As of July 22, 2010, this title is temporarily out of stock and is being re-pressed. All orders for it will be held until new inventory arrives.

Don't be misled by the title here as Bob is anything but a beginner.   The debut solo release from the lead vocalist/primary songwriter of The Rainmakers.

"The Beginner," features Bob Walkenhorst paring down his signature elemental song arrangements to a skeletal acoustic guitar, bass, and drums, most often played by his one-man-band. Harmonica is the lead instrument of choice on this release with the notable exception of a honking sax solo on "Jan Vermeer," and a lead guitar solo on the "J-Walkers." Vocal harmonies appear on only one song, "Just Leaving." From the sparse instrumentation to the early-60's style extreme-stereo production, the overall sound of "The Beginner" is as much about what has NOT been recorded, as it is about what you do hear.

The humor and irony that have been the trademarks of Walkenhorst's songwriting in The Rainmakers are abundant on "The Beginner." However, rather than being applied to social and political subjects, Walkenhorst's new songs are about more universal themes of love, work, patriotism, age, and escape. The dense opinionated word avalanche of his Rainmakers songs has been refined and reduced to choice phrases, delivered with a lighter touch and a stronger sense of melody.

1. Life Can Turn
2. Call A Wrecker
3. She Don't Love Me
4. Broken Down
5. Stolen The Moon
6. Jan Vermeer
7. Just Another Joe
8. The Day We Hung Up The Flag
9. Just Leaving
10. Punching Bag
11. Proof
12. J-Walkers
13. The Beginner