Jeff Johnson (musician)
Encyclopedia
Jeff Johnson is a musician residing in Camano Island
, WA. Stemming from a progressive-rock background, he works within a contemporary artistic-Christian framework, and precedes much of the New Age music
to which much of his music would later be compared. He has made collaborations with various other well-known musicians, including Sandy Simpson and Brian Dunning
. His works also include collaborations with contemporary author Stephen Lawhead.
In addition to recording, Johnson is active in the on-going Selah Service music and worship events.
Jeff Johnson's first studio album, Face of the Deep (1980) managed to conjure aural landscapes in the ears of his listeners with his synthesizer infused progressive rock renditions of fantasy works. The album begins with the pensive image of Rodin
's The Thinker
. Songs are inspired by writings such as Charles Williams' All Hallows' Eve, and by the paintings of Gauguin
and Renoir
's The Moulin de la Galette
. Johnson completes his treatment of these aural landscapes with on-location recordings of atmospheric sounds such as rain storms and creaking gates - incorporating them into the music in an artful way (see: History - 'Ark Mobile').
On his second album, he collaborated with Sandy Simpson
to record Through the Door (1982), which took up the theme of spiritual quest inspired by the novels of George MacDonald
(The Golden Key). It also continued the use of synthesizers in the slightly sci-fi themed song, The Jupiter Effect. It was also on this album that Johnson first recorded his personal 'theme' - 'Someday someday' -- a song he would record in several versions throughout his discography.
Johnson continued the theme of the spiritual quest on albums such as: Fallen Splendour and Pilgrimage. Incorporating influences from several of the Inklings
, including a song inspired by C.S. Lewis -- Dream of the Island (Similitudes).
One of the hallmarks of Jeff Johnson's work is his commitment to excellence in the various details of record production; from the beautiful cover artwork drawn by David & Kathy Hastings to the immaculate limited-edition packaging for Icons.
More recently (2002), he can be heard with Brian Dunning
on the Gangs of New York (soundtrack)
, where he plays alongside artists such as Peter Gabriel
.
Around 1998, he moved Ark Records to Camano Island, WA.
Ark Records publishes both Jeff Johnson's significant catalogue of albums, and also those of a few musical associates.
Camano Island
Camano Island is a large island in the Possession Sound portion of Puget Sound, located in Island County, Washington, between Whidbey Island and the mainland. The body of water separating Whidbey Island and Camano Island is called Saratoga Passage. Camano Island is separated from mainland...
, WA. Stemming from a progressive-rock background, he works within a contemporary artistic-Christian framework, and precedes much of the New Age music
New Age music
New Age music is music of various styles intended to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism. It is used by listeners for yoga, massage, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management or to create a peaceful atmosphere in their home or other environments, and is often...
to which much of his music would later be compared. He has made collaborations with various other well-known musicians, including Sandy Simpson and Brian Dunning
Brian Dunning
Brian Dunning is an Irish flautist, largely known for being a member of Nightnoise. He had both Celtic and jazz influences early on. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in 1977. He is also known for works with Jeff Johnson, such as cùChilainn's Last Battle, and can be heard on the soundtrack...
. His works also include collaborations with contemporary author Stephen Lawhead.
In addition to recording, Johnson is active in the on-going Selah Service music and worship events.
Music and influences
Jeff Johnson's first studio efforts, The Anvil Of God's Word and Please Forgive Us Lord were recorded in 1976, were never officially released on CD. After many years, they were made available on a CD entitled Early Songs as part of the ArkMusic Special Editions series.Jeff Johnson's first studio album, Face of the Deep (1980) managed to conjure aural landscapes in the ears of his listeners with his synthesizer infused progressive rock renditions of fantasy works. The album begins with the pensive image of Rodin
Auguste Rodin
François-Auguste-René Rodin , known as Auguste Rodin , was a French sculptor. Although Rodin is generally considered the progenitor of modern sculpture, he did not set out to rebel against the past...
's The Thinker
The Thinker
The Thinker is a bronze and marble sculpture by Auguste Rodin, whose first cast, of 1902, is now in the Musée Rodin in Paris; there are some twenty other original castings as well as various other versions, studies, and posthumous castings. It depicts a man in sober meditation battling with a...
. Songs are inspired by writings such as Charles Williams' All Hallows' Eve, and by the paintings of Gauguin
Paul Gauguin
Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin was a leading French Post-Impressionist artist. He was an important figure in the Symbolist movement as a painter, sculptor, print-maker, ceramist, and writer...
and Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a French artist who was a leading painter in the development of the Impressionist style. As a celebrator of beauty, and especially feminine sensuality, it has been said that "Renoir is the final representative of a tradition which runs directly from Rubens to...
's The Moulin de la Galette
Moulin de la Galette
The Moulin de la Galette is a windmill and associated businesses situated near the top of the district of Montmartre in Paris. Since the 17th century the windmill has been known for more than just its milling capabilities...
. Johnson completes his treatment of these aural landscapes with on-location recordings of atmospheric sounds such as rain storms and creaking gates - incorporating them into the music in an artful way (see: History - 'Ark Mobile').
On his second album, he collaborated with Sandy Simpson
Sandy Simpson
Sandy Simpson is an actor who starred on television, he did not have a long career in acting though he is remembered for his role in the science fiction community in the 1984 hit NBC mini series V: The Final Battle as Mark, a former police officer who is a member of the resistance.Sandy did star in...
to record Through the Door (1982), which took up the theme of spiritual quest inspired by the novels of George MacDonald
George MacDonald
George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister.Known particularly for his poignant fairy tales and fantasy novels, George MacDonald inspired many authors, such as W. H. Auden, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, E. Nesbit and Madeleine L'Engle. It was C.S...
