Johanna
Yonkers, New York, United States
Music
Press
The first time I heard this CD, I muttered, "Oh crap, this girl can really sing." Why? Pure, green-eyed, jealousy! Although self-taught on acoustic guitar, this beautiful soprano holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance from Syracuse University. And what does she vocalize so well about? Feelings! And she's got a lot of them. Woe for the guy she wants to leave ("Free") and rapture for the man she loves ("Falling"). This album of electric folk music contains all originals, some penned by Johanna alone and some with her producer and performing partner, Anthony Latt. Musicians include Anthony Candullo, Chris Mead, and Tony Tino on bass; Tom Seguso and Erik Perez on drums; Anna Dagmar and Evan Green on keyboards; Anthony Latt on guitar.
Listening to this album takes you on a journey through a vibrant, young woman's heart and soul. Hear her describe the thrill of finding love in "Falling." "Let me run my finger down your spine so close that I thought it was mine... I want to touch you from head to toe. There's not a spot on your body that I don't want to know." Listen to her self examination in "Just Let Me Be." "It's so temptying to ask yourself where you're going. But it's not 'til you've seen where you've been that you know... 'Cause everytime I think I know who I am I become someone else. Observe her advice in "Misunderstood." "You try so hard to give selflessly. But why do you bother when he'll never see that you can't be ustained on emptiness. So just give it up and find happiness." And finally, share the pure rapture of "Budootndweedleedotn." "It takes all kinds to make the world go round. And everyone's got something different building up their background. I'll show you what I've got if you show me what you have to bring. 'Cause if everyone was doing the same thing, why would I sing?"
Though the vocals stand firm and proud in the mix, the various rhythm sections help propel Johanna to ecstatic heights without stealing her thunder. A tip of the hat to Anthony Latt's tasteful arrangements.
Experience the pure wonder of Johanna's voice. Travel with her through life's ups and downs and watch her transform from girl to woman.
©2007 Roger-Z
- More Sugar, Westchester, NY
Why would you buy a CD? Would you buy it if at first listen it made you feel hopeful, light and joyful? Well that is the exact experience the listener shall have from the first track of Johanna’s new release Why Would I Sing? The upbeat Falling kicks off this wonderful album; a tune that perfectly expresses the rush and beauty of falling in love.
Johanna’s voice has a magnificent quality that complements her music and lyrics. If you enjoy the likes of Shawn Colvin or Jewel, this is a must-own record. All the players appearing on the recordings execute first class musicianship. Co-writer & guitarist Anthony Latt shines on these songs; the darkly beautiful lead work on It Was You is a showcase of the heartfelt playing heard throughout the record.
Every now & then you stumble upon a song that screams a truth so loudly that it resonates inside you for a long time. Even if it’s a mundane melody, it’s in your head. Fortunately this blue moon song found on track 3 has one of the most captivating hooks ever written; it’s a treasure in every way. It’s so tempting to ask yourself where you’re going/but it’s not till you’ve seen where you’ve been that you know/ so you might as well just learn to live in the moment/ or it all passes you by while you’re wondering where you’ll go. Just Let Me Be is one of the “essence songs” representing everything good about this entire CD.
The sanguine Pocket wraps up this remarkable first full length debut from Johanna. It’s no surprise Billboard Magazine commended two of Johanna’s song in their songwriter’s contest! We look very forward to this incredible artist’s next endeavor.
Record Review by TC Krentz - Boston Girl Guide
Discography
Johanna's self titled sampler disc of 4 tracks--available at live shows.
Johanna’s most recent release “…why would I sing?” has been capturing the ears of fans and critics alike. Get your very own copy at www.iTunes.com or www.CDBaby.com or, of course at a live show!
Photos
Bio
Johanna’s most recent release “…why would I sing?” has been capturing the ears of fans and critics since its release in the fall of 2007. The finely written songs recorded with great musicianship and mastered by Grammy award winning producer, Phil Nicolo make for a gratifying listen from start to finish. It is her lyrics and sense of melody that make Johanna’s songwriting ability so admirable and her songs a true pleasure to listen to over and over.
A classically trained soprano, Johanna’s equally adept pop sensibility never fails to wow her audiences. With an eclectic fusion of pop/folk/rock, Johanna maintains a sound all her own. Versatile and charismatic with a captivating stage presence, Johanna is a natural crowd-pleaser. She holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance from Syracuse University. It was there where she first taught herself to play the guitar as a writing tool for her songs and where she formed her first band. Now, living in Westchester County, New York, Johanna plays with a wide range of talented musicians from around the NYC area performing on an eclectic mix of instruments such as full horn sections and organ.
She has recently been part of the M.E.A.N.Y. (Musicians & Emerging Artists New York) Festival in New York City and the Millennium Music Conference in Pennsylvania alongside many other renowned artists. In addition to these special musical events, Johanna can be seen live, either acoustically or with a full band, at many great venues all over Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New York such as The Knitting Factory, The Bitterend and Arlene’s Grocery to name a few. She has gained musical recognition with awards such as SingerUniverse’s Best Singer of the Month in April, and Billboard Magazine’s songwriting contest recently acclaimed two of her songs, which were co-written with her lead guitar player Anthony Latt. Her loyal and enthusiastic fan base is growing along the East Coast and will surely continue to expand. She has appeared and performed on TV shows such as The Guitar Show, Yorktown Heights, NY and recently on The Working Musician, White Plains, NY. Her single with the attention grabbing title, “Budootndweedleedotn”, has recently gained air time on WHUD, 100.7 in the Hudson Valley, NY and on WESS, 90.3 in Eastern PA.
Johanna is proud to have recently been asked to write the theme song for the In The Pink Foundation. This powerful song can be heard on the foundation’s website www.inthepinkfoundation.org.
See live performance videos of Johanna at www.myspace.com/johannagoodtunes
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