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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2001Piano-drummer releases percussive debut
New artist Jared Johnson couldn't find the right genre for his music, so he created his own. There is plenty of space between new age and rock, and Johnson's first official release landed him in the middle.
"Piano music doesn't have to put you to sleep on a Sunday afternoon," Johnson said, "and it doesn't need lyrics to get you pumped up."
What it does need is a unique sound, and Johnson has that covered. Piano Pop blends ingredients of jazz, new age, classical and straightforward pop in a mixture of upbeat and reflective solos.
"This is music you can listen to over and over and never get tired of," said Russ Dixon of popular folk group Colors. Johnson opened for Colors earlier this year at a benefit concert.
The album could also be titled Percussive Piano for the layers of rhythm that resemble a steady drum beat. Johnson's years of percussion study mark themselves in his music.
"Piano Pop is a high-energy piano album that takes you places. Jared's compositions are moving and fun to listen to," said Michael R. Hicks, who received three Pearl Award nominations this summer for his piano album Creations.
On stage, Johnson adds a new dimension to his music by actually drumming on the piano with his hands to produce a background beat.
"While writing songs like School's Out and Flooded, I imagined a beat in my head," Johnson said. "I finally found a way to bring out that beat while performing."
Raised in Houston, Texas, Johnson began his classical training at age five. In high school, he stuck with the piano and began studying percussion in addition.
Johnson has seen hands-on success opening for popular acts including Colors and Peter Breinholt. His music plays regularly on KOSY's "Sounds of the Sabbath" program Sunday mornings.
Online, Piano Pop is featured on KZION radio, and four songs from the album reached Top 40 positions on MP3.com within a month. Fans recently voted Snow Angels, First Rain and Serenade their three favorite songs in an online poll.
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