Summer 2013:
- "FLYING ON A PLANE" NEW DIGITAL SINGLE!
Available for download at BandCamp for only $1!
JONATHAN RUNDMAN This song reflecting on technological progress was recorded by Jonathan, with drums by Pat Tomek (of The Rainmakers) and mixing by Ed Ackerson (Jayhawks, Replacements reunion).
The road-trip (or air-trip) anthem for Summer 2013.
- NEW YOUTUBE VIDEOS
Here's a mini-movie documenting the recording of Jonathan's new single, from the earliest idea throughout the tracking process, mixing, and online release.
AND...back in February Jonathan & Sara toured Michigan's Upper Peninsula and shot this video:
- Jonathan tours in the month of JUNE with KAIVAMA and POLKA CHICKS
Summer starts out with a bang, with appearances at the Nisswa Stamman Scandinavian Music Festival, Finnfest in Upper Michigan, and concerts at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, plus other great venues across the Midwest. Complete details at the Tour Dates page. - "Librarian" featured on Boston's National Public Radio station!
Check out the show by CLICKING HERE, and listen for Jonathan's song at 27:51.
April 2013:
- TWO NEW DIGITAL SINGLES
Available for download at BandCamp for only $1 each, Jonathan presents TWO previously unreleased recordings!.
JONATHAN RUNDMAN "SOUL ADORN YOURSELF WITH GLADNESS"
Jonathan's bluegrass interpretation of the Reformation-era Johann Crüger hymn was recorded for an Augsburg Fortress Publishers resource.
KAIVAMA Jonathan accompanies Sara's violin on piano and harmonium for their interpretation of a gorgeous contemporary Swedish fiddle tune, composed by Hans Kennemark.
- ARTO JÄRVELÄ & KAIVAMA trio album released in Europe
Jonathan's newest album with Kaivama is a trio collaboration with Finnish fiddler Arto Järvelä. The album will be released in Europe this month! Check out the album video trailer on YouTube, in support of the album's release. Album audio, download links, and CD ordering info at the Kaivama BandCamp page.
- Jonathan contributes to new album by MATT ARTHUR & THE BRATLANDERS
Jonathan plays piano and harmonium on the new album by otherworldly Americana band MATT ARTHUR & THE BRATLANDERS. Check out this timeless, analog, Midwestern country-rock triumph at the Rice County Records BandCamp page.
January 2013:
- Jonathan prepares for touring and festivals with KAIVAMA in 2013
2013 is shaping up to be a busy year of touring for KAIVAMA. The Nordic folk duo of Jonathan and virtuoso fiddler Sara Pajunen has dates on the calendar across the Midwest. January and February will take the group across Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with a special acoustic house concert on January 13th in Minneapolis, MN.
Other tours are brewing for the Spring, and the Summer is filling up with festival appearances.
Follow the musical adventures of KAIVAMA at their Facebook page HERE.
Check out Jonathan's schedule with KAIVAMA, as well as his solo-songwriter performances at the Tour Dates page.
- Kaivama press coverage
Cresco, Iowa, birthplace of scientist Norman Borlaug, ran a feature story on Kaivama and Jonathan's tune "Norman Borlaug Polka." CLICK HERE to read it...
The new album Arto Järvelä & Kaivama was reviewed HERE at Inside World Music
December 2012:
- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
2012 was a big year for Jonathan Rundman, complete with the releases of TWO new albums! CLICK HERE to purchase Jonathan's CDs, the perfect stocking-stuffer for the music fan in your life.
This Summer Jonathan released a self-titled 20-song retrospective album collecting his best songs from the past decade, as well as some previously unreleased songs, special re-mixes, and alternate versions. Featuring favorites like: "Smart Girls"
"Carol of the Bells"
"Ashes"
"Librarian"
"Forgiveness Waltz"
Jonathan has spent the past 18 months touring North America with violinist Sara Pajunen playing Finnish folk music. Their duo KAIVAMA had an amazing opportunity in 2012 to record a trio album with Finnish fiddler extraordinaire Arto Järvelä! The album Arto Järvelä & Kaivama was released this Fall. In addition to traditional tunes from Finland dating back a century, the CD features some of Arto's new compositions, Sara's stately Americana-flavored march "Blooming Prairie" and Jonathan's rollicking "Norman Borlaug Polka."
