Bourbon Holiday, the debut solo EP from John Mann, draws on a wide range of styles, crossing the paths connecting the many influences on its performer/producer. Primarily recorded live, the 2003 seven-song effort is a “front-porch” collection that blends genres pioneered by the Band and John Hiatt while sitting firmly within its own sound.

Over his 24 years, John Mann has veered both far away from and back close to his native Western Kentucky. After going to college in Lexington, he moved for a brief period to San Diego, then returned to Western Kentucky before making the move to Louisville in 2001. Product of an interesting musical heritage—his cousin is former Sun Records artist Carl Mann, who had a hit in the 1950s with an up-tempo reworking of the pop standard “Mona Lisa”—John has tried to plant his music firmly in the present while keeping a keen eye open to the past.

John has played extensively in the Louisville area with the likes of Tim Krekel, Ten Months Later, and Pleasureville and has opened for national recording artists Steve Earle and James McMurtry.

Program 610

Readings from a Lexington food cooperative, including a rare appearance by Wendell Berry, one of Kentucky’s leading literary lights, and Louisville singer-songwriter John Mann with new host Mel Rexroat. (#610)

Program 625: Best of Season 6

Highlights from recent programs, including profiles of the Strecker family of artists and musical performances by students from the Kentucky Opera’s Young Artists’ Program, singer-songwriter John Mann, and rock band AM Sunday. (#625)

Program 805

A visit with farmer, weaver, and photographer Dobree Adams, stone mason Russell Dawson, and ceramic artist Michael Frasca. Traditional Indian music featuring singer Rrucha Bapat and tabla drummer Vinayak Ashtekar, and a performance from John Mann. (#805)

Program 807

Mystery writer Laurien Berenson, a visit to the Flame Run glass art studio and gallery, and music from Louisville's John Mann and the Betweeners. (#807)