John Bruhnke - Singer, Guitarist, Songwriter, Band Leader
John Bruhnke plays guitar like he means it, every note with purpose, every phrase with feel. Drawing from blues, jazz, rock, soul, and funk, his sound lives somewhere between grit and refined. He’s not chasing speed or flash. He’s chasing truth.
He plays through a hand-wired Little Walter 50-watt head with two 1x12 cabinets and a carefully curated pedalboard to shape his sound. His heroes, Robben Ford, Jeff Beck, B.B. King, Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Grant Green, George Benson, Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Pat Metheny, are in the DNA. But the fingerprint is all his.
John’s songs tell stories about heartbreak, love, and the journey of life. That same depth and honesty he brings to songwriting also drives his relentless pursuit of growth. When he felt his musical knowledge was limiting his expression, he made the decision to step away from performing and immerse himself in a deep study with guitar great Robben Ford. Four years down the line, that experience has reshaped his playing, expanded his harmonic understanding, and led to a mentorship, and lasting friendship.
This year, John realized he needed to bring that same dedication to vocal training to bring his singing more in line with his guitar playing. Working with a vocal coach, and singing two hours a day for months on end, he discovered his natural singing voice, finding newfound confidence, freedom, and enjoyment as a singer.
Now, John is turning his attention back to performing, bringing together his guitar playing, singing, and songwriting in a new chapter of his musical journey. The sound is that of someone obsessed with the very best of the electric guitar tradition. At 59, he is focused on building his audience and hopes his own reinvention might inspire others to leave nothing undone in life.
By the way, if you're wondering how to pronounce Bruhnke, it rhymes with funky!
About SonicSoul
A musical Gumbo Deeply rooted in Chicago Blues
When you come to a SonicSoul show, expect more than a performance, it's a ride. A transcendental journey packed with hoots, hollers, dancing, and the feel-good energy of classic blues and rock with a twist.
This is not your average blues band.
The SonicSoul Band is modernizing the Chicago blues tradition, blending rock, funk, soul, and elements of jazz harmony into a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly different. There's a swing underneath it all, a groove that makes you want to move, and an unmistakable connection to the blues.
Led by guitarist, singer, and songwriter John Bruhnke, SonicSoul brings together seasoned musicians who share a passion for great music and the freedom to explore it. The band draws on decades of musical experience, combining original songs with imaginative interpretations of classics and lesser-known gems.
But SonicSoul isn't simply about playing songs. It's about bringing them to life.
Like a jazz ensemble, the musicians listen, respond, and build on one another's ideas. Every performance becomes a musical conversation, shaped by the energy of the room and the connection between the band and its audience. No two shows are exactly alike.
John's songwriting is increasingly at the heart of SonicSoul's identity. Drawing from blues, rock, soul, and jazz influences, his compositions bring fresh stories and musical possibilities to a tradition he loves. Covers of classic songs provide a connection with audiences discovering SonicSoul for the first time, while the band's interpretations give those songs a character of their own.
SonicSoul has headlined respected Chicago-area stages including Buddy Guy's Legends, Rosa's Lounge, and The Venue in Aurora, and performed at the Arcada Theatre. The band continues to build its audience while looking toward new stages and opportunities beyond Chicago.