This CD is a must-have for musical adventurers interested in bridging the gaps between traditional Nordic music, progressive rock, newgrass, and neo-classical explorations. ORDER with credit card here!
- Jonathan featured at PopDose blog, GMC-TV, and more
The culture and showbiz blog PopDose features Jonathan in their My Worst Gig series! Read Jonathan's account of a live performance disaster at PopDose HERE. Jonathan was interviewed recently along with jangle pop band Sixpence None the Richer for an article at GMC-TV called The Joys of Being an Indie Artist. Read it HERE!
And, here's the 4-star review of Jonathan's 20-song retrospective album at The Phantom Tollbooth! CLICK HERE to check it out.
- Jonathan looks ahead to 2013
The new year's calendar is already shaping up! In January, Jonathan will return to Colorado for a series of solo performances. The Winter months of 2013 will also set Kaivama back on the road with dates across Wisconsin and a Februrary tour in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. You can schedule a concert in your town in the new year...CLICK HERE to see developing dates and locations. - Jonathan contributes to new album by ZAK MORGAN
Zak is a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter from Ohio who records acclaimed albums for children and their families. Jonathan was invited to play harmonium on Zak's new album Barber of the Beasts, featuring other guest musicians including Bootsy Collins, Robbie Fulks, and Arto Järvelä! What a band!
Learn more at the Zak Morgan webpage, and order the album at the iTunes music store!
November 2012:
- Download previously unreleased Public Library out-takes at BANDCAMP!
Jonathan has unveiled never-before heard recordings from the Public Library recording sessions! Check out the songs and download at Jonathan's BANDCAMP page.
Public Library was Jonathan's critically acclaimed 2004 album, produced by Walter Salas-Humara of The Silos. Physical copies of the CD are nearly out-of-print (although Jonathan has the final twenty in the warehouse...order here). Thanks to the convenient streaming and downloading site BANDCAMP, Jonathan has now released out-takes from the Public Library sessions! Check out early mixes, demos, an alternate take of "Second Language" and a vastly different lower-key version of "Smart Girls!"
- Kaivama featured in MPLS STPAUL MAGAZINE and GREENMAN REVIEW
The November issue of Mpls StPaul Magazine has a cover story on the Nordic food/culture in the Twin Cities, and Jonathan & Sara appear in the article! On page 73 kaivama is credited for "transforming ancestral melodies into music for new audiences." Kaivama's new CD also got some coverage on the Green Man Review blog...check out the album review here.
- BOOK JONATHAN IN YOUR TOWN
Below are the available regions and dates for Jonathan's upcoming tours. It’s always a good idea to book him when he’s going to be in your neighborhood already (although Jonathan is happy to make a special trip to your area if you'd like to set it up!).
For currently booked performances, please visit the tour page.
Jonathan is usually available for bookings anwhere, anytime. Below are some specifics:
December 7-9, 14-16: anywhere
2013
January 11, 13: Wisconsin
January 16-17: Colorado area
January 21-28: Southern California
February 1: Wisconsin
February 6-7: Chicagoland, IN, IL
February 22: Wisconsin
February 24-26: Upper Michigan, WI
May: Finland, Sweden
September 2012:
- Kaivama's NEW ALBUM available!
On September 25th Jonathan and his band-mate Sara Pajunen will release their second album as KAIVAMA. The new CD is a trio album recorded with composer/instrumentalist Arto Järvelä, one of Finland's most respected folk musicians.The album features traditional folk tunes from Finland, some of Arto's recent compositions, and new original tunes by Kaivama, including Jonathan's own "Norman Borlaug Polka." The album is available NOW on CD, and also at the iTunes Music Store.
Order the CD HERE.
Arto will join Kaivama for a CD release concert on Tuesday, September 25th, 7:30PM, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN. Details at show dates page.
- New Kaivama video on YouTube!
Here's a clip of Sara & Jonathan performing "Taapeli Valssi" from their new album, recorded on this Summer's Kaivama tour of Michigan's Upper Peninsula:
- Jonathan in the news...
