It starts with a song about the day Van Gogh passed away and concludes with a tribute to folksingers everywhere.
On the journey between those two musical bookends are songs about Thoreau (Winter Song) the spirit of the front porch (Front Porch Symphony) Narcissism (Narcissistic Blues) dancing with your lover (September Eve) a tribute to Pete Seeger (Seeger Mashup) and the banjo-driven instrumental about the fragrant scent of earth following a rain fall (Petrichor) He composed ten of the eleven songs and produced all, his Martin guitar and long neck banjo are dominant throughout textured with string quartets, Gazebo horn sections, piano and more.
RADIO EUROPE: Peter Holmstedt
peter.holmstedt@telia.com
RADIO AMERICA: Bill Wence
billwencepro@earthlink.net
LABEL: radio@woodsongs.com
MEDIA & ASSETS: Jason Ashcraft
jwa@jwamedia.com
AfterBurn: Folk at Arena Level
Songs of War, Peace & Power
Summer 2022 Release
Michael Johnathon is not your normal “folksinger.”
AFTERBURN a collection of folksongs but produced at arena level. We are rushing the pre-release of FOUR singles to radio because of the war in Europe and unrest around the world.
Think “Pete Seeger meets Eddie Van Halen” … A banjo driven song about the march of world events, it’s a “Crazy World Around Me” indeed, based on a classic Irish ballad but performed with a rock band of Grammy winners and a 61-piece symphony orchestra.
THE DREAM
Is a simple, three-chord folk song, an inverted “prayer” where God is pleading with mankind to stop fighting. The centerpiece of the song is four children’s choirs singing in French, Spanish, English and Russian followed by the explosion of a full symphony. This is a massive folk-rock production.
AMERICA
A statement of endearment about a society drenched in commercialism, contradictions and commerce.
THE WORLD WE MADE
The oddity of war, the pain of war and “the Bombs we made will never go away.”
Assassins in the Kingdom
A raw, cinematic epic about the conflict of power.
PREVIEW & DOWNLOAD the MP3 or .WAV of the four advance songs,album one sheet, press release and cover JPG (pCLOUD):
WOODSONGS 5 (DOWNLOAD low res copy 2MB PDF): click here
WOODSONGS 5 (DOWNLOAD as an eBOOK) click here
ALBUM The Painter (CD included in the book) SoundCloud stream:click here
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COSMIC BANJO – release 2022
Formats AAA/Americana/Eclectic/Folk
“The CLASSICAL GAS of the BANJO world”
“PETE SEEGER meets PINK FLOYD”
COSMIC BANJO, THE TITLE TRACK OF THE UPCOMING ALBUM, is a celebration of the long neck banjo and Michael’s unusual picking style … “picking and frailing at the same time” using a normal thumb-pick, plus a metal pick on the first finger but the SECOND PICK is upside down. Picking … and strumming … all at the same time. All songs on the album produced and arranged by Michael Johnathon, performed on Deering made VEGA long neck banjos.
BALLAD OF BOJANGLES is a complete re-imagination of the Mr Bojangles story, made famous by Jerry Jeff Walker and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This is a completely original song featuring John McEuen on mandolin
RADIO FULL ALBUM DOWNLOAD .WAV or HiRes MP3 (7MB) advance download click here
WoodSongs 5: A Folksinger’s Compendium & Van Gogh Reader
As a follow-up to the artistic, musical journey of The Painter album, comes the 176 page celebration of Vincent van Gogh and other artists, “WoodSongs 5: A Fireplace Compendium & Van Gogh Reader.”
DID YOU KNOW Van Gogh tried TWICE to give away “The Starry Night” painting as gifts, and twice the receiver did not like the painting enough to accept it? That rejected painting now has an insured value of over $1BILLION US, yet at the time it was considered worthless.
From Vincent van Gogh to Pete Seeger, da Vinci to John Denver, Michelangelo to Billie Holiday, Bob Ross to Michael’s overview of the current music world and more. WoodSongs 5 has the rare, seldom heard backstories of great artists at a time when creatives everywhere are struggling. A must read for every creative trying to navigate the new, digital world from the American folksinger pointing the way.
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ISBN: 978-0-578-95249-9 LIBRARY of CONGRESS Control: 202191-4530
Release date: Jan 2022, hard copy 76 pages, full color 6×9″ plus full album CD of The Painter Pre-release date: Oct 2021, digital
THE NEW BOOK(DOWNLOAD low res copy 2MB PDF): click here
ALBUM The Painter (CD included in the book) SoundCloud stream:click here
SAMPLE – From the FORWARD of WoodSongs 5
“This book is for the ‘creatives,’ those who birth into reality what the mind says does not exist. They are the poets, painters, dreamers and time travelers, world-wanderers and highway vagabonds, rail riders and drifters. They dream what is unseen so others can appreciate what has been created. They are 5-string politicians, 6-string therapists, banjo barristers, acoustic lovers and penny-pinching peacemakers … because those who sing together can not fight. They are still there. Still writing, searching, singing, trying to get this world in tune.
But what is happening to all these hard working, struggling musicians, poets, dreamers and wandering souls that make their way across the ribbons of America’s highways, trying to sing, scratch out a living with their songs, paintings and poetry? The creative universe has entered a strange vortex, an empty, confusing digital shadow of what it used to be.
Today, our painters, poets and songwriters are drowning in a cyber-tsunami of ones and zeros, streaming their souls across cell phones and iPads for free in such massive volume the odds of hearing them, seeing them is almost nonexistent. And yet they continue to labor in the silence of this digital thundercloud, hoping their work will be found, heard, appreciated, noticed … maybe even pay their rent.
In these pages I will tell you remarkable stories about several artists who stood strong against the winds of denial and critics. I hope to explain in spirit, common sense and reality how we can all travel through this new world in a way that adds value and purpose to your art, music and passions.” – Michael Johnathon, folksinger
READ the front cover article from the September 2021 issue of the German magazine MUSIK AN SICHCLICK HERE
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REVIEW: July 26, 2021 <<<Michael Johnathon, the prolific writer, musician and host of the widely acclaimed WoodSongs Radio show has just put out a new book in his WoodSongs series called WoodSongs 5: A Folksinger’s Compendium & Van Gogh Reader.
In his new book Michael looks not just at music but at Art. He takes a deep dive into the lives of painters: Vincent Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, and many others who struggled to find a balance of living for their Art, while trying to survive in the real world. The book is lavishly illustrated with photos and commentary on many of the paintings of the old masters and even some of Michael’s own work as he explores his creativity using oils, canvas and brush. This theme runs through the book comparing the world of Art and music.
If you enjoy Art history, music and hearing inspiring stories, that will lift your spirits during these hard-hitting times, this book just might be your ticket.
Rik Palieri – Musician/Author host of the Songwriter’s Notebook TV Series and FolkTalk WBTV FM radio broadcast>>>
Portrait of an Artist by an Admiring Artist in a Night Cafe on a Starry Night.
Earlier this week I got into a bit of a ‘Twitter Spat’ about too many sites/publications sticking religiously to getting reviews out on or about the Date of Release; of which I am not just guilty,. In my defense I spend an inordinate amount of time promoting my reviews from across the years in my more bored moments; too.
Why am I telling you this?
It’s late April and this album was originally released in the US back in February; but as I’ve only just received it; presume it’s getting some kind of European Release soon …… but that doesn’t matter; as I just like it and want to tell you about it. Fair enough?
