Michael Johnathon

Michael Johnathon has estabished himself as a hardworking folk musician, singer and songwriter. He's also authored books, "WoodSongs" and "Woodsongs 2," which offer songs, poetry and social commentary. He hosts the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, a live weekly syndicated radio program that provides exposure for rising artists. Johnathon's eighth album was recorded live to two tracks. The FolkBoy Orchestra is Captain Don Cornwell on bass, Ben 'The Kid' Sollee on cello, and 'Hotlicks' Harsha Sen on mandolin. Some of the songs also feature the Kruger Brothers, Rob Ickes, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Minton Sparks, Harry Manx, and Andrea Zonn (her name spelled incorrectly in the credits). A photo inside the CD's jacket shows the FolkBoy Orchestra with Celtic vocalist Maura O'Connnell, but it's unclear if she appears on the album.

The music is well-arranged, with quite a few slower, contemplative numbers and subdued vocal harmonies. All but seven of the fifteen songs were written by Johnathon, and the remainder come from Si Kahn, Don McLean, Bob Dylan, Ben Sollee and the traditional canon. The faster-paced songs and flashier instrumental breaks elicit the greatest response from the audience. As with many live albums, the occasional applause can be slightly annoying, but the tradeoff is that you experience a more spontaneous, energetic and earthy performance. On this live production, Michael includes a couple pieces also featured on his seventh album, "Homestead," such as MichaelB Rag and Winter's Eve.

Johnathon's music is relaxed and at times meditative. "Chimney and the Grave," a nearly eight-minute poem and song, for example, stimulates the imagination. "The cradle now becomes the grave of a future left behind." Favorite cuts of mine include "Winter's Eve," "New Wood," and "Winter Has Me in its Grip." Michael Johnathon's live performances clearly emphasize his songs' lyrical messages. He also ends the project by paying tribute to the topical (and often times disenfranchised) songwriter, Bob Dylan, with a cover of "Knocking on Heaven's Door." With his energy, passion and deep lyrics, Johnathon follows a muse similar to Dylan's. I particularly enjoy his simpler songs of love and home, while others with more allusion and imagery require a higher degree of listener scrutiny. (Joe Ross)

MICHAEL JOHNATHON and the FolkBoy Orchestra - Live
Poetman PMR 70014
www.woodsongs.com
Playing Time - 57:17