Great Romantics

Description

Great Romantics is an album by the American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and producer Jeff Johnson, independently released on his own label Ark Records in 1991, distributed by Sparrow Distribution. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Jeff Johnson at The Ark in Camano Island, Washington; October 1990 to February 1991. Featuring Derri Daugherty of The Choir.

Man’s search for God is often brushed aside with strokes of empty religion. Too often it never deals with the realities of sin and its effect on this world. It is with poignant prose that Jeff Johnson addresses this quest in ‘Great Romantics’, drawing inspiration from European history relived in his travels. The title song was inspired by Bavarian King Ludwig II, who painted the ceiling of his room a deep dark blue; then drilled minute holes in it allowing light from a candle to twinkle through them so he could “sleep under the stars.” Initially laughing at such ludicrousness, Johnson later looked at the world around him, musing if “reality” was no more than a fabrication of dreams. “All of us are dreamers/ As we stare into our mirrors/ Imagining we’re someone that we never had a chance to be/ Holding up the great facades that prop our lives with meaning.”

Such lyrical imagery is a trademark of Johnson, who has given us such classics as ‘Fallen Splendor‘, ‘Icons‘, and ‘Shadow Play‘. Musically, he is without compare in contemporary Christian music, combining disparate musical elements into a style that is not only unique, but hits consistently high marks for artistic integrity. Like his recent delvings into instrumental experimentations, ‘Born of Water‘ and ‘No Shadow of Turning‘, three voiceless pieces are included here, featuring Johnson’s ethereal synthesizer creations mixed with sound effects and enough musical space to set the mind free to fill in the blanks.

Although the disc lacks the intensity to be called “college alternative” music, it is a delectable treat nonetheless. Derri Daugherty of The Choir contributes his talents to the release, playing electric basses and adding a unique dimension to Johnson’s music. Dave Hagelganz adds remarkable saxophone solos, especially in «Hadrian’s Wall», teaming with Daugherty to create a moving union of musical emotion. An especially delightful surprise is the resurrection of the 1972 Don McLean classic «Vincent». Vincent Van Gogh, who was endlessly dreaming and never understood, epitomizes the romantics of our age.

One of Christian music’s most veracious thinkers, Johnson does not allow his music to become just one more pop icon. His classical inspirations and worldview initially might seem too high-brow, drawing only the seminarian or Francis Schaeffer fan. However, it is for all who have ever dreamed. It is for those who have longingly tried to grasp a taste of eternity. It is a catalyst to free our minds to wander once again. ‘Great Romantics’ should cause us to sigh at our “ceiling full of stars” and at the same time long for heaven, when reality will finally be fulfilled. [David Rupert, CCM, July 1991]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/great-romantics/58213276)

CD tracklist:

Suite
01. Wanderlust (Mystery & Fabrication) – 3:52
02. Great Romantics – 5:23
03. Vincent – 5:39
04. Across The Sea – 2:51
05. Chartres Bells – 1:13
06. The Tyger – 3:42
Songs
07. Hadrian’s Wall – 4:23
08. Rolling Along – 4:48
09. WU-MM 72 (Mr. X’s Theme Song) – 3:18
10. “Perfekto” – 3:47
11. Wash Away – 7:16

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Ark Records. Available at Bandcamp: https://jeffjohnsonarkmusic.bandcamp.com/album/great-romantics