Something else that would normally be against me spending my time here; is that it’s a tribute/song cycle to the artist Vincent Van Gogh and the effect he has had on the Artist in question. Personally, I’ve never liked Van Gogh’s style of painting; though always admired it; even going as far once, half a century ago as having a blazing row with my 5th Form Art Teacher half a century ago which led to a visit to the headmaster’s office.
The opening track; The Painter openly borrows from Don McLean’s own Vincent; but Johnathon is quite open about that in the background story; and even closes the disc with his own rendition of that Classic song; and does it very well indeed.
In between it’s a fascinating journey; with the gentle Folk Singer taking aspects of Van Gogh’s life and work turning them into fascinating songs that stand up on their own; like a beautiful sunflower (groan!).
For instance Blues Tonight is a gorgeous tale that could just as easily be song about a weary love affair; but in context is a cornerstone that the many other layers are built on. Then, there’s the punchy Othello; a lovely song; and presumably about a work that the singer has done in the style of The Master; and yet again ….. Johnathon may be telling us that Artists of all persuasions can and do use, words, music, paints and clay to mask our inner feelings from the world ….. context is everything here.
This is followed by a straight up cover of Harry Chapin’s Cat’s in The Cradle; which confused me at first; but is more than likely the singer’s own tale as told through Chapin’s eyes; and more than any other will make complete sense if used in any form of stage presentation ……. which will be well worth catching btw.
It’s probably best not to take every song as ‘literal’ ……. Michael Johnathon is a Folk Singer after all; but his writing and storytelling is quite intriguing and articulate, that’s for sure; with Sunday Morning and its sublime banjo refrain being the type of song we’d normally associate with the likes of Don McLean himself as well as Don Williams; plus The Statement and The Journey both being in a similar vein; but with much more edge and pathos to the lyrics and annunciation.
Perhaps he discovered it via Adele’s zillion selling version; rather than His Bobness’s original, Johnathon takes Make You Feel My Love on yet another journey of discovery with a lovely string section and delightful piano accompaniment; yet again getting me thinking that this combination is surely destined for some kind of Stage Production; and a successful one at that.
BTW, the sequencing is as exceptional as the songs themselves; with that latter song being followed by a Folk re-invention of Blue Moon; and ending with; what else but Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) which; if nothing else reminded me what a great and undervalued songwriter Don McLean was/is …… and; what a wonderful voice Michael Johnathon has.
I’ve deliberately missed one song; simply because it’s outstanding and therefore my Favourite Song here.
Vincent In The Rain, which comes in at Track #2; and like so many others here, not just stands out as a really good song sung well on its own; but in context makes you want to hear (and feel) what is coming next and next and next; ad infinitum. Obviously a personal story to the writer/singer but one many of us will associate with in our own ways too.
To some degree I’ve rushed this review; but that’s mostly because it has excited me in a strange way. Much like the work of Vincent Van Gogh, I shouldn’t ‘like’ this type of Smooth Folk Music; as I’m far too cool ….. but ….. but …… even the bright Artwork on the cover drew me in and ‘in’ I’ve stayed all morning and now feel I need to hear more of Michael Johnathon’s back catalogue and …….. God Forgive Me …… but buy a book of Van Gogh’s works!
# Now I’ve read the Press Release it appears Michael is actually planning to base a film based around these songs sometime in 2022! Watch this space.
A true artist, Michael Johnathon is always creating unique projects to present to his fans. The Painter is a perfect example of this; Johnathon recorded the album after completing 43 oil paintings in his home’s art studio after the pandemic reared its ugly head.
The album is a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, who influenced Johnathon’s interest in art. But as usual with Johnathon, it is more. When the pandemic descended, he explains, “All touring stopped. The business of music stopped. But art is born of isolation, so during this isolated, quiet time, an artist supposedly should do their best work …To me, The Painter is a song cycle about the idea of the blank canvas of life being filled with all the colors of life.”
Indeed, the folksinger presents an album of songs that will be familiar to the listener, such as Don McLean’s classic “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” Bob Dylan’s statement of undying love in “To Make You Feel My Love” and Harry Chapin’s haunting “Cats In The Cradle.” He continues the mood of the album with his original lyrics on the remainder of the tunes, including “Vincent in the Rain,” a story of creativity, whether it be song or a painting; “The Statement” which features the beautiful work of Sharon Ohler on flute as Johnathon pleads for more love in the world; “The Painter,” which has a very familiar melody; and “Blues Tonight,” featuring the art of the musician’s finger picking.
Production includes a variety of instruments, among them accordion, hammer dulcimer, flute, piano, guitar, banjo and harmonica, all used specifically to weave together the emotions of and tell the story of each song.
Michael Johnathon is busy with everything and anything. For example, he is a music artist, author, playwright, painter, composer and radio Host. He handles these different disciplines easily and is a multi-talent in that respect. But it’s ultimately about the music and earlier this year he released a new album called The Painter. As the album cover already suggests, an ode to Vincent van Gogh.
The Painter is an album recorded in the midst of the pandemic. Like many artists, Michael Johnathon was given enough time to develop his creativity. So he also made grateful use of all that free time. He immersed himself in painters such as Monet, Gaughan and his focus eventually turned to Vincent van Gogh. He painted on it and while releasing the brush he wrote the songs for The Painter.
The Painter has become an album about art, music, love and family. This wide range of topics is combined in the issue of The Statement. An immersive track where Michael Johnathon pronounces that we should love more than hate. A message that we can certainly use today as earthlings.
Musically, The Painter has become a real folk record. The coloring is done with mostly acoustic guitars and here and there piano sounds. Michael Johnathon’s voice is very theatrical and sometimes of grotesque proportions. You notice in his voice that he is very involved in theater productions. That’s not a bad thing, because I think I do have something. It’s not disturbing anywhere.
The Painter also has some covers. The first to be noticed is of course Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love. Well done and little to add. In addition, shutter Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) by Don McLean, Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin and Blue Moon is a classic song from the 1930s. It’s interspersed with original Johnathon pieces such as the sultry title track The Painter and the menacing Americana-like Othello. A great interaction for me.
Michael Johnathon has made The Painter a beautiful and picturesque piece of work. The songs sound professional and attention has been paid to refined details. The production of this record sounds excellent and enough attention and love has been given to this project. Johnathon is active in many disciplines, but at least that’s not at the expense of quality at The Painter. This is beautifully designed musical folk art with one of the most famous painters Vincent van Gogh as the central point. What more do you want? (PoetMan Records)
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THE PAINTER Review
Blues Matters Magazine (July edition)
England
<<<As our magazine strapline tells us, the title says it all – Blues Matters. We get some records which vaguely sit on the periphery of the blues, and this is one of them.
Perhaps the best way to describe this it to let the artist explain: ‘Vincent van Gogh is to the art world as Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan are to the music world. As a songwriter I get what makes their music so revered, they’re simple and everybody wants to play them.’
Fair enough.
Johnathon is a multi-talented artist, written, arranged and produced by him, he also painted the cover of this CD in an impressive approximation of van Gogh’s style.
But is it a blues album? Track three is a blues entitled Blues Tonight, the song Othello matches the genre, there’s a Bob Dylan special, Make You Feel My Love, and Sunday Morning, with its laid-back banjo, fits the bill. However, this is the kind of material and delivery you’d expect from perhaps Michaels Buble or Ball or another west end musical star. Harry Chapin’s Cat’s in the Cradle, Hart and Rodgers’ Blue Moon and the overall inspiration for the project, Don McLean’s’ Vincent (Starry Starry Night) are all delivered with passionate clarity, but there’s not much blues to cling onto.
