Many a Good Long Year, the first full-length album from Jon Ponder, was released in October 2015. The album showcases the poetry, melody, and storytelling that define Jon Ponder as a musician. Initially writing heartbreak songs, Jon began to find a new songwriting voice by returning to his grandpa's stories and to his own memories of his grandma and grandpa. The new album intertwines these stories and memories of grandparents and family with his own stories of finding his way in the world.Jon recorded the album primarily with two of his music pals and collaborators, Eric Anderson and Danielle Gartner, who play and sing on 10 out of the 12 tracks. The talents of these additional fine Michigan musicians also bring the songs to life: Allison Stanley, Robbie Linkner, Bruce Gartner, Jason Dennie, Mark Lavengood, and Drew Howard. Instrumentally, the album employs varied lineups and arrangements: vocal harmonies, guitar, banjo, cello, mandolin, dobro, fiddle, pedal steel, bass, and drums.