• The Katurran Odyssey review by Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com
• Patrick review by Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com
• Patrick review by Chris MacIntosh aka Grandfather Rock from The Phantom Tollbooth

For a generation of people whose musical sensibilities have been influenced by movie music, Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning have become the masters of a related genre, music inspired by books. In this style they present another evocative soundscape called "The Katurran Odyssey," inspired by the fantasy story of the same name created and illustrated by Terryl Whitlach, a former George Lucas animator, and written by David Michael Wieger. Filled with animal characters, the story centers on "Katook, a simple lemur from Kattakuk," who goes on a quest to save his village, meeting with adventure along the way.

On the soundtrack a prehistoric world of jungle images emerges with sound effects such as water, wind, and other noises inspired by nature. Improvisational flutes, violin, cello and vocalizations create a seamless flow over Jeff Johnson's mellow, electronic keyboard ostinatos. Some stellar instrumental moments occur, in particular, John Fitzpatrick's longing violin line in "The Fire Inside the Flame", the sitar-like fiddling in "Shifting Sands/ A City Dead" (wish there was more than one minute of that), and the grooving flute and panpipes (Brian Dunning) in "Wishes and Songs".

Unique, eclectic percussion in "Following the Butterflies" by Gregg Williams pushes the wildness of the jungle mood to its most mysterious depth. Janet Chvatal's atmospheric voice is mesmerizing. Lovely cello (Jozef Luptak) throughout, especially in "Behind the Water Wall" which also features an electric guitar riff which is edgy without sounding raucous (Tim Ellis). A rich, grounding bass line in "Finding Heaven" (Phil Baker) is deeply moving.

Although less "Celtic" than previous projects, the theme of the quest, of "the journey that turns into a pilgrimage" again makes its appearance.

As usual, the hallmarks of the Johnson/Dunning style are evident: excellence in sound quality, balance, and clarity, resulting in pleasing musical flow, and interesting arrangements.

This is music that sets a scene and should be listened to in conjunction with the book. Unless you know the story, the opening introductory voice-over doesn't make sense.

The cover and liner notes feature vibrant illustrations from the book, portraying scenes reminiscent of "Dinotopia."

This CD is available from Ark Records.

--Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com

Fans of Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning will be pleased to hear their newest CD, Patrick, a companion to the novel of the same name by Stephen Lawhead.

In the tradition of previous collaborations with Lawhead (Byzantium-The Book of Kells and Aidan's Journey, Songs From Albion and The Music of Celtic Legends-The Bard and the Warrior) Johnson, Dunning and friends have created a soundscape for St. Patrick's story, this time evoking ancient Ireland.

A questing atmosphere predominates, as the themes alternate between mournful and hopeful moods. Plaintive melodies call up a land of misty figures skirting the borders of time and eternity. A sense of longing is resolved in restful acceptance. These contrasting perspectives represent the paradoxes of Christian life, which Patrick experienced.

The musicians create a seamless flow of sound. The skillful playing of Jeff Johnson (keys and piano), Brian Dunning (flute, alto flute, whistles, accordion), John Fitzpatrick (violin), Janet Chvatal (vocals), Josef Luptak (cello), Gregg Williams (drums and percussion), Tim Ellis (acoustic and electric guitars), Phil Baker (electric bass), Roger Hadley (additional percussion) and Jack Dunning (voice of the Irish) is effectively arranged and well balanced.

Indicative of the new age instrumental style of this CD is "Healing Dream". A pensive wash of synthesized sound paints a background for the deep lush cello tones of the opening, followed by the melancholy whistle, and culminating in the ethereal soprano vocal line soaring above the oceanic cello and singing violin. Guitar and percussion heighten the intensity before the final resolution.

Although it is not necessary to read the book to enjoy this CD, a fuller appreciation for the music's composition will be gained.

Patrick himself wrote: "I testify in truth and in joy of heart before God and his holy angels that I never had any reason except the Gospel and its promises why I should ever return to the people from whom once before I barely escaped" (The Confession of St. Patrick, translated from the Latin by Ludwig Bieler). This music invites us to contemplate Patrick's life of service. May we be motivated to action as well.

This CD is available from Ark Records.

--Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com

Earlier this year, author Stephen Lawhead released his twentieth novel. It is called Patrick, Son of Ireland and is based on the life of the man that we have come to know as Saint Patrick. Jeff Johnson, along with longtime collaborator Brian Dunning, has just released his thirty-third album (I might have lost one or two in the count). It is called Patrick and is a musical companion to the book by Mr. Lawhead. It is, as a matter of fact, the fourth album by Jeff that has been inspired by the writings of this incredible author, the others being the three "Albion" albums and Byzantium. As with the other four releases, it is not necessary to have read the books to enjoy the album, but it sure helps if you have.

Along for the ride this time out, besides Brian, are long-time friends and cohorts: John Fitzpatrick on violin, Janet Chvatal on vocals, Josef Luptak on cello, Gregg Williams on drums and percussion, Tim Ellis on guitars, Phil Baker on basses, Roger Hadley on percussion, and Jack Dunning as the voice of the Irish. This ensemble has been together under the leadership of Jeff Johnson for years, putting out some of the most thought-provoking and awe-inspiring music that this old disc jockey has ever heard. To say that I have been a fan of Jeff's music for over thirty years now is a wild understatement. I love this guy and look forward with fervent anticipation to playing his new material and sharing it with a radio audience. Jeff Johnson might not be a household name among the Nash Vegas crowd--thank God for that--but among his scores of fans, he is, without a doubt, the man.

Whether it be a vocal album or, as in the case of this most recent endeavor, a collection of instrumental tunes, I know when I put on an album by Jeff and Brian I am in for a journey to places filled with awe and wonder. I have never physically been to Ireland but courtesy of Jeff and Brian I know the land of my grandparents as a place of tender beauty and mystery. I know it to be a place filled with what the ancient Celts called thin places, places where heaven and earth meet. With the music coming from my speakers while I listen to this album, my music library can at times become a thin place. Jeff, Brian, and all the rest of the artists of the Ark family, thank you for another dose of musical magic. By all means, be sure to check out Jeff's web site at www.arkmusic.com. You'll be glad you did!!!