That said, this is a work by a talented, sensitive artist with an astute taste for good songs. It’s romantic, relaxing and thoughtful, and let’s face it, we all need a dose of emotional uplift in these difficult times, so thank you, Michael. ROY BAINTON>>>
<<<Michael Johnathon is busy with everything and anything. For example, he is a music artist, author, playwright, painter, composer and radio host. He handles these different disciplines easily and is a multi-talent in that respect. But it’s ultimately about the music and earlier this year he released a new album called The Painter. As the album cover already suggests, an ode to Vincent van Gogh.
The Painter is an album recorded in the midst of the pandemic. Like many artists, Michael Johnathon was given enough time to develop his creativity. So he also made grateful use of all that free time. He immersed himself in painters such as Monet, Gaughan and his focus eventually turned to Vincent van Gogh. He painted on it and while releasing the brush he wrote the songs for The Painter.
The Painter has become an album about art, music, love and family. This wide range of topics is combined in the issue of The Statement. An immersive track where Michael Johnathon pronounces that we should love more than hate. A message that we can certainly use today as earthlings.
Musically, The Painter has become a real folk record. The coloring is done with mostly acoustic guitars and here and there piano sounds. Michael Johnathon’s voice is very theatrical and sometimes of grotesque proportions. You notice in his voice that he is very involved in theater productions. That’s not a bad thing, because I think I do have something. It’s not disturbing anywhere.
The Painter also has some covers. The first to be noticed is of course Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love. Well done and little to add. In addition, shutter Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) by Don McLean, Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin and Blue Moon is a classic song from the 1930s. It’s interspersed with original Johnathon pieces such as the sultry title track The Painter and the menacing Americana-like Othello. A great interaction for me.
Michael Johnathon has made The Painter a beautiful and picturesque piece of work. The songs sound professional and attention has been paid to refined details. The production of this record sounds excellent and enough attention and love has been given to this project.
Johnathon is active in many disciplines, but at least that’s not at the expense of quality at The Painter. This is beautifully designed musical folk art with one of the most famous painters Vincent van Gogh as the central point.
<<<He is probably called a true multi-talent par excellence: MICHAEL JOHNATHON, at home in Lexington, Kentucky, is not only a folk / roots singer / songwriter, but also a producer, book and theater author, moderator of a radio show broadcast on over 500 stations and since the beginning Following the global pandemic, he is once again stepping up his hobby as a painter, his latest work is titled The Painter: with his latest and already 17th (!) album release, Johnathon seamlessly links to his song collection Legacy published last year – at the center of eleven new songs, including pieces by Harry Chapin, Don McLean’s covered pieces and Bob Dylan, stands as usual his strikingly melancholy singing an emotional, virtuoso, expressive, deeply rooted album in American traditions – which at first does not sound particularly extraordinary, turns out on closer inspection to be one of the best productions of this much-loved songwriter The Statement “We need Love, Peace, Art & Music”>>>
<<<An artistic tribute to van Gogh ”. Folk singer-songwriter Michael Johnathon has completed 17 albums and four books. As a dedicated artist, he is always looking for a theme around which he brews his compositions.
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The Painter shines its light on the painter Vincent van Gogh. Most of the songs originated on their own with Vicent van Gogh as a source of inspiration, yet he was also seduced into a few covers. Sometimes you can use existing songs such as ‘Make You Feel My Love’ by Bob Dylan and Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean.
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However, the first brushstrokes on The Painter come about hesitantly and sweetly, as if he does not yet know what to do. Do not hang up, because with the beautiful Harry Chapin ‘cover’ Cat’s In The Cradle ‘you disappear into the life painting that Michael Johnathon draws for you. “The Statement” laments hatred and war in the world, and pleads for peace. But also faith in the future, such as Vincent’s unstable determination.
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Johnathon not only sings, he also takes guitar, banjo and an occasional Hammond B3 into account. With an army of musicians in the background, a rich musical palette (see line-up), he paints a song cycle about art, music, love and life.
Michael Johnathon is hailed as an American folk singer (with a British timbre and US influences, and not the other way around, I suspect is in his genes). With a school as a mentor to Tom Paxton, Janis Ian and Judy Collins (not least), he convinces as a full-fledged troubadour with a sweet heart.
Only last year, the folk singer Michael Johnathon surprised me with his album “Legacy”. A sticker with the caption: ‘Legacy’ is the American Pie of the 21st Century !
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The “Legacy” musician who grew up in Hudson Valley, New York, did not need to shy away from the comparison with Don McLean, because the vocal cues as well as the type of compositions all drew parallels to McLean. Had the title song quite similar to “American Pie”, so it’s on the new record, “The Painter”, a composition by Don McLean, with which one can now wonderfully compare – “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)”. Although this version is very similar, especially in the partly romantic, partly melancholic mood, but in view of the arrangement with strings and flutes very independent, last but also – wonderful!
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Other foreign compositions in addition to the seven own songs are by Harry Chapin (# 4), Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers (# 10) and Bob Dylan (# 9). “The Painter” is a tribute album to Vincent Van Gogh, the painter who aroused the protagonist’s interest in painting. Before he started working on this album, he painted 43 of his own oil paintings in his studio, and thus took advantage of the time due to the pandemic. Jonathon führte dazu aus: To me, The Painter is a song cycle about the idea of the blank canvas of life being filled with all the colors of life.
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Each song breathes its own character, and there are always trifles and nuances that perfectly round out the atmosphere, be it the delicate flute playing by Sharon Ohler, the string arrangements, a tapping piano or an accordion. Not every song is immediately reminiscent of McLean, as Johnathan pursues his own approach, occasionally the expression of a title reminds me stylistically of such previously unknown colleagues as Bat McGrath or John Coster.
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The foreign title also filled the protagonist with his own performances, it was very successful from my point of view with Dylan’s song “Make You Feel My Love”, a jewel. An entire album with Dylan pieces I imagine very interesting! The classic of the Great American songbook, “Blue Moon”, can be heard in a discreetly swinging and folky version, it radiates a really positive mood. Finally, I have to repeat myself when I realize anew: This music is very warm-hearted, very intimate in its character, very close, music that one would love to have a friend because it comes from the heart.
<<<“An artistic tribute to van Gogh”. Folk singer-songwriter Michael Johnathon has released 17 albums and four books. As a dedicated artist, he is always looking for a theme around which he brews his compositions.
The Painter shines its light on the painter Vincent van Gogh. Most of the songs originated on their own with Vicent van Gogh as a source of inspiration, yet he was also tempted to do some covers such as ‘Make You Feel My Love’ by Bob Dylan and Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean.
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However, the first brushstrokes on The Painter come about hesitantly and sweetly, as if he does not yet know what to do. Do not hang up, because with the beautiful Harry Chapin ‘cover’ Cat’s In The Cradle ‘you disappear into the life painting that Michael Johnathon draws for you. “The Statement” laments hatred and war in the world, and pleads for peace. But also faith in the future, such as Vincent’s unstable determination.
_
Johnathon not only sings, he also takes guitar, banjo and an occasional Hammond B3 into account. With an army of musicians in the background, a rich musical palette (see line-up), he paints a song cycle about art, music, love and life.