Regional newspapers and radio featured Jonathan's music as he wrapped up a series of solo CD release concerts and Kaivama performances across the Midwest.
Madison's Wisconsin State Journal recommended Jonathan's "clever, intelligent folk-pop that dares to tackle everything from parenting to mortality"
The Illinois Entertainer's review said "Rundman primarily explores offbeat subject matter through clever rhymes and easy-going melodies"
Wisconsin Public Radio showcased Jonathan's music on its Simply Folk radio show
The Hibbing Daily Tribune featured an interview with Sara of Kaivama
The Phantom Tollbooth reviewed Jonathan's new CD, including it as a Pick of the Month along with Robert Plant! - BEKI HEMINGWAY's new album features Jonathan
Jonathan's long-time collaborator Beki Hemingway has released a new solo EP entitled I Have Big Plans For The World. Jonathan co-wrote the songs "Northbound Traffic" and "Skybound" on the CD, and contributes Hammond Organ and Wurlitzer Electric Piano to the recording.
Other instrumentalists included bassist Mike Bradburn of Dolly Varden, bassist Chris Bland formerly of Vigilantes of Love, and Scott & Jen Smith of Naked Blue.
August 2012:
- Jonathan to play CD RELEASE SHOWS across the Midwest!
In support of the release of his new retrospective CD, Jonathan has scheduled a series of Midwestern concert dates: Aug 13: Cokato, MN
Aug 17: Spooner, WI
Aug 25: National Mine, MI
Sept 6: Madison, WI
Sept 7: Chicago, IL
Sept 8: Milwaukee, WI
Sept 9: Plover, WIComplete information and venue links at the TOUR DATES page.
You can get album NOW on CD, and also at the iTunes Music Store.
- Jonathan wraps up a Summer of touring with KAIVAMA
It was a busy Summer for KAIVAMA, Jonathan's Nordic-folk band along with violinist Sara Pajunen. The duo performed at festivals in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Michigan, and played a series of theater shows aross the Minnesota and U.P. iron ranges. Stay tuned...next month Kaivama has a very special show... - KAIVAMA press coverage
Jonathan and Sara were interviewed by Upper Michigan newspaper The Mining Journal, and were featured on WLUC TV 6 news!
June 2012:
- Jonathan's CD RELEASE SHOW on June 19th in Minneapolis!
Jonathan will launch his new retrospective CD nationally in June! A full-band CD release show has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 19th at Bryant Lake Bowl Theater in Minneapolis.You can get album NOW on CD, and also at the iTunes Music Store.
- Jonathan is guest blogger at LIFE OF DAD
The Life Of Dad blog invited Jonathan to contribute a column! Read it here, and stream the audio for Jonathan's parenting anthem "List Of Things To Do." - Jonathan featured at Sparks And Ashes blog
The spirituality and culture blog Sparks And Ashes gave some fine coverage to Jonathan's new album. Read the interview here and the album review here.
May 2012:
- Jonathan to tour the West Coast in May with Kaivama and Arto Järvelä!
Jonathan and Sara Pajunen will be joined by Finnish composer/instrumentalist Arto Järvelä on a ten day West Coast Tour this month. Tour dates here. Check out this video of Arto and Kaivama:
- More press coverage!
Theology journal The Christian Century has reviewed Jonathan's new solo album. Read the review online HERE.
Kaivama has been featured in Minnesota on the Public Television show Common Ground. View here on YouTube.
April 2012:
- Jonathan's NEW ALBUM available!
Jonathan has released this self-titled 20-song retrospective CD summarizing his past decade as a songwriter. The album is available NOW on CD, and also at the iTunes Music Store.
Jonathan's best songs are represented, including "Smart Girls," "Carol of the Bells," and "Librarian," as well as pristine remixes of "Ashes" and "Workin' My Committee." Brand new songs and alternate versions are also included.
- Jonathan tours the country with Kaivama and Arto Järvelä!
Last month Jonathan and band-mate Sara Pajunen joined legendary Finnish composer/instrumentalist Arto Järvelä on a ten day tour across the Midwest. Arto and Kaivama performed some brand new tunes, and were welcomed by enthusiastic audiences. Stay tuned for more fun in May, when Arto returns to the USA for a West Coast Tour with Kaivama. - KAIVAMA interview in River Cities Reader!
