Jeff Johnson’s many recordings have managed to satisfy several widely divergent audiences.
Johnson’s vocal recordings, such as Great Romantics, Pilgrimage and The Memory Tree have been embraced by those who appreciate the intelligence and wit of their lyrics based on literature, art and travels abroad.
Contemporary Celtic music fans have been drawn to Jeff’s collaboration with Irish flutist, Brian Dunning. The best of the duo’s early Songs From Albion trilogy is compiled in The Enduring Story – A Retrospective. The music draws its inspiration from bestselling fantasy writer, Stephen Lawhead’s trilogy published by WestBow and helped spawn their Windham Hill, Music From Celtic Legends – The Bard & The Warrior (rereleased, The Bard & The Warrior). Byzantium – The Book of Kells & St. Aidan’s Journey, based on Lawhead’s epic novel, Byzantium, includes the song “Vows,” featured in the soundtrack of the Martin Scorcese film, Gangs Of New York. Their latest offering is King Raven – Vols. 1-3 inspired by Lawhead’s retelling of the Robin Hood legend, the King Raven Trilogy.
Johnson and Dunning, joined by Belfast violinist, John Fitzpatrick, and Oregon Guitarist, Tim Ellis, have also released A Quiet Knowing – Canticles For The Heart. This uniqute project features instrumental arrangements of the favorite hymns of Mrs. Billy Graham. A Quiet Knowing Christmas continues the series with instrumental renditions of twelve carols. Many of their arrangements have also been featured on seasonal compilations from Windham Hill Records. The trio was joined by Slovakian cellist, Jozef Lupták on Benediction, an inspiring tapestry of ancient – future sacred music featuring Celtic sacred melodies with contemporary Taizé choruses and original material.
Contemporary instrumental, New Age and Jazz enthusiasts have praised Johnson’s instrumental works such as Born Of Water and Similitudes, which feature notable jazz players bassist David Friesen and saxophonist David Hagelganz.