Michael Johnathon is hailed as an American folk singer (with a British timbre and US influences, and not the other way around, I suspect is in his genes).
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With a school as a mentor to Tom Paxton, Janis Ian and Judy Collins (not least), he convinces as a full-fledged troubadour with a sweet heart.
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Michael Johnathon admires van Gogh and painted own work on the cover of his album himself. The Painter is musically an artistic story about love and hope in our lives. >>>
<<Michael Johnathon is an American folk singer-songwriter and is definitely a versatile and creative man. I’ll keep it short: in addition to being a singer-songwriter, he is a producer, writer, and playwright. He has released seventeen albums, published four books, published a play, composed an opera, made a film script. He has also set up three voluntary organizations and still finds time to tour the United States extensively. His heart is in folk music even though he reads the list with whom he has collaborated as the who-is-who of the American music world. The number of awards won is also impressive. That I nevertheless never heard of the good man says so or everything about me or about the interest in the Netherlands in American folk music.
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Reason more to focus the follower on Michael Johnathon. His latest album is called The Painter and is an ode to Vincent Van Gogh. In addition to a number of covers by Don McLean, Bob Dylan, Harry Chapin and Richard Rogers, he wrote the rest of the eleven songs himself, arranging and producing the entire album. The design of the cover is based on oil paintings of himself; I had not expected otherwise in the meantime. But well, what you and I ultimately care about is the music. I can be brief about that: very flexible and completely risk-free. Nicely produced, though very smooth. Willem Duys, who still knows him, must have turned this on in his radio program on Sunday morning. And that’s all there is to it.>>
<<<Michael Johnathon is a folk singer, poet, writer and artist who took his guitar and moved to APPALACHIA-BERGEN in Kentucky, USA. He has released 17 albums so far but has recently devoted himself to oil painting. He is an established Renaissance painter with a number of exhibitions and awards behind him. Michael has Vincent van Goghs as a source of inspiration and says that “he is for the art world as WOODY GUTHRIE and BOB DYLAN are for the music world where simplicity makes everyone want to hear and play them”. Combining music, painting and writing makes it a natural way to relate to creation. With him in the studio, he has eleven fellow musicians.
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It is clear that Michael Johnathon is a creative artist with many hats. Let it not be that he himself mentions WOODY GUTHRIE and BOB DYLAN, but I will inadvertently think of another greatness in that genre, namely PETE SEEGER. Songs starting with Nr2 Vincent In The Rain Nr5 The Statement Nr7 Sunday Morning and Nr8 Othello.>>>
<<<Mr. Michael Johnathon is an artist with long career behind. His multimedia works are well-known, not only over Atlantic, and during the years he has introduced himself as a man whose interesting spheres touches many artistic fields. He is a touring songwriter with 17 released albums, five published books, and he filmed a concert special for public television and radio nationwide and the RFD TV Network with The Ohio Valley Symphony called “Songs Of Rural America”, celebrating the music of America’s front porch.
But these are just ” few inserts” from his life-time career.
His actual album -“The Painter”, with 11 tracks in, is a sort of dedicated release to the personality of Vincent Van Gogh. A seven tracks from album are Michael’s authors creations, four are well-known covers : “Make You Feel My Love”, by Bob Dylan, “Cat’s In The Cradle”, by Harry Chapin, classic “Blue Moon” by Hart/Rodgers, and “Vincent” (Starry, Starry Night), by Don McLean. In all of four mentioned songs, Mr. Johnathon gave his own view and version, mostly different from original signature.
“The Painter”, we can also treat as a sort of conceptual release, attractive and acceptable for the listening in night-time and romantic mood. Most of the songs are also done in mid, some were performed in mid-up tempo, but in little more than 32 minutes of music, we can find many emotive elements and nice atmosphere too.
“The Painter” is an one untypical journey, and album with many unusual and interesting picture>>
If this would have been released 50 years ago, American singer/songwriter MICHAEL JONATHAN could have been a major label artist. Nowadays one in a million gets lucky and breaks through big time, such as the Dutch DANNY VERA in The Netherlands. Nevertheless, Michael still has built up quite a reputation in the 35 years he has been active now, with quite a lot releases so far. The Painter is his latest album, which is an album about Vincent Van Gogh, including a cover of the DON MCLEAN classic Vincent (Starry, Starry Night). Michael sings and wrote 7 out of the 11 included songs, so it’s 4 covers (also BOB DYLAN, HARRY CHAPIN and THE MARCELS are covered), and Michael plays guitar, banjos, percussion and Hammond. There are also additional musicians to be heard on drums, bass, harmonica, flute, piano, accordion and backing vocals, and the music we can hear is beautiful calmer story-telling folksy singer-songwriter pop in the classic 70s style, reminding of DON MCLEAN, JOHN DENVER and such, which is due to Michael’s melodic clean voice, because some of the songs also have BOB DYLAN similarities. Definitely a nice album to check out if you long back to the classic 70s singer-songwriter popstyle. More info at: www.michaeljohnathon.com
(Points: 8.0 out of 10>>>
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REVIEW of THE PAINTER
Europe
<<<Mr. Michael Johnathon is an artist with long career behind. His multimedia works are well-known, not only over Atlantic, and during the years he has introduced himself as a man whose interesting spheres touches many artistic fields. He is a touring songwriter with 17 released albums, five published books, and he filmed a concert special for public television and radio nationwide and the RFD TV Network with The Ohio Valley Symphony called “Songs Of Rural America”, celebrating the music of America’s front porch.
But these are just ” few inserts” from his life-time career.
His actual album -“The Painter”, with 11 tracks in, is a sort of dedicated release to the personality of Vincent Van Gogh. A seven tracks from album are Michael’s authors creations, four are well-known covers : “Make You Feel My Love”, by Bob Dylan, “Cat’s In The Cradle”, by Harry Chapin, classic “Blue Moon” by Hart/Rodgers, and “Vincent” (Starry, Starry Night), by Don McLean. In all of four mentioned songs, Mr. Johnathon gave his own view and version, mostly different from original signature.
“The Painter”, we can also treat as a sort of conceptual release, attractive and acceptable for the listening in night-time and romantic mood. Most of the songs are also done in mid, some were performed in mid-up tempo, but in little more than 32 minutes of music, we can find many emotive elements and nice atmosphere too.
“The Painter” is an one untypical journey, and album with many unusual and interesting picture>>
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REVIEW of THE PAINTER
DENMARK
<<<this is probably called a true multitalent par excellence: MICHAEL JOHNATHON, at home in Lexington, Kentucky, is not only a folk / roots singer / songwriter, but also a producer, book and theater author, moderator of a radio show broadcast over 500 stations and since the beginning Following the global pandemic, he is once again stepping up his hobby as a painter consequently, his latest work is titled The Painter: with his latest and already 17th (!) album release, Johnathon seamlessly links to his song collection Legacy published last year – at the center of eleven new songs, including pieces by Harry Chapin, Don McLean covered and Bob Dylan, stands as usual his strikingly melancholy singing a sensitive, virtuoso, expressive album deeply rooted in American traditions – which at first does not sound particularly extraordinary, turns out on closer inspection to be one of the best productions of this much-loved songwriter The State “We need Love, Peace, Art & Music”>>>
It’s not every day I listen to an album that pays tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. A beautiful album that sounds cinematic tones and most cinema color-scenographic dream sequences that I think the whole beauty of the album is colored by the realms of the senses. John Denver and Michael Chapman are two voices I immediately came to mind as Tim Hardin hovers over the album. I think this will be my soundtrack for spring. Each song is spring feelings in musical form.>>>
Think “Pete Seeger meets Eddie Van Halen” … A banjo driven song about the march of world events, it’s a “Crazy World Around Me” indeed, based on a classic Irish ballad but performed with a rock band of Grammy winners and a 61-piece symphony orchestra.
