Rave Review of our latest CD, “Silhouette”



We were SO excited to receive the following email and review of our CD!


“Hello Johnson Strings
If you will go to the website just below this, you will see your record review as it appeared in the internet magazine "International Country Music" which emanates from Germany and goes all over Europe. Good job well done, see you”…
Bob Everhart
 “Country Music News International
Germany
RECORD REVIEW
THE JOHNSON STRINGS   Silhouette - It Is Not I That Live
La Rejouissance - Beaumont Rag - Written In Red - Dwelling In Beulah Land - There's A Peace In My Heart - The Merry Widow Waltz - We Believe - Power In The Blood - Lookin' For A City - The Old Rugged Cross - Mansion Over The Hilltop - Psalm 67 - Rock Of Ages - Gypsy Waltz - The Hallelujah Side - Fantomen - Near to The Heart Of God - This World Is Not My Home - Holy Holy Holy
This remarkable family is a wondrous musical group.  Violins, violas, upright bass, and keyboard is the majority, but expect the most remarkable sounds coming from these instruments, and much more.  "Beaumont Rag" to "Rock of Ages" is a transportation of the most remarkable kind.  Six children, a mom and a dad, make up the 'strings.'  I'm glad I had the chance to review this album when I did, because the Johnson Strings are going to make a very delightful appearance at the Oak Tree Opry in Anita, Iowa, on September 20th.  I'm also forwarding this CD to the Rural Roots Music Commission for 'instrumentalist' attention.  The entire project, and there are 19 great songs on this one, really allows the 'strings' to prevail and shine. They went to the Catamount Studios for the recording, and I have to admit this particular studio is producing some incredibly good music.  In the overall production, it's hard for me to find any negatives with a fine group like this.  I've listened to 'Beaumont Rag' played by old-time fiddlers so much, the Johnson's version seemed too slow to me.  Then I listened to it three or four more times, and the more I listened the more I liked it.  As a slower song it becomes quite beautiful.  The vocals throughout, harmony included are all wonderful presentations of a 'family' singing together, and there just isn't anyway this 'tightness' can be duplicated by the imitators.  "Old Rugged Cross" has an almost operatic approach, it is sad, deep, very classically adapted, for me it's a wonderful expression of originality.  "Gypsy Waltz" is another example of really good 'personality added' arrangement. "Fantomen" is also like this, a very beautiful 'Swedish' influence. If you've never heard the Johnson Strings, you should.  Their music is totally their own, and professionally and classically done, whether it's the Orange Blossom Special and the Beaumont Rag.....and to be sure, The Old Rugged Cross and The World Is Not My Home.
Bob Everhart, Reviewer www.ntcma.net

Thanks for the great review Bob! We appreciate it!