Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Noah Earle encore on Java Blend March 16, 2012

Born in Topeka, Kansas, and surrounded by a musical family, Noah Earle absorbed various strains of influence. His musical involvement began in early childhood when he would listen to the traditional country and country-gospel music that his family would play and sing at their gatherings. Between the ages of about 5 and 18 he underwent classical training for piano, voice and fiddle (his grandpa said "never let anybody call it a violin").  By the age of 10, he had decided that he wanted to write songs, like his uncle and grandfather. Throughout this time, he was also exposed to blues and jazz by his dad and uncle, both of whom performed in a number of bands. From these surroundings Noah has emerged as a formidable solo artist, displaying unmistakable talent through his deft and varied guitar style and an agile, soulful approach to his singing.

In 2006, he won the solo category of the Kansas City Blues Challenge and was a finalist in the International Blues Competition in Memphis.  More recently, he was chosen as a New Folk finalist at the renowned Kerrville Folk Festival in 2007.

Earle's first release for MayApple Records, Postcards From Home, found him focusing his songwriting solidly in the Americana vein.  His second, This is the Jubilee, which was released in April of 2010, represents an evolutionary leap toward greater confidence and stylistic originality.

Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River