Another NZ export to the US - Greg Johnson
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Los Angeles,
California,
United States
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Well, New Zealand (and Australia) have enjoyed singer Greg Johnson, and now it's the turn of the US.
This is from his website (http://www.gregjohnsonmusic.com/)
Johnson moves with ease between the piano, trumpet and guitar and his concerts are heavily influenced by his early musical days as a nightclub singer and raconteur. Filling Opera Houses and Theatres when he tours down-under, Greg's shows are now starting to gain reputation and momentum in the US.
In 2002 Greg moved to Los Angeles with guitarist Ted Brown to take up a recording contract with an LA based Indie label. That label collapsed 1 year later but undeterred and on the back of huge radio success in his homeland Johnson took the song "Save Yourself" (from the 2005 album "Here Comes The Caviar") to radio in the US where it spent 6 weeks in the Triple A radio top 50 (peaking at 42) as a truly independent release on his own Johnson Music Label. Over 60 stations added the tune including WBOS & WXRV Boston, WCBE Columbus, WNKU Kentucky, WBCG Florida and WMWV New Hampshire and the band toured and performed at a number of stations and cities.
His music has been featured in a variety of Television and film including "The Hills", "Highschool Reunion", "Road Rules", "Reversal Of Fortune", "Mysterious Ways", "Beautiful People" and the Movies "50 Pills" and "Entry Level" starring Missy Pyle.
Greg has opened for the likes of The Wallflowers, Minibar, The Corrs, Natalie Merchant and Melissa Etheridge. In 2005 Greg and The Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra performed classical arrangements of his best known hits in front of 2000 fans at the Aotea Concert Hall in his hometown Auckland. His 2006 album "Anyone Can Say Goodbye" was recorded in Hollywood with producer Clark Stiles (phunk Junkees, Dandy Warhols) and has thus far produced Greg's biggest ever down-under hit "Now The Sun is Out" which spent 12 weeks at number 1 on Hot AC radio New Zealand as well as "Anyone Can Say Goodbye" and "Maybe Your True Love" which have done similar.
Greg Johnson: Like most of this New Zealand singer/pianist's tunes, there's a slightly eerie subtext to an otherwise lovely performance, just enough to keep the listener guessing -- and coming back for more. - USA Today Brian Mansfield June 2007
And this from http://www.gregjohnson.co.nz/
Greg Johnson is back and better than ever.
'Anyone Can Say Goodbye' has all the hallmarks of what we have come to know as Johnson's quintessential sound. A master of soulful tunes, raconteur, Greg Johnson is ready to beguile and seduce us with his latest work. 'Anyone Can Say Goodbye' is full of songs that are ready and waiting to bewitch you. Laden with delicate pop craftsmanship and superb vocals, the record is full of tales of love gone wrong, love gone right, and all the feelings in between.
With seven albums and numerous Tui awards under his belt, this winner of the coveted Silver Scroll songwriter's award has repeatedly embedded his songs into the hearts of New Zealanders. Greg Johnson is a first class composer, wordsmith and entertainer.
Johnson first discovered his zeal for music while growing up in Auckland, on an eccentric blend of punk rock, Simon and Garfunkel and classical music. With a passion for performance and music in his heart, Johnson joined the late night band Bluespeak, singing and playing the trumpet for a living. It was here that Johnson further developed his distinctive and personable on-stage style. However, as pop music is his first love, he soon began to write and record pop songs under his own name. "Vine Street Stories" was his first breakthrough featuring 4 top 20 singles. The next two solo albums "Chinese Whispers" and "Sea Breeze Motel" introduced numerous pop gems including the classic hit "Liberty", which garnered the distinguished Australasian Performing Rights Association Silver Scroll award in 1997.
Relocating to Los Angeles in 2002 proved lucrative creatively as Johnson joined forces with renowned record producer Clark Stiles (Dandy Warhols, Phunk Junkees) to complete 'Here Comes The Caviar', an album that has nearly reached Platinum.
Several songs from that album have found homes on the US airwaves. 'Save Yourself' went top 40 on AAA radio in America both that and 'It's Been So Long' have been featured on the WB's hit show 'High School Reunion' and the ABC show 'Beautiful People'. The MTV shows 'Mysterious Ways', 'Sports Illustrated', 'Road Rules' and 'Real World' have also showcased Johnson's music.
Now Johnson is back, even bigger and brighter with what critic's are saying may be his best album yet. 'Anyone Can Say Goodbye' is full of the soulful intelligent observations that Johnson is so good at. Perhaps darker than his last two albums, it's a record that exercise's his expert ability to create tracks that take you on a musical journey. The first single, 'Now the Sun is Out' is already charming New Zealand radio programmers. With other stand out tracks including 'Venom' and 'New Car Smell', this album catalogues a plethora of emotion from love, friendship, heartbreak and regeneration.
Recorded entirely in the United States with his friend and long time collaborator Ted Brown, his US lifestyle seems to provide the perfect backdrop for Johnson's creativity. He is thrilled with his latest forthcomings. "Yeah, I'm really proud of the work we've done. This record is a great testament to some fantastic musicians and I hope these new songs will inspire old and new fans alike."
Here's some of his music:
