Turlock native Andy Padlo recently released his fourth album, “Buffalo Wedding.” He describes his style as a mix of singer/songwriter, folk, and alternative country/rock.

Padlo lived in Turlock for most of his childhood. His family moved to town when he was in fifth grade and he attended Chatom School. He graduated from Turlock High School in 1979, where he played in school bands. Padlo also had a rock band with his friends. In the 1980s he played in a blue grass band at fairs and local cafes. He put out a few tapes with his band at the time.

“I released my first solo album, called ‘Smile,’ in the 90s. I count it as my first album, so ‘Buffalo Wedding’ is my fourth,” he said.

“Smile” was followed by “Love’s Dark Satellite” and his self-titled third album. For his latest album, Padlo drew on experiences from his own life for inspiration.

“I’m getting older, I had to confront some relationships … other personal things from my life,” Padlo said.

The inspiration for the title of the album came from a Joseph Campbell story in “The Power of Myth.” It is about a Native American girl who is stolen by a buffalo to be his bride.

‘”It’s really the first beauty and the beast story,” Padlo said.

The cover art was done by one of Padlo’s students, Isa Defusco. Padlo teaches grades 9 to 12 at Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts. “Buffalo Wedding” represents a year-long collaboration between Padlo and producer Stephen Ehret, a founding member of Wildflower, a 1960s San Francisco band.

“There’s some great music in there. It’s got layers and they’re all good. Not filler, but not excessive,” wrote Michael McCausland, lyricist for Wildflower. “I love his voice and that’s the truth. Doesn’t sound like anybody else … Andy really reminds me of a developed on-top-of-it Jakob Dylan..”

Padlo will be playing a benefit concert in Modesto on March 17. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Stanislaus County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The concert will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Deva’s Café in Modesto.

“Buffalo Wedding” is available for preview or purchase at cdbaby.com/artist/andypadlo. More information bout the album can be found at www.buffalowedding.us.

To contact Andrea Goodwin, e-mail agoodwin@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2003.