Early review of Johan's new CD

Dan Tyack · Post by **Dan Tyack** » 30 Apr 2002 1:27 pm

Johan Jansen's first CD 'Head Back In The Clouds' is truly a groundbreaking work.
This is a CD that will appeal to a wide audience, both to steel guitar fans, but more important, to any fan op progressive Pop music. Johan takes the steel guitar from its usual niche of country music, western swing, and easy listening pop music, and puts it in a contemporary context. The magic of this release is due to two factors. First, Johan assembled an extraordinary collection of some of the best European musicians to collaborate with, including the phenomenal guitarist Tres Manos from Urban Dance Squad. Johan took these original songs, many of which sound like they would belong on a Dire Straits or Peter Gabriel record, and added his pure steel sound. It is to Johan's credit that he didn't rely on a processed, effected sound to make the steel fit in the arrangements, but instead put the sweet, natural sound of his Derby guitar on the record. My personal favorites are his simple, moving ballads, Paul Franklin's collaboration on 'Crazy From The Heart'and the two songs, 'JJJam!' and
'Change Of Heart' that I collaborated with Johan on. Not because the latter two are any better, but because of my great memories of playing with Johan and his partners in this record.
Congratulations to Johan for my favorite steel release of the year!
>

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www.tyacktunes.com

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 30 Apr 2002 1:58 pm

I haven't heard it yet, but if it's half as good as the secret combination it will be great! European musicians know that Johan is one of the best steel players on the continent. It seems that America has yet to discover him, though.

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/b0b.gif" width="64" height="64">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (F Diatonic) Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6)

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 30 Apr 2002 2:50 pm

I agree!
Theresa

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 4 Jun 2002 1:10 pm

next week out

[This message was edited by Johan Jansen on 04 June 2002 at 02:11 PM.]

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 8 Jun 2002 6:54 am

some soundclips from it on
www.steeljj.com
Please, help me make it to the break-evenpoint

[This message was edited by Johan Jansen on 08 June 2002 at 07:54 AM.]

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 22 Jun 2002 12:54 am

It's on it's way to the forum

more info on www.steeljj.com
Johan

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 31 Jul 2002 11:01 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Johan Jansen
"Head Back in the Clouds"

With this project, Johan Jansen leaves little doubt that he is one of Europe's foremost steel players. Framed by spectacular arrangements of contemporary instrumentals, JJ exhibits a spectacular tone, perfect attack and uncannily precise pitch control.
The material is all original, written by the CD's executive producer, Case Schafrat. The rich, modern arrangements vary in style from dancable R&B to smooth jazz, from bluesy rock to tender ballads, somehow managing to avoid "country" the whole time. A top notch horn section joins JJ on several cuts, and there are guest appearances by American steelers Paul Franklin, Bob Hoffnar and Dan Tyack. A booklet lists the musicians (lots of them!) on all of the tracks, and JJ's copedent and equipment list are also included.

The more I listen to this CD, the more I hear. The production is rich and subtle, and JJ's technique is mesmerizing. Bravo, Johan!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What a surprise!!!!
Thanks, Bobby!
Johan www.steeljj.com
[This message was edited by Johan Jansen on 01 August 2002 at 05:02 AM.]

John P. Phillips · Post by **John P. Phillips** » 1 Aug 2002 12:52 am

Running Out Of You and Stand Tall do it for me. great job Johan, and much success !!!

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"Let's go STEEL something"
If it feels good, do it. If it feels COUNTRY, do it twice
jpp

clive swindell · Post by **clive swindell** » 1 Aug 2002 1:00 am

Johan

Is anyone going to be selling this CD in St Louis?

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 1 Aug 2002 2:46 am

The CD will be in a limited ammount in the Derby Room, and I think Scotty will have them too.
Thanks!

Al Braun · Post by **Al Braun** » 1 Aug 2002 7:01 am

Finally, someone to fill the shoes of Julian Tharpe and Curley Chalker. Good luck JJ.
Al

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 3 Aug 2002 3:58 am

Please, make your orders through The Steelforum, for USA and Canada not through my website.
Thanks, Johan www.steeljj.com

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 13 Aug 2002 9:16 am

new tracks sent to Tony prior, can soon be heard on live365.com, unknown heroes.
Thanks, Johan www.steeljj.com

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 13 Aug 2002 9:52 am

Here's the link to buy this CD from the Forum. The low price ($15) is this month only. On Sept 1 the price will go back to $18.

This is a great CD. The more I listen to it, the more I hear.

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/b0b.gif" width="64" height="64">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (F Diatonic) Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6)

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 11 Sep 2002 7:28 am

Sales are doing good!!!
Thanks guys!!!
Johan www.steeljj.com

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 11 Sep 2002 8:11 am

tracks are now on the playlist:

Steel Guitar Unknown heroes
www.Live365.com

search "Steel Guitar"

It's free

tp

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 11 Sep 2002 6:18 pm

It's Free

But even so you SHOULD buy this fantastic album. It has been in "heavy rotation" at my house (and in my truck) for the last month...

Those of you who know me from my years of posting on this forum know I love steel guitar in unusual contexts (as well as in the classic genres and settings)

Well JJ has definitely taken his playing to places few have endeavoured before and with panache, wit and style.

Great arrangements, crystaline production, and some truly great playing- the whole package!!

Go JJ!!

OPEN YOUR MIND AND YOUR WALLET AND BUY THIS RECORD

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 15 Sep 2002 3:06 am

Thanks for your very nice words, Dave!
Please guys, give your comments about it, I need them to get it released in more country's in Europe

They need to know that a steel can do other things then what they think it does

regards,
Johan