PureVolume

Jacob Johnson is a South Carolina native and folk singer who brings a little more to the stage than just simple folksy-type music. There's poetry in his songs, and not the kind that makes you think of hearts and flowers or even the sorrows of life. No, his poetry is more about reality and is tinged (okay, maybe more than tinged) with humor. Jacob shows you that music that sounds good doesn't always have to take itself so seriously.

His latest release, The Ferryboat Waltz, is a combination of nostalgic narratives and blistering musicianship courtesy of Jacob and his new musical foils; bassist Mark Eshenbaugh and Atlanta drummer John Henry. These three play off of one another in a way that makes this feel more like a "Band" album than a solo release. Even so, Jacob's highly emotive solo acoustic arrangement of
Pachabels Canon in D is a highlight of the disc. It brings a new level of expressiveness to a piece that seems to have become a musical cliche. I promise you've never heard it like this before.


Jacob is that awesome performer you'd expect to hear at a bookstore on a Friday night, or a small coffeeshop with a loyal crowd of hangers on that grows with each appearance. The music has an intimacy to it that makes you feel like he's right there in the room with you as you listen. Even songs that are full of nostalgia an longing manage to leave you smiling. Maybe that's why he's
shared stages with Edwin McCain, Tim Reynolds, David Wilcox and scores of others. These artists know something we're all just finding out; Jacob is a great performer who has a way with words that will cause even the most curmudgeonly person to grin. The world needs more talent like this.


Quotes/Blurbs:

"Jacob rocks!"
-Tommy Emmanuel

"Johnson sounds like Norman Rockwell paintings and the open road. He is a virtuoso, expressing a working comprehension of dozens of techniques and styles. He has blended and blurred the lines of genres to craft a sound he calls 'Neo-Acoustic Folk/Funk'."
- The Florence Morning News

"Jacob is a great performer who has a way with words that will cause even the most curmudgeonly person to grin. The world needs more talent like this."
- Mossip Music Blog

"He's all over the place. Influenced by technical masters like Pat Metheny and fellow southerner Kaki King, he has developed an approach that requires tight coordination of both hands as he slaps and taps the neck of his instrument."
- The Gazette (Rockville, MD)

"He surrenders to the passion that drives his guitar playing... Very entertaining and inspiring."
- Maine Music Blog

"Part of the new breed of folk musicians who make their own rules"
- The Savannah Morning News (Savannah, GA)