Bruce Salmon is a New Orleans native, Texas raised musician, troubadour, and singer/songwriter. He’s a veteran of the Austin music scene, who began performing as a solo artist in 2012, releasing his first solo album “A Barrel of Monkeys”, in 2014. His music is steeped in the Texas songwriting tradition, as well as New Orleans jazz, funk, and blues; and more recent studies of ancestral folk music from Eastern Europe. There are stories to tell: tales of whiskey, clowns, and love, lost and won. Dreams from the desert, the coast, and the city. Songs of dreaming in the face of survival; prayers for rain as the dog days approach; odes to relaxation and celebrations of every breath. All infused with a lyrical witticism Tales informed by travels all across the world, by train, truck, bus, and plane. Touring musician, chef, bus driver, carnie, teacher, audio engineer and more; these rich endeavors have woven a vast tapestry of experience, tales longing to be told. Bruce was born in New Orleans, and has been based in Texas for most of his musical career. He’s played bass, guitars, keyboards, and brass in a broad range of styles and bands, ranging from funk/rock (Joe Rockhead), Texas punk/ jack of all trades (Alejandro Escovedo), Klezmer/balkan (The Inheritance/ Mazel Tov Cocktail Hour), and street brass band (Minor Mishap Marching Band). Recent years have been devoted to pursuing the study of the eastern European styles of his grandfather, traveling and studying in Mexico, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Poland, and all over Europe. Bruce began focusing on solo performance and troubadoring in 2012. Since then, he’s toured all over the US, writing and gathering songs as he’s honing his craft. A Barrel Of Monkeys was produced by Bruce and Rob Halverson at Halversonics Recording in Austin, TX. The musicians who helped create this gem are: William Landin: Tuba John Bush: Drums, percussion Michelle Alany: Violin, Vocals Laura Scarborough: Vibes, Vocals, Marimba, Melodica Dahktur Sick: Violin, Spoons Amanda Kitchens: Accordion, Vocals Rob Halverson: Hammond Organ, Lap steel guitar, Snare drum Dony Wynn: Drums, percussion Emilie Clepper: Vocals Elizabeth Lee: Vocals Corinne Zappler: Viola Dylan M. Blackthorn: Accordion, vocals Steve Bernal: Cello Brad Houser: Bass clarinet Ralph E. White: Vioiin