Jon Roniger is a sincere singer-songwriter living in San Francisco (originally from storm-struck New Orleans). His latest album, My World , is the crème de la crème of the coffee house circuit. His singing is soulful, his guitar playing is planted firmly in the Americana and folk traditions, and his songwriting is as sharp as any big artist. Unlike many solo artists, his songs would sound just as good performed by a full band as they do by just him strumming a guitar. For you ladies, this is the music equivalent of the guy you want to take home to meet mom.

Review by Brad Filicky  Feb. 2006  Sellout Magazine

Jon Roniger-My World

Drugs, alcohol, ADD, broken hearts, true love. How's that for honesty? Jon Roniger has got to be the most honest person I've heard in a while. As a singer/songwriter, he sure can put his feelings out on his sleeve. Sometimes those feelings are of joy, sometimes of hurt, and sometimes of longing. For added fun and a laugh, there's a reference to Spaceballs in the middle of all that.

“Bed of Nails” has to be my favorite song on this disc. The line “No, I'm not good company. Hell, I wish that I would go away.” is a sentiment that I have shared with many of my friends before. “What Can I Do” is a very beautiful song. Listen to this song if you have forgotten why you fell in love with that special person in your life.

With just a couple acoustic guitars, a piano, and a percussionist, this CD is musically simple and intense at the same time. Pure.

A definite must have for fans of Bruce Cockburn, Charlie Peacock, or Paul Westerberg. The sweet backing vocals of Jeanette McNamara are a special treat.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review by Justin Wright 11/03/05 The Phantom Tollbooth

Jon Roniger,"My World" (Indie Release)
Usually I find singer-songwriter-folk cds to be kinda generic, and hard to tell apart with great guitar playing, but bland songwriting and voices. However, Jon Roniger is the exception! Sure, he plays a great guitar and writes good songs, but the difference is his voice – it actually draws the listener in. Usually when reviewing this genre, you compare the artist’s voice to a well-known star, such as Jim Croce or Simon & Garfunkel. But Roniger’s voice is distinctive and defies such comparisons. Maybe that’s why I like this disc so much. And while he follows a sort of traditional ‘storytelling’ mode, his uplifting delivery truly makes the songs even more enjoyable. In my opinion, too many ‘folk’ discs are simply depressing. Plus, he has a sense of humor, quoting a Mel Brooks line from SPACEBALLS as an intro to one song.

Just when I was becoming jaded to singer-songwriter-folk cds, along comes Jon Roniger with an infectious ambiance to make me a believer again.

Rating: 3 and 1/2 out of 5
Review by Scott H. Platt Ear Candy Mag

After the devastation that Hurricane Katrina wrecked upon his hometown of New Orleans, current San Francisco native can take heart that its music like his that will bring smiles and laughter back to that ravished metropolis. Much like modern singer/songwriter David Gray, Jon Roniger explores alternative rock armed with his acoustic guitar and a well-traveled voice. His songwriting is superb and certainly shows off his Simon & Garfunkel influence. Occasionally his vocals seem to waver but that's only very slightly. Lyrically it's what you normally get with singer/songwriters not to say that there's anything wrong with songs above love and other often clichéd subjects. Good stuff from a dynamic singer/songwriter with a brimming future ahead of him.

J. Sin of Smother.com-October 2006

In his new album 'My World', Jon Roniger - an exceptional storyteller, takes you on a fantastic joy ride through all the big moments and all those little moments that build a love story. Offering a matter-of-fact, honest, heartfelt and sometimes ironic look at life, 'My World' has just the right amounts of the good stuff. It's an awesome acoustic album that features Roniger and Rico Mastrodonato on guitar, Eamonn Flynn on the piano, and percussionist Mark Abbott. 
  From the cool boogie and blues piano in 'Medicine Man' to the awesome finger-picking guitar in 'Not My Life' and 'Deston Eve' - these guys are polished and musically joined at the hip. Back-up vocalist Jeanette McNamara has a beautifully deep, yet light and bright voice. On songs like 'Maybe' and 'Heart Like Ice', her and Roniger's harmonies are outstanding - they flow dynamically just like Fleetwood Mac or even the Mamas & Papas.
  'My World' was produced by Jon Roniger and Joel Jaffe. For Roniger's booking and show schedule (he's playing gigs all over the place), and to listen to his tunes and buy his CDs, visit www.jonroniger.com .

JON RONIGER: My World, a CD review by Lisa Smith of The Blend Magazine- May 2005