Baldego - a brief history...

Baldego is Xfm's uploaded artist of the week! Thanks to everyone for voting and Martin Bate for getting chromedome some airplay - nice one!
Baldego is one-man band J.J. McGowan. Influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Muse, Radiohead, Hendrix, Copelandia Cyanescens, Fear of Death and anything with a good groove, Baldego was born.

2005 saw the completion of his debut album, Escape Hatch - voted one of the Best cd's of the month 'What's Hot' by Music News Scotland March 2006 - a collection of songs recorded over a year in and out of rehearsal rooms and bedrooms, quickly followed by a steady stream of gigs as a solo acoustic act.

Now an established live performer within the Glasgow and Edinburgh music scene, Baldego recently completed a successful year of performing (including supports for Jamie T and Nick Harper) with a deserved ‘Best of Breaking Songwriters’ gig organised by The Acoustic Affair. His shows now incorporate percussive, vocal and electronic loops for something a little bit different on the live scene.

With album number two scheduled for a summer 2007 release, it’s only a matter of time before Baldego’s music becomes more widely recognised.....check it out.

The Skinny, February 2007
"Baldego is his own rhythm section, backing vocalist, harmoniser and, somehow, even manages to duet with himself somewhere in the maelstrom. Soaring rhythms, relaxed backing vocals and even a little human beat box here and there, McGowan’s strange, almost quixotic acoustic pop may carry many familiar tones. The conflict between the modern, technological twist and his otherwise outmoded methods do not; a live show that truly provides context and texture to his recorded work."

MUSIC NEWS Scotland, March 2006
“What’s HOT this month...Another debut album, this time from JJ McGowan aka Baldego who’s influences are based around a good groove. He’s been getting noticed on the Glasgow circuit and is well worth a listen to.”