THE DREAM
Is a simple, three-chord folk song, an inverted “prayer” where God is pleading with mankind to stop fighting. The centerpiece of the song is four children’s choirs singing in French, Spanish, English and Russian followed by the explosion of a full symphony. This is a massive folk-rock production.
AMERICA
A statement of endearment about a society drenched in commercialism, contradictions and commerce.
THE WORLD WE MADE
The oddity of war, the pain of war and “the Bombs we made will never go away.”
Assassins in the Kingdom
A raw, cinematic epic about the conflict of power.
PREVIEW & DOWNLOAD the MP3 or .WAV of the four advance songs,album one sheet, press release and cover JPG (pCLOUD):
WOODSONGS 5 (DOWNLOAD low res copy 2MB PDF): click here
WOODSONGS 5 (DOWNLOAD as an eBOOK) click here
ALBUM The Painter (CD included in the book) SoundCloud stream:click here
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COSMIC BANJO – release 2022
Formats AAA/Americana/Eclectic/Folk
“The CLASSICAL GAS of the BANJO world”
“PETE SEEGER meets PINK FLOYD”
COSMIC BANJO, THE TITLE TRACK OF THE UPCOMING ALBUM, is a celebration of the long neck banjo and Michael’s unusual picking style … “picking and frailing at the same time” using a normal thumb-pick, plus a metal pick on the first finger but the SECOND PICK is upside down. Picking … and strumming … all at the same time. All songs on the album produced and arranged by Michael Johnathon, performed on Deering made VEGA long neck banjos.
BALLAD OF BOJANGLES is a complete re-imagination of the Mr Bojangles story, made famous by Jerry Jeff Walker and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This is a completely original song featuring John McEuen on mandolin
RADIO FULL ALBUM DOWNLOAD .WAV or HiRes MP3 (7MB) advance download click here
WoodSongs 5: A Folksinger’s Compendium & Van Gogh Reader
As a follow-up to the artistic, musical journey of The Painter album, comes the 176 page celebration of Vincent van Gogh and other artists, “WoodSongs 5: A Fireplace Compendium & Van Gogh Reader.”
DID YOU KNOW Van Gogh tried TWICE to give away “The Starry Night” painting as gifts, and twice the receiver did not like the painting enough to accept it? That rejected painting now has an insured value of over $1BILLION US, yet at the time it was considered worthless.
From Vincent van Gogh to Pete Seeger, da Vinci to John Denver, Michelangelo to Billie Holiday, Bob Ross to Michael’s overview of the current music world and more. WoodSongs 5 has the rare, seldom heard backstories of great artists at a time when creatives everywhere are struggling. A must read for every creative trying to navigate the new, digital world from the American folksinger pointing the way.
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ISBN: 978-0-578-95249-9 LIBRARY of CONGRESS Control: 202191-4530
Release date: Jan 2022, hard copy 76 pages, full color 6×9″ plus full album CD of The Painter Pre-release date: Oct 2021, digital
THE NEW BOOK(DOWNLOAD low res copy 2MB PDF): click here
ALBUM The Painter (CD included in the book) SoundCloud stream:click here
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SAMPLE – From the FORWARD of WoodSongs 5
“This book is for the ‘creatives,’ those who birth into reality what the mind says does not exist. They are the poets, painters, dreamers and time travelers, world-wanderers and highway vagabonds, rail riders and drifters. They dream what is unseen so others can appreciate what has been created. They are 5-string politicians, 6-string therapists, banjo barristers, acoustic lovers and penny-pinching peacemakers … because those who sing together can not fight. They are still there. Still writing, searching, singing, trying to get this world in tune.
But what is happening to all these hard working, struggling musicians, poets, dreamers and wandering souls that make their way across the ribbons of America’s highways, trying to sing, scratch out a living with their songs, paintings and poetry? The creative universe has entered a strange vortex, an empty, confusing digital shadow of what it used to be.
Today, our painters, poets and songwriters are drowning in a cyber-tsunami of ones and zeros, streaming their souls across cell phones and iPads for free in such massive volume the odds of hearing them, seeing them is almost nonexistent. And yet they continue to labor in the silence of this digital thundercloud, hoping their work will be found, heard, appreciated, noticed … maybe even pay their rent.
In these pages I will tell you remarkable stories about several artists who stood strong against the winds of denial and critics. I hope to explain in spirit, common sense and reality how we can all travel through this new world in a way that adds value and purpose to your art, music and passions.” – Michael Johnathon, folksinger
READ the front cover article from the September 2021 issue of the German magazine MUSIK AN SICHCLICK HERE
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REVIEW: July 26, 2021 <<<Michael Johnathon, the prolific writer, musician and host of the widely acclaimed WoodSongs Radio show has just put out a new book in his WoodSongs series called WoodSongs 5: A Folksinger’s Compendium & Van Gogh Reader.
In his new book Michael looks not just at music but at Art. He takes a deep dive into the lives of painters: Vincent Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, and many others who struggled to find a balance of living for their Art, while trying to survive in the real world. The book is lavishly illustrated with photos and commentary on many of the paintings of the old masters and even some of Michael’s own work as he explores his creativity using oils, canvas and brush. This theme runs through the book comparing the world of Art and music.
If you enjoy Art history, music and hearing inspiring stories, that will lift your spirits during these hard-hitting times, this book just might be your ticket.
Rik Palieri – Musician/Author host of the Songwriter’s Notebook TV Series and FolkTalk WBTV FM radio broadcast>>>
Portrait of an Artist by an Admiring Artist in a Night Cafe on a Starry Night.
Earlier this week I got into a bit of a ‘Twitter Spat’ about too many sites/publications sticking religiously to getting reviews out on or about the Date of Release; of which I am not just guilty,. In my defense I spend an inordinate amount of time promoting my reviews from across the years in my more bored moments; too.
Why am I telling you this?
It’s late April and this album was originally released in the US back in February; but as I’ve only just received it; presume it’s getting some kind of European Release soon …… but that doesn’t matter; as I just like it and want to tell you about it. Fair enough?
Something else that would normally be against me spending my time here; is that it’s a tribute/song cycle to the artist Vincent Van Gogh and the effect he has had on the Artist in question. Personally, I’ve never liked Van Gogh’s style of painting; though always admired it; even going as far once, half a century ago as having a blazing row with my 5th Form Art Teacher half a century ago which led to a visit to the headmaster’s office.
The opening track; The Painter openly borrows from Don McLean’s own Vincent; but Johnathon is quite open about that in the background story; and even closes the disc with his own rendition of that Classic song; and does it very well indeed.
In between it’s a fascinating journey; with the gentle Folk Singer taking aspects of Van Gogh’s life and work turning them into fascinating songs that stand up on their own; like a beautiful sunflower (groan!).
