NEWS September 23, 2007 — Don't die of disbelief; a new CD is on its way! The long wait is finally over. Christmas in the Key of J will release on October 17, 2007. Excited doesn't cover it; I am thrilled with how it turned out. Samples January 8, 2004 — Top of the World Thanks to all of Jared's fans who downloaded his free holiday songs on LDS Music World! Both "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" stayed among the top ten most popular downloads for the month of December. January 5, 2004 — The Show Must Go On You heard it here first —> Jared's holiday radio show on KZION Internet radio was successful enough that KZION has expressed interest in a regular show starting later this spring! The show's format and time slot are being discussed currently. December 15, 2003 — Tune In to "Holiday Piano Favorites" This Season Jared is thrilled to host a special holiday show on KZION Internet Radio (www.kzion.com) this season. "Holiday Piano Favorites with Jared Johnson" will air online twice in the next two weeks: Dec. 17 (Wednesday) 1 p.m. MST Dec. 23 (Tuesday) 8 p.m. MST Jared will share some of his favorite solo piano arrangements of holiday songs by artists including Jon Schmidt, Cory Reese and David Tolk, plus a special behind-the-scenes look at his own brand new Christmas arrangements. To listen, simply visit www.kzion.com at the scheduled times, and click on "Listen." If you haven't visited KZION Internet Radio, you are missing out on an incredible resource. KZION plays an astounding variety of musical genres, all centered on providing an uplifting alternative to immoral music. November 21, 2003 — Hiatus Over Not quite back from the dead, but close enough. Jared returns from a prolonged hiatus with two original arrangements of holiday favorites O, Come, All Ye Faithful and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, both packed with the emotion and rhythm now synonymous with his name. This comes hot on the heels of his revamped Web site, with a new look and more ways to connect fans with the tunes. That's what it's all about, after all: you! Without you, Jared wouldn't be doing any of this. A million thanks to the fans and friends who make this a fulfilling endeavor. May 3, 2002 — The Road to Jazz Directions. It's time to start thinking about which avenue to follow now. There is always the straight route, sticking with nothing but solo piano on future albums. And, of course, there is the contingent ready to see a hymn collection with my name on it so I can be like everyone else in the church bookstore. But the siren song of jazz is calling, and it's so smooth. I'm getting sucked in to a much more lively route, one with the energy I found on tunes like School's Out and Movin' On but didn't know where to take it from there. I can do so much more with my new songs; I can add a beat. I can drive listeners' senses to sensational destinations with some good old-fashioned jazz drum kit surging in the background. That's gotta be where I take my next album. I have to get mixed up in the new crossovers that make people think, "Was that jazz? I couldn't quite tell." This road is still the one not taken, at least in these parts. Flooded is my first foray into my future. This is the first sneak peak. March 5, 2002 — FCMA I decided to join the Faith-Centered Music Association (FCMA) last month for several reasons. First, it is an exemplary attempt to bring the music resources of value-based artists together. Second, after attending last year's Pearl Awards, which the FCMA organizes, I gained a much broader picture of faith-centered music. And if I can ever jam like Sam Cardon did on Los Quattros Cuadros, I'll consider myself a success. Boy, did he bring the house down. Third, I share the FCMA's direction of expanding value-based music of all genres to the entire world. Two weeks ago, I laid down rough cuts of six tunes for the next album. They included Flooded, which I've been performing since the show with Pete Breinholt over a year ago. It's gotta be my favorite since I incorporate lots of hand drumming on it. If all goes well, the next album will begin production later this year. January 18, 2002 — Olympic Ode Took a trip back to Houston for Christmas break. While there, I carved out the outline for Mountain Dreams, inspired by the courage and determination of Olympic athletes. If all goes according to plan, I will debut the song at the Governor's Opening Ceremony Reception as part of the Salt Lake 2002 Games February 8. The melody commemorates the unique opportunity of hosting the games, the spirit of the participants, and the awe-inspiring Rockies surrounding the venues. November 16, 2001 — Engraved Invitation Got a treat last week. Thanks to the Internet, I was invited to perform at the Governor's Olympic Opening Ceremony Reception in February. The entertainment crew found this web site, listened to the samples, and decided it was the sound they wanted. I love having music speak for itself. When it all comes down, any passerby on the Web can check out free clips and decide if they like it without any hype. October 23, 2001 — First Rain Hits Radio Waves Two months ago I woke up and heard First Rain on the radio. It was another one of those dreamy moments where my feelings were crystallized. "More people will be able to hear my music now," I thought, "and perhaps breathe a moment of fresh air." Seems the world has overturned itself looking for peace of mind. When it all comes down, the stage lights don't make the difference. It's knowing that I have been given a channel to ease people's minds. It's the friend who pulls me aside to tell me he listened. This isn't the glamorous job most people think; it's lots of grit to provide individual moments of relief. That's the way it should be. September 9, 2001 — Reasons to Play There are a few reasons I play the piano and a few reasons that have nothing to do with it. The main purpose behind my music was illustrated last week at a gathering of old church friends. As we reminisced, caught up, and compared our lives, we rekindled a sense of connection and kinship. One friend requested I play Reunion, and a resurgence of feelings filled me. I was overcome with a warm joy that made me press each key with fervent emotion. I seemed to be playing the kinship inside me. That feeling is why I continue. To be able to share my gratitude in such a personal way is worth the constant work and patience required of musicians.