Biography

Larry Kolker plays American roots music with a postmodern edge. His songs cross folk, blues, pop, rock, soul, and jam-band, harmonized by his distinctive voice. His music has been called the "urban country east-coast white-boy blues". In his lyrics, Larry has something to say, as he explores the dualities of life and himself. His influences include Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, Jerry Garcia and David Bromberg. A recent reviewer stated: "Imagine a concert with Dylan headlining, Loudon Wainwright III second on the bill and John Prine third, let’s say it wouldn’t seem at all strange if Larry Kolker opened the evening’s entertainment. He’s certainly an all-round talent. He’s a distinctive vocalist with songwriting chops to match; an accomplished guitarist and an in demand blues-harpist..." -Leicester Bangs Music Blog

Larry is based in the Lower Hudson Valley and has performed in venues throughout the Northeast. Shows since Spring 2012 include the Montauk Music Festival (twice), Gizzi's Restaurant, Tarrytown Farmers' Market (thrice), Trail's End Restaurant, Coffee Labs Roasters, BeanRunner Cafe (twice), Black Cat Cafe, Peekskill Coffeehouse, Tribes Hill/Common Ground Winter Solstice Concert, Greenpoint Gallery, Beacon Theatre (in Beacon; Hope Machine Hootennany), Irvington's Got Music benefit, Vista on the Hill Concert Series, Terry Doyle Tribute, Crafts @ Lyndhurst, John Jay Homestead Farm Market, Sullivan Hall, John Street Jam @ the Dutch Arms Chapel, Huntington Folk Festival, and Eleven 11 Grille & Spirits.

Larry was recently featured in the "Hudson Valley Artist Spotlight" with Kathy Millar on WHUD-FM; a recording of the interview is available at www.whud.com/artist_spotlight/index.php. Songs from his latest CD have received airplay on WIOX-FM,WVKR-FM and www.musictogousa.com, among others.

He played at the 2012 & 2013 Montauk Music Festivals, the Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg, PA, and the Bob Dylan Festivals at the Warwick Valley Winery. He has performed live on various cable and radio shows and co-organized grass-roots music events such as the Homerecording Jamfest and the Children’s Rights benefits. He is an active member of the Tribes Hill musical community.

Larry's new CD, Awful Smart Man, was co-produced with Fred Gillen Jr. at Woody’s House studio, and includes guest performances by pop folk trio the YaYas. This album reflects a journey of love, agony, discovery, acceptance and joy.