The River Cities Reader in Davenport, Iowa, interviewed Jonathan & Sara during their Midwest tour. Read it online HERE.
February 2012:
- Big re-design of www.jonathanrundman.com unveiled!
Surf around here at Jonathan's freshly updated webpage to see the renovations. The new banner photos up above are courtesy of photographers Micah Taylor (menu, portraits), David DeYoung of HowWasTheShow.com (acoustic guitar), and Heidi Mae Niska (piano). Thanks also to web-design guru Pat Tomek for the skeletal system. - Press and blogosphere coverage continues!
Jonathan's new solo album AND the Kaivama album reviewed at UCC News.
Kaivama album reviewed at No Depression.
Jonathan interviewed for weekly audio podcast from pop culture site Plain Ketchup.
Audience member blog review from Bainbridge Island concert.
Audience member blog review from Crystal Falls concert. - Jonathan books coast-to-coast shows with KAIVAMA
KAIVAMA is the new Nordic-folk duo featuring Jonathan and fellow Finnish-American musician Sara Pajunen. In February Kaivama will return to the road, for their first tour to the Southern USA. Dates are booked in Alabama and Georgia, and at Finlandia Days in Florida.
In March they'll rejoin composer/instrumentalist Arto Järvelä for a week of concerts across the Midwest, and an anticipated homecoming performance at The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis! Tickets available now!
This Spring and Summer will take Kaivama to California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, and beyond.
Band info, tour dates, Facebook links, and album ordering at the Kaivama webpage.
October 2011:
- More press coverage for KAIVAMA
Kaivama has received great reviews and concert previews in a variety of publications this past month! Check out these links: Preview in Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Preview in MplsStPaul Magazine.
Album review in Christian Century.
Album review in Illinois Entertainer.
- New PAPA CROW album features Jonathan
Upper Michigan native songwriter Jeff Krebs has released an amazing new album under his pseudonymn Papa Crow. The CD Things That Roar features 14 songs for children of all ages. Jonathan plays piano on the song "Baby Makes Three."
- Jonathan and Kaivama all over YouTube
Recently posted are a rocking 2001-era full-band concert performance of "Workin' My Committee," and lots of audience videos of Kaivama performing on tour and live on the radio. Subscribe to Jonathan's YouTube Channel, and subscribe to the Kaivama YouTube Channel! - Free MP3: Kaivama and Arto Järvelä live on the radio
Back in June, Jonathan & Sara joined legendary Finnish composer and instrumentalist Arto Järvelä on a Midwest tour. The trio played live on the air on Minneapolis' KFAI radio, where they performed this smokin' version of Arto's tune "Hoppavalssi." CLICK HERE and scroll down to download the MP3.
September 2011:
- Jonathan Rundman and Sara Pajunen release KAIVAMA album: East Coast tour in September!
KAIVAMA is the new Nordic-folk duo featuring Jonathan and fellow Finnish-American musician Sara Pajunen.Touring this Summer in support of their new album, they've performed in Chicago, San Diego, Seattle, Vancouver BC, and across the Upper Midwest.
This month Kaivama will tour the East Coast with dates in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and more!
Band info, tour dates, Facebook links, and album ordering at the Kaivama webpage.
- EDINA MAGAZINE features Kaivama interview
The September issue of Edina Magazine features a detailed interview with Jonathan & Sara. Learn the history of Kaivama, hear about their adventures on the road, and get the behind-the-scenes story on Jonathan's composition "Edina Speedtrap."
- New ECHELON album features Jonathan
Fellow Lutheran rockers and long-time Jonathan collaborators ECHELON have released a career retrospective, Mileage Vol 1 &2. In addition to providing guest vocals, Jonathan also wrote the liner notes for the album!.
- KAIVAMA international TV appearances
The Minnesota-produced Finnish Talk and Variety Show, which airs on a variety of Midwestern cable TV networks, features Kaivama on a recent broadcast. Watch the entire episode HERE on YouTube. Also, on August 12, Kaivama appeared on Finnish TV network MTV3 on their "Good Morning, Finland" program! Show archives are here.