For instance Blues Tonight is a gorgeous tale that could just as easily be song about a weary love affair; but in context is a cornerstone that the many other layers are built on. Then, there’s the punchy Othello; a lovely song; and presumably about a work that the singer has done in the style of The Master; and yet again ….. Johnathon may be telling us that Artists of all persuasions can and do use, words, music, paints and clay to mask our inner feelings from the world ….. context is everything here.
This is followed by a straight up cover of Harry Chapin’s Cat’s in The Cradle; which confused me at first; but is more than likely the singer’s own tale as told through Chapin’s eyes; and more than any other will make complete sense if used in any form of stage presentation ……. which will be well worth catching btw.
It’s probably best not to take every song as ‘literal’ ……. Michael Johnathon is a Folk Singer after all; but his writing and storytelling is quite intriguing and articulate, that’s for sure; with Sunday Morning and its sublime banjo refrain being the type of song we’d normally associate with the likes of Don McLean himself as well as Don Williams; plus The Statement and The Journey both being in a similar vein; but with much more edge and pathos to the lyrics and annunciation.
Perhaps he discovered it via Adele’s zillion selling version; rather than His Bobness’s original, Johnathon takes Make You Feel My Love on yet another journey of discovery with a lovely string section and delightful piano accompaniment; yet again getting me thinking that this combination is surely destined for some kind of Stage Production; and a successful one at that.
BTW, the sequencing is as exceptional as the songs themselves; with that latter song being followed by a Folk re-invention of Blue Moon; and ending with; what else but Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) which; if nothing else reminded me what a great and undervalued songwriter Don McLean was/is …… and; what a wonderful voice Michael Johnathon has.
I’ve deliberately missed one song; simply because it’s outstanding and therefore my Favourite Song here.
Vincent In The Rain, which comes in at Track #2; and like so many others here, not just stands out as a really good song sung well on its own; but in context makes you want to hear (and feel) what is coming next and next and next; ad infinitum. Obviously a personal story to the writer/singer but one many of us will associate with in our own ways too.
To some degree I’ve rushed this review; but that’s mostly because it has excited me in a strange way. Much like the work of Vincent Van Gogh, I shouldn’t ‘like’ this type of Smooth Folk Music; as I’m far too cool ….. but ….. but …… even the bright Artwork on the cover drew me in and ‘in’ I’ve stayed all morning and now feel I need to hear more of Michael Johnathon’s back catalogue and …….. God Forgive Me …… but buy a book of Van Gogh’s works!
# Now I’ve read the Press Release it appears Michael is actually planning to base a film based around these songs sometime in 2022! Watch this space.
A true artist, Michael Johnathon is always creating unique projects to present to his fans. The Painter is a perfect example of this; Johnathon recorded the album after completing 43 oil paintings in his home’s art studio after the pandemic reared its ugly head.
The album is a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, who influenced Johnathon’s interest in art. But as usual with Johnathon, it is more. When the pandemic descended, he explains, “All touring stopped. The business of music stopped. But art is born of isolation, so during this isolated, quiet time, an artist supposedly should do their best work …To me, The Painter is a song cycle about the idea of the blank canvas of life being filled with all the colors of life.”
Indeed, the folksinger presents an album of songs that will be familiar to the listener, such as Don McLean’s classic “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” Bob Dylan’s statement of undying love in “To Make You Feel My Love” and Harry Chapin’s haunting “Cats In The Cradle.” He continues the mood of the album with his original lyrics on the remainder of the tunes, including “Vincent in the Rain,” a story of creativity, whether it be song or a painting; “The Statement” which features the beautiful work of Sharon Ohler on flute as Johnathon pleads for more love in the world; “The Painter,” which has a very familiar melody; and “Blues Tonight,” featuring the art of the musician’s finger picking.
Production includes a variety of instruments, among them accordion, hammer dulcimer, flute, piano, guitar, banjo and harmonica, all used specifically to weave together the emotions of and tell the story of each song.
Michael Johnathon is busy with everything and anything. For example, he is a music artist, author, playwright, painter, composer and radio Host. He handles these different disciplines easily and is a multi-talent in that respect. But it’s ultimately about the music and earlier this year he released a new album called The Painter. As the album cover already suggests, an ode to Vincent van Gogh.
The Painter is an album recorded in the midst of the pandemic. Like many artists, Michael Johnathon was given enough time to develop his creativity. So he also made grateful use of all that free time. He immersed himself in painters such as Monet, Gaughan and his focus eventually turned to Vincent van Gogh. He painted on it and while releasing the brush he wrote the songs for The Painter.
The Painter has become an album about art, music, love and family. This wide range of topics is combined in the issue of The Statement. An immersive track where Michael Johnathon pronounces that we should love more than hate. A message that we can certainly use today as earthlings.
Musically, The Painter has become a real folk record. The coloring is done with mostly acoustic guitars and here and there piano sounds. Michael Johnathon’s voice is very theatrical and sometimes of grotesque proportions. You notice in his voice that he is very involved in theater productions. That’s not a bad thing, because I think I do have something. It’s not disturbing anywhere.
The Painter also has some covers. The first to be noticed is of course Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love. Well done and little to add. In addition, shutter Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) by Don McLean, Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin and Blue Moon is a classic song from the 1930s. It’s interspersed with original Johnathon pieces such as the sultry title track The Painter and the menacing Americana-like Othello. A great interaction for me.
Michael Johnathon has made The Painter a beautiful and picturesque piece of work. The songs sound professional and attention has been paid to refined details. The production of this record sounds excellent and enough attention and love has been given to this project. Johnathon is active in many disciplines, but at least that’s not at the expense of quality at The Painter. This is beautifully designed musical folk art with one of the most famous painters Vincent van Gogh as the central point. What more do you want? (PoetMan Records)
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THE PAINTER Review
Blues Matters Magazine (July edition)
England
<<<As our magazine strapline tells us, the title says it all – Blues Matters. We get some records which vaguely sit on the periphery of the blues, and this is one of them.
Perhaps the best way to describe this it to let the artist explain: ‘Vincent van Gogh is to the art world as Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan are to the music world. As a songwriter I get what makes their music so revered, they’re simple and everybody wants to play them.’
Fair enough.
Johnathon is a multi-talented artist, written, arranged and produced by him, he also painted the cover of this CD in an impressive approximation of van Gogh’s style.
But is it a blues album? Track three is a blues entitled Blues Tonight, the song Othello matches the genre, there’s a Bob Dylan special, Make You Feel My Love, and Sunday Morning, with its laid-back banjo, fits the bill. However, this is the kind of material and delivery you’d expect from perhaps Michaels Buble or Ball or another west end musical star. Harry Chapin’s Cat’s in the Cradle, Hart and Rodgers’ Blue Moon and the overall inspiration for the project, Don McLean’s’ Vincent (Starry Starry Night) are all delivered with passionate clarity, but there’s not much blues to cling onto.
That said, this is a work by a talented, sensitive artist with an astute taste for good songs. It’s romantic, relaxing and thoughtful, and let’s face it, we all need a dose of emotional uplift in these difficult times, so thank you, Michael. ROY BAINTON>>>
<<<Michael Johnathon is busy with everything and anything. For example, he is a music artist, author, playwright, painter, composer and radio host. He handles these different disciplines easily and is a multi-talent in that respect. But it’s ultimately about the music and earlier this year he released a new album called The Painter. As the album cover already suggests, an ode to Vincent van Gogh.
