A former member of Sons of San Joaquin is performing in two CD release concerts.

Tim Johnson, who played seven years with Sons of San Joaquin, and his new band, the Sierra Riders, are performing selections from his new album, "American Cowboy Swing -- Next Generation," at Oakhurst Lutheran Church.

Johnson leads the church's Western Gospel Service at 4 p.m. Sundays.

"I have re-created up here what (Sons of San Joaquin) has done in the Valley," Johnson says. "The beat goes on."

The Bee recently caught up with Johnson to find out more about his music.

Question: How do you describe your style of music?

Answer: Stylistically, I am an eclectic violinist and fiddler and have been influenced by many musicians and composers, ranging from Bach to great jazz violinist Stéphane Grapelli. Over the years, I have blended my experiences of performing classical, jazz, blues, cajun, bluegrass, sacred and gospel repertoire into my own signature of music style. As an artist, my style is to make a conscious effort to stir and inspire my audience when musically communicating with them.

How have you benefited from playing previously with Sons of San Joaquin?

Performing with the Sons of the San Joaquin -- Jack, Joe, Lon and Bill Thornbury -- as fiddler, from 2000-07, was a great experience and one that I treasure. During this period, we performed to a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall, collected many awards, such as induction into the Western Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Western Music Associations (WMA) group of the year in 2007.

I received the WMA instrumentalist of the year award in 2007 upon the release of my solo fiddle album, "American Fiddler," in the same year. The fiddle, in Western music, is a critical and powerful instrument, adding color and excitement to the lyrics, and I enjoyed the creativity I experienced while performing with the SSJ and for audiences all over America. I wish them well.

What is the inspiration involving your latest CD?

My inspiration has been my love for performing western music and sharing with the many enthusiasts and fans, such as Pastor Dave Sebastian and the beautiful people at the Oakhurst Lutheran Church who attend our weekly gospel service.

Who has influenced your music -- and in what specific ways?

My mother, Berneice, is a superb church pianist and influenced me in improvisational skills. In contrast, my violin instructor, the late Betty Iacovetti, prepared me from age 8 to perform difficult violin repertoire and a disciplined approach to technique, a critical component in mastery of the violin.

Along the way, my father, Howard Johnson, financed my formal instruction and encouraged me. My older brother, Arnie, a superb guitarist, purchased recordings of great jazz, bluegrass, Texas swing and country fiddlers, such as Joe Venuti, Johnny Gimble, Grapelli, Vassar Clements and Hugh Farr, the fiddler with the Sons of the Pioneers.

Most importantly, I was afforded the opportunity to perform weekly in church, concert halls, dances. From 1973 to 1976, I was the concert master of the Fresno Junior Philharmonic and later performed with the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra. All of these experiences combined have contributed to my musical identity.

While growing up, what was your favorite album or CD -- and why?

I have always favored the great music of Grapelli. I believe I own five albums with Grapelli performing fiddle with guitarist Django Reinhardt. His technical mastery of the violin, combined with the heart and soul heard in his musical interpretation, is arguably unmatched.

If you performed before an audience of one, who would it be -- and why?

Performing for my late father was a great inspiration; he loved music and listening to me play. His facial expression and interest in my performance on violin and mandolin were priceless.

What do you want people to get out of listening to "American Cowboy Swing -- Next Generation"?

From my prospective as a music educator, it is important for amateur, aficionado and professional musicians to be influenced and exposed to music that has intrinsic value, morale character and spiritual connections that will benefit humanity during our lifetime and in the generations to come. This album consists of virtuostically performed music that ranges from happy to soul-searching from the perspective of the American Western way of life.

How can people reach you, hear you in person or buy your music?

Contact the Sierra Riders Entertainment Group at (559) 301-0033 or email request to sierrariders@att.net.