August 2011:
- New KAIVAMA album and national tour!
KAIVAMA is the new Nordic-folk duo featuring Jonathan and fellow Finnish-American musician Sara Pajunen. On June 7th their debut album was released and they embarked on a cross country tour. So far this Summer, KAIVAMA have performed from Chicago to Seattle, Vancouver BC, to Sault Sainte Marie, MI, and all across Minnesota.Band info, tour dates, Facebook links, and album ordering at the Kaivama webpage.
- KAIVAMA television, radio, and media appearances
June and July found Sara & Jonathan playing live on the air on various media outlets across the Midwest USA. View their appearance on KARE 11 television, and check out archived audio of their in studio guest spots on KUMD and KFAI. Also view Kaivama's coverage at HowWasTheShow.com, City Pages, and The Mining Journal. - New KATHRYN SWEZY album features Jonathan
Colorado-based folk-pop songwriter and performer Kathryn Swezy has released her debut solo CD "Little Seasons." Jonathan contributes piano, accordion, drums, and xylophone to the album. Also appearing is Beki Hemingway on harmony vocals.
- Updated videos on YouTube!
View concert videos from this Summer's Kaivama tours, featuring live performances of "Markkina Marssi," "Cross Country," "Chicago Waltz," and more. Subscribe to Jonathan's YouTube Channel, and subscribe to the Kaivama YouTube Channel! - Free MP3: Kaivama in concert playing "Joutsen Polska"
Captured during a live performance this Spring in Redding, CA, this version of the traditional Finnish fiddle tune "Joutsen Polska" is available for free! CLICK HERE and scroll down to download the MP3.
June 2011:
- Debut KAIVAMA album and tunebook available!
Jonathan has teamed up with brilliant violinist Sara Pajunen to form the Finnish-American folk duo KAIVAMA. Their debut CD is now available, featuring inventive and adventurous interpretations of traditional Finnish fiddle tunes, as well as new compositions written or co-written by Jonathan and Sara.
In addition to the album, Kaivama has created a corresponding tunebook featuring sheet music for all the songs from the CD. Melody lines and chords for each song are paired with historical commentary about the music.
Check out the Kaivama webpage to learn about the duo and purchase the CD and tunebook!
- KAIVAMA to tour the Midwest with Arto Järvelä!
World renown composer and master fiddler from Finland, Arto Järvelä, is coming to the USA in June, and Jonathan and Sara will be joining him on tour! Cities include Chicago, Nisswa/Brainerd, Duluth, Cambridge, Decorah, and Minneapolis. Check out the Tour Dates page for complete venue info and links!
- More Radio Airplay!
Jonathan composed the fiddle tune "Edina Speedtrap" for the Kaivama album, and the song was featured on Minneapolis' KBEM 88.5FM radio's "Bluegrass Saturday Morning" program! Thanks as always for the airplay! - KAIVAMA to appear on Minneapolis television in June!
Sara and Jonathan will perform with Arto Järvelä on the live broadcast of KARE 11 television's "Showcase Minnesota" program on Thursday, June 16th! Tune in! - New NATE HOUGE album features Jonathan.
Jonathan contributes Hammond organ, Wurlitzer electric piano, and accordion to the pop breakthrough album Reform Follows Function by Twin Cities songwriter Nate Houge. - More new music videos on YouTube!
KAIVAMA performs "Pirun Polska" at 5th St Farms in Berkeley, CA. WATCH IT HERE.
JONATHAN performs a solo-acoustic cover version of "It's Not Too Late," written by T Bone Burnett. WATCH IT HERE.
JONATHAN has released a commissioned version of the old German hymn "Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness." WATCH IT HERE.
Subscribe to Jonathan's YouTube Channel, and subscribe to the Kaivama YouTube Channel! - KAIVAMA's first CD review!
Inside World Music blog turned in a very positive review of Kaivama's debut album. Read it here! - Free MP3: "Second Language (alternate take)"
This month's free MP3 is a very special treat! Check out the previously unreleased alternate studio take of "Second Language," recorded during the Public Library album sessions, featuring beautiful instrumentation from The Silos. Download the MP3 at the Audio Page.
CLICK HERE to read previous news entries.