The Painter is an album recorded in the midst of the pandemic. Like many artists, Michael Johnathon was given enough time to develop his creativity. So he also made grateful use of all that free time. He immersed himself in painters such as Monet, Gaughan and his focus eventually turned to Vincent van Gogh. He painted on it and while releasing the brush he wrote the songs for The Painter.
The Painter has become an album about art, music, love and family. This wide range of topics is combined in the issue of The Statement. An immersive track where Michael Johnathon pronounces that we should love more than hate. A message that we can certainly use today as earthlings.
Musically, The Painter has become a real folk record. The coloring is done with mostly acoustic guitars and here and there piano sounds. Michael Johnathon’s voice is very theatrical and sometimes of grotesque proportions. You notice in his voice that he is very involved in theater productions. That’s not a bad thing, because I think I do have something. It’s not disturbing anywhere.
The Painter also has some covers. The first to be noticed is of course Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love. Well done and little to add. In addition, shutter Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) by Don McLean, Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin and Blue Moon is a classic song from the 1930s. It’s interspersed with original Johnathon pieces such as the sultry title track The Painter and the menacing Americana-like Othello. A great interaction for me.
Michael Johnathon has made The Painter a beautiful and picturesque piece of work. The songs sound professional and attention has been paid to refined details. The production of this record sounds excellent and enough attention and love has been given to this project.
Johnathon is active in many disciplines, but at least that’s not at the expense of quality at The Painter. This is beautifully designed musical folk art with one of the most famous painters Vincent van Gogh as the central point.
<<<He is probably called a true multi-talent par excellence: MICHAEL JOHNATHON, at home in Lexington, Kentucky, is not only a folk / roots singer / songwriter, but also a producer, book and theater author, moderator of a radio show broadcast on over 500 stations and since the beginning Following the global pandemic, he is once again stepping up his hobby as a painter, his latest work is titled The Painter: with his latest and already 17th (!) album release, Johnathon seamlessly links to his song collection Legacy published last year – at the center of eleven new songs, including pieces by Harry Chapin, Don McLean’s covered pieces and Bob Dylan, stands as usual his strikingly melancholy singing an emotional, virtuoso, expressive, deeply rooted album in American traditions – which at first does not sound particularly extraordinary, turns out on closer inspection to be one of the best productions of this much-loved songwriter The Statement “We need Love, Peace, Art & Music”>>>
<<<An artistic tribute to van Gogh ”. Folk singer-songwriter Michael Johnathon has completed 17 albums and four books. As a dedicated artist, he is always looking for a theme around which he brews his compositions.
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The Painter shines its light on the painter Vincent van Gogh. Most of the songs originated on their own with Vicent van Gogh as a source of inspiration, yet he was also seduced into a few covers. Sometimes you can use existing songs such as ‘Make You Feel My Love’ by Bob Dylan and Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean.
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However, the first brushstrokes on The Painter come about hesitantly and sweetly, as if he does not yet know what to do. Do not hang up, because with the beautiful Harry Chapin ‘cover’ Cat’s In The Cradle ‘you disappear into the life painting that Michael Johnathon draws for you. “The Statement” laments hatred and war in the world, and pleads for peace. But also faith in the future, such as Vincent’s unstable determination.
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Johnathon not only sings, he also takes guitar, banjo and an occasional Hammond B3 into account. With an army of musicians in the background, a rich musical palette (see line-up), he paints a song cycle about art, music, love and life.
Michael Johnathon is hailed as an American folk singer (with a British timbre and US influences, and not the other way around, I suspect is in his genes). With a school as a mentor to Tom Paxton, Janis Ian and Judy Collins (not least), he convinces as a full-fledged troubadour with a sweet heart.
Only last year, the folk singer Michael Johnathon surprised me with his album “Legacy”. A sticker with the caption: ‘Legacy’ is the American Pie of the 21st Century !
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The “Legacy” musician who grew up in Hudson Valley, New York, did not need to shy away from the comparison with Don McLean, because the vocal cues as well as the type of compositions all drew parallels to McLean. Had the title song quite similar to “American Pie”, so it’s on the new record, “The Painter”, a composition by Don McLean, with which one can now wonderfully compare – “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)”. Although this version is very similar, especially in the partly romantic, partly melancholic mood, but in view of the arrangement with strings and flutes very independent, last but also – wonderful!
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Other foreign compositions in addition to the seven own songs are by Harry Chapin (# 4), Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers (# 10) and Bob Dylan (# 9). “The Painter” is a tribute album to Vincent Van Gogh, the painter who aroused the protagonist’s interest in painting. Before he started working on this album, he painted 43 of his own oil paintings in his studio, and thus took advantage of the time due to the pandemic. Jonathon führte dazu aus: To me, The Painter is a song cycle about the idea of the blank canvas of life being filled with all the colors of life.
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Each song breathes its own character, and there are always trifles and nuances that perfectly round out the atmosphere, be it the delicate flute playing by Sharon Ohler, the string arrangements, a tapping piano or an accordion. Not every song is immediately reminiscent of McLean, as Johnathan pursues his own approach, occasionally the expression of a title reminds me stylistically of such previously unknown colleagues as Bat McGrath or John Coster.
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The foreign title also filled the protagonist with his own performances, it was very successful from my point of view with Dylan’s song “Make You Feel My Love”, a jewel. An entire album with Dylan pieces I imagine very interesting! The classic of the Great American songbook, “Blue Moon”, can be heard in a discreetly swinging and folky version, it radiates a really positive mood. Finally, I have to repeat myself when I realize anew: This music is very warm-hearted, very intimate in its character, very close, music that one would love to have a friend because it comes from the heart.
<<<“An artistic tribute to van Gogh”. Folk singer-songwriter Michael Johnathon has released 17 albums and four books. As a dedicated artist, he is always looking for a theme around which he brews his compositions.
The Painter shines its light on the painter Vincent van Gogh. Most of the songs originated on their own with Vicent van Gogh as a source of inspiration, yet he was also tempted to do some covers such as ‘Make You Feel My Love’ by Bob Dylan and Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean.
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However, the first brushstrokes on The Painter come about hesitantly and sweetly, as if he does not yet know what to do. Do not hang up, because with the beautiful Harry Chapin ‘cover’ Cat’s In The Cradle ‘you disappear into the life painting that Michael Johnathon draws for you. “The Statement” laments hatred and war in the world, and pleads for peace. But also faith in the future, such as Vincent’s unstable determination.
_
Johnathon not only sings, he also takes guitar, banjo and an occasional Hammond B3 into account. With an army of musicians in the background, a rich musical palette (see line-up), he paints a song cycle about art, music, love and life.
Michael Johnathon is hailed as an American folk singer (with a British timbre and US influences, and not the other way around, I suspect is in his genes).
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With a school as a mentor to Tom Paxton, Janis Ian and Judy Collins (not least), he convinces as a full-fledged troubadour with a sweet heart.
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Michael Johnathon admires van Gogh and painted own work on the cover of his album himself. The Painter is musically an artistic story about love and hope in our lives. >>>
<<Michael Johnathon is an American folk singer-songwriter and is definitely a versatile and creative man. I’ll keep it short: in addition to being a singer-songwriter, he is a producer, writer, and playwright. He has released seventeen albums, published four books, published a play, composed an opera, made a film script. He has also set up three voluntary organizations and still finds time to tour the United States extensively. His heart is in folk music even though he reads the list with whom he has collaborated as the who-is-who of the American music world. The number of awards won is also impressive. That I nevertheless never heard of the good man says so or everything about me or about the interest in the Netherlands in American folk music.
