter Grudzien. Bob also chose two poems by Levittowner Wendell Storms to put to music. Four bonus tracks are also included and feature Bob’s first recording made in 1983.
Bob also manages the website for the Levittown Historical Society (plus being a docent for the 2nd grade students for their museum field trip), sets the community calendar for the Levittown Community Council, and is a member of the Levittown 60th Anniversary Committee, The Friends of the Library and Levittown Property Owners Association.
His complete discography is included on his website.
“Bob Koenig''s music reflects his personal relationship with suburbia --they are great Long Island songs, through and through. He’s an artist in-tune with his environment.
His powers of observation make his songs both special and lasting. Bob’s is a songwriter''s songwriter. His work is always revealing, and takes nothing for granted -- his music brings stories to life in vivid detail.” Joe Whalen, Host of “Old Long Island” and “Frontiers” on WHPC 90.3FM
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Bob Koenig Music
P.O. Box 143
Levittown, NY 11756
https://www.tradebit.com
(516) 796-3826
Tags: folk music