JUDE JOHNSTONE Nashville TN Singer-Songwriter Americana Alternative
“On her new LP Shatter Jude Johnstone examines heartbreak and loss with such tender resignation that I wept in acknowledgement of its artful simplicity. A lesson in melodic grace delivered by as fine a singer-songwriter as any I know.”
– Rodney Crowell
Jude Johnstone is one of the most respected and acclaimed songwriters of her generation. Johnstone’s lyrical depth and memorable melodies have attracted an impressive list of recording legends that have covered her songs including Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, Jennifer Warnes, and Clarence Clemmons. Music supervisors have begun to spotlight Johnstone as well, with television shows Lifetime’s “Army Wives,” Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie” and Fox’s “Lie to Me” using her songs in emotional scenes and ending credits.
Johnstone is a recording artist in her own right having released 5 CDs over the past 10 years on independent label BoJak Records. From the Americana inspired CDs Coming of Age, On a Good Day andQuiet Girl to the jazz/blues influences found on Blue Light and Mr. Sun, Johnstone performed multiple roles as the producer, arranger, art director and composer on these noteworthy projects.
Shatter is Johnston’s 6th release on BoJak Records, returning her to the early roots of her music around the time “Big Man” Clarence Clemmons discovered her. Shatter brings her closer to the gospel, blues and reggae tracks found on her early demos when she first arrived in Los Angeles. Shatterfeatures two songs from those days, “Free Man,” and When Does Love Get Easier” with soaring background vocals by Maxayn Lewis.
Johnstone states Shatter, is about reclaiming your power by giving it up and looking deep at your shortcomings while finding the courage to change. The old self shatters in order to find a better self.” “Touchdown Jesus” was inspired when she visited Dr. John in New Orleans. When explaining directions to his home Dr. John told Jude, “When you get to the statue of Touchdown Jesus take a left.” Johnstone could not pass up that imagery and wrote “Touchdown Jesus,” which simmers with a sultry New Orleans attitude. “The Underground Man,” is reminiscent of a Tom Waits’ tune with evocative lyrics and phrasing.
Title track Shatter is a gospel prayer, of sorts, which makes use of a New Orleans style brass ensemble and the heartfelt vocals of Johnstone, and the incomparable Maxayn Lewis. It is powerful, poignant and thought provoking and a true indicator of the depth of wisdom and creativity from which Jude works.
Shatter is Johnstone’s most diverse collection so far, spanning several musical genres, delving honestly, and even eerily at times (i.e. Tom Waits, Randy Newman…) into a world of experiences that have led her characters down a darkened path only to emerge from it, ultimately.
Manager: Bob Burton, Burton Entertainment be@mind.net