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Reason more to focus the follower on Michael Johnathon. His latest album is called The Painter and is an ode to Vincent Van Gogh. In addition to a number of covers by Don McLean, Bob Dylan, Harry Chapin and Richard Rogers, he wrote the rest of the eleven songs himself, arranging and producing the entire album. The design of the cover is based on oil paintings of himself; I had not expected otherwise in the meantime. But well, what you and I ultimately care about is the music. I can be brief about that: very flexible and completely risk-free. Nicely produced, though very smooth. Willem Duys, who still knows him, must have turned this on in his radio program on Sunday morning. And that’s all there is to it.>>
<<<Michael Johnathon is a folk singer, poet, writer and artist who took his guitar and moved to APPALACHIA-BERGEN in Kentucky, USA. He has released 17 albums so far but has recently devoted himself to oil painting. He is an established Renaissance painter with a number of exhibitions and awards behind him. Michael has Vincent van Goghs as a source of inspiration and says that “he is for the art world as WOODY GUTHRIE and BOB DYLAN are for the music world where simplicity makes everyone want to hear and play them”. Combining music, painting and writing makes it a natural way to relate to creation. With him in the studio, he has eleven fellow musicians.
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It is clear that Michael Johnathon is a creative artist with many hats. Let it not be that he himself mentions WOODY GUTHRIE and BOB DYLAN, but I will inadvertently think of another greatness in that genre, namely PETE SEEGER. Songs starting with Nr2 Vincent In The Rain Nr5 The Statement Nr7 Sunday Morning and Nr8 Othello.>>>
<<<Mr. Michael Johnathon is an artist with long career behind. His multimedia works are well-known, not only over Atlantic, and during the years he has introduced himself as a man whose interesting spheres touches many artistic fields. He is a touring songwriter with 17 released albums, five published books, and he filmed a concert special for public television and radio nationwide and the RFD TV Network with The Ohio Valley Symphony called “Songs Of Rural America”, celebrating the music of America’s front porch.
But these are just ” few inserts” from his life-time career.
His actual album -“The Painter”, with 11 tracks in, is a sort of dedicated release to the personality of Vincent Van Gogh. A seven tracks from album are Michael’s authors creations, four are well-known covers : “Make You Feel My Love”, by Bob Dylan, “Cat’s In The Cradle”, by Harry Chapin, classic “Blue Moon” by Hart/Rodgers, and “Vincent” (Starry, Starry Night), by Don McLean. In all of four mentioned songs, Mr. Johnathon gave his own view and version, mostly different from original signature.
“The Painter”, we can also treat as a sort of conceptual release, attractive and acceptable for the listening in night-time and romantic mood. Most of the songs are also done in mid, some were performed in mid-up tempo, but in little more than 32 minutes of music, we can find many emotive elements and nice atmosphere too.
“The Painter” is an one untypical journey, and album with many unusual and interesting picture>>
If this would have been released 50 years ago, American singer/songwriter MICHAEL JONATHAN could have been a major label artist. Nowadays one in a million gets lucky and breaks through big time, such as the Dutch DANNY VERA in The Netherlands. Nevertheless, Michael still has built up quite a reputation in the 35 years he has been active now, with quite a lot releases so far. The Painter is his latest album, which is an album about Vincent Van Gogh, including a cover of the DON MCLEAN classic Vincent (Starry, Starry Night). Michael sings and wrote 7 out of the 11 included songs, so it’s 4 covers (also BOB DYLAN, HARRY CHAPIN and THE MARCELS are covered), and Michael plays guitar, banjos, percussion and Hammond. There are also additional musicians to be heard on drums, bass, harmonica, flute, piano, accordion and backing vocals, and the music we can hear is beautiful calmer story-telling folksy singer-songwriter pop in the classic 70s style, reminding of DON MCLEAN, JOHN DENVER and such, which is due to Michael’s melodic clean voice, because some of the songs also have BOB DYLAN similarities. Definitely a nice album to check out if you long back to the classic 70s singer-songwriter popstyle. More info at: www.michaeljohnathon.com
(Points: 8.0 out of 10>>>
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REVIEW of THE PAINTER
Europe
<<<Mr. Michael Johnathon is an artist with long career behind. His multimedia works are well-known, not only over Atlantic, and during the years he has introduced himself as a man whose interesting spheres touches many artistic fields. He is a touring songwriter with 17 released albums, five published books, and he filmed a concert special for public television and radio nationwide and the RFD TV Network with The Ohio Valley Symphony called “Songs Of Rural America”, celebrating the music of America’s front porch.
But these are just ” few inserts” from his life-time career.
His actual album -“The Painter”, with 11 tracks in, is a sort of dedicated release to the personality of Vincent Van Gogh. A seven tracks from album are Michael’s authors creations, four are well-known covers : “Make You Feel My Love”, by Bob Dylan, “Cat’s In The Cradle”, by Harry Chapin, classic “Blue Moon” by Hart/Rodgers, and “Vincent” (Starry, Starry Night), by Don McLean. In all of four mentioned songs, Mr. Johnathon gave his own view and version, mostly different from original signature.
“The Painter”, we can also treat as a sort of conceptual release, attractive and acceptable for the listening in night-time and romantic mood. Most of the songs are also done in mid, some were performed in mid-up tempo, but in little more than 32 minutes of music, we can find many emotive elements and nice atmosphere too.
“The Painter” is an one untypical journey, and album with many unusual and interesting picture>>
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REVIEW of THE PAINTER
DENMARK
<<<this is probably called a true multitalent par excellence: MICHAEL JOHNATHON, at home in Lexington, Kentucky, is not only a folk / roots singer / songwriter, but also a producer, book and theater author, moderator of a radio show broadcast over 500 stations and since the beginning Following the global pandemic, he is once again stepping up his hobby as a painter consequently, his latest work is titled The Painter: with his latest and already 17th (!) album release, Johnathon seamlessly links to his song collection Legacy published last year – at the center of eleven new songs, including pieces by Harry Chapin, Don McLean covered and Bob Dylan, stands as usual his strikingly melancholy singing a sensitive, virtuoso, expressive album deeply rooted in American traditions – which at first does not sound particularly extraordinary, turns out on closer inspection to be one of the best productions of this much-loved songwriter The State “We need Love, Peace, Art & Music”>>>
It’s not every day I listen to an album that pays tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. A beautiful album that sounds cinematic tones and most cinema color-scenographic dream sequences that I think the whole beauty of the album is colored by the realms of the senses. John Denver and Michael Chapman are two voices I immediately came to mind as Tim Hardin hovers over the album. I think this will be my soundtrack for spring. Each song is spring feelings in musical form.>>>
Formats AAA/Americana/Eclectic/Folk
As a follow-up to the artistic, musical journey of The Painter album, comes the 176 page celebration of Vincent van Gogh and other artists, “WoodSongs 5: A Fireplace Compendium & Van Gogh Reader.” 
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EARLY REVIEWS of WoodSongs 5 BOOK
In his new book Michael looks not just at music but at Art. He takes a deep dive into the lives of painters: Vincent Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, and many others who struggled to find a balance of living for their Art, while trying to survive in the real world. The book is lavishly illustrated with photos and commentary on many of the paintings of the old masters and even some of Michael’s own work as he explores his creativity using oils, canvas and brush. This theme runs through the book comparing the world of Art and music. 
REVIEWS of the Painter CD Album