(The Golden Key). It also continued the use of synthesizers in the slightly sci-fi themed song, The Jupiter Effect. It was also on this album that Johnson first recorded his personal 'theme' - 'Someday someday' -- a song he would record in several versions throughout his discography.
Johnson continued the theme of the spiritual quest on albums such as: Fallen Splendour and Pilgrimage. Incorporating influences from several of the Inklings
Inklings
The Inklings was an informal literary discussion group associated with the University of Oxford, England, for nearly two decades between the early 1930s and late 1949. The Inklings were literary enthusiasts who praised the value of narrative in fiction, and encouraged the writing of fantasy...
, including a song inspired by C.S. Lewis -- Dream of the Island (Similitudes).
Breadth of Work
Johnson is a versatile musician, using sounds ranging from progressive rock with soaring synthesizers to acoustic Oregon double-bass and contemporary piano solos. Johnson has collaborated in a number of distinct projects over the course of his discography, including: Instrumental Fantasy, Celtic and Sci-fi inspired works.One of the hallmarks of Jeff Johnson's work is his commitment to excellence in the various details of record production; from the beautiful cover artwork drawn by David & Kathy Hastings to the immaculate limited-edition packaging for Icons.
More recently (2002), he can be heard with Brian Dunning
Brian Dunning
Brian Dunning is an Irish flautist, largely known for being a member of Nightnoise. He had both Celtic and jazz influences early on. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in 1977. He is also known for works with Jeff Johnson, such as cùChilainn's Last Battle, and can be heard on the soundtrack...
on the Gangs of New York (soundtrack)
Gangs of New York (soundtrack)
Gangs of New York: Music from the Miramax Motion Picture is a soundtrack album for the 2002 film, Gangs of New York. The score is by Howard Shore...
, where he plays alongside artists such as Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
.
Ark Records
Jeff Johnson is also the founder of Ark Records - which was founded in Tigard, Oregon.Around 1998, he moved Ark Records to Camano Island, WA.
Ark Records publishes both Jeff Johnson's significant catalogue of albums, and also those of a few musical associates.
Discography (partial)
- The Face of the Deep (1980)
- Through the Door (with Sandy Simpson) (1982)
- Shadow Play (1983)
- Icons (1984)
- No Shadow Of Turning (1985)
- Fallen Splendor (1986)
- The Awakening (with Sandy Simpson) (1987)
- Born Of Water (with David Friesen & Dave Hagelganz) (1987)
- Why Should The Heart Not Dance? (with Sandy Simpson & Kathy McClatchey) (1988)
- This Mystery I Pose (with Sandy Simpson) (1988)
- Pilgrimage (1989)
- Similitudes (with Dave Hagelganz) (1990)
- The Tale Of Three Trees (with B. Dunning & Elizabeth Denison Martin) (1990)
- Centerpoint - Poetry & Music For Christmas (with B. Dunning & Dallas McKennon) (1990)
- Great Romantics (1991)
- Songs from Albion (with Brian Dunning) (1992)
- Songs From Albion II (with Brian Dunning) (1993)
- Songs From Albion III (with Brian Dunning) (1994)
- The Isle Of Dreams (1994)
- Psalmus (with Janet Chvatal) (1996)
- Navigatio (with Janet Chvatal) (1997)
- Prayers of St. Brendan - The Journey Home (1998)
- A Quiet Knowing - Canticles For The Heart (with B. Dunnig & J. Fitzpatrick) (2000)
- Byzantium - The Book Of Kells & St. Aidan's Journey (with Brian Dunning) (2000)
- A Quiet Knowing Christmas (with Brian Dunning & John Fitzpatrick) (2001)
- The Enduring Story - A Retrospective (with Brian Dunning) (2001)
- The Memory tree (2002)
- Benediction (with Brian Dunning, Jozef Luptak & John Fitzpatrick) (2002)
- Patrick (with Brian Dunning) (2003)
- The Katurran Odyssey - A Musical Journey (with Brian Dunning) (2004)
- Vespers - Light Into Light (with Janet Chvatal) (2005)
- Stars In The Morning East - A Christmas Meditation (with Brian Dunning) (2005)
- Music Of Celtic Legends - The Bard & The Warrior (with Brian Dunning) (2005)
- King Raven EP (2006)
- A Thin Silence (2006)
- Standing Still (2007)
- King Raven - Vols. 1-3 (with Brian Dunning)(2008)
- Journey Prayers (2009)
- Frio Suite (with Phil Keaggy) (2009)
See also
- C.S. Lewis
- George MacDonaldGeorge MacDonaldGeorge MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister.Known particularly for his poignant fairy tales and fantasy novels, George MacDonald inspired many authors, such as W. H. Auden, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, E. Nesbit and Madeleine L'Engle. It was C.S...
- New Age musicNew Age musicNew Age music is music of various styles intended to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism. It is used by listeners for yoga, massage, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management or to create a peaceful atmosphere in their home or other environments, and is often...
- Owen BarfieldOwen BarfieldOwen Barfield was a British philosopher, author, poet, and critic.Barfield was born in London. He was educated at Highgate School and Wadham College, Oxford and in 1920 received a 1st class degree in English language and literature. After finishing his B. Litt., which became the book Poetic...
- Progressive rockProgressive rockProgressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
- Stephen Lawhead