Byline: Randy Erickson

Jan. 04--While it has the unmistakably earthy, warm, heartfelt folk songs for which he has become known, Johnsmith's eighth solo album, "Ginkgo," blazes some new trails. For one thing, this is the first of his solo albums that he has recorded in La Crosse -- the previous albums were recorded in New York City, North Carolina, Texas and Nashville. For this album, Johnsmith, who makes his home in Trempealeau, flew in his producer and several guest musicians and spent a week last July recording at Brett Huus's Sound Strations studio. IF YOU GO WHAT: Johnsmith album release concerts, with Dan Sebranek and Larry Dalton WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 12-13 WHEN: Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St. COST: $24 ($21 in advance); Pump House members get a $3 discount. Tickets can be purchased at the Pump House, by calling 608-785-1434 or visiting www.thepumphouse.org. CD: Johnsmith's new album, "Ginkgo," can be heard and purchased on his website, johnsmithmusic.com. He took advantage of modern technology for some final flourishes, sending digital song files to Ireland, with musical friends there adding fiddle, concertina and whistle parts. The award-winning songwriter, who celebrates the new album with a pair of concerts at The Pump House Regional Arts Center on Jan....