Psalmus

Description

Psalmus is an album by the American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and producer Jeff Johnson with classical soprano Janet Chvatal, independently released on Ark Records in March 1996, in co-operation with R.E.X. Music, distributed by Light Distribution. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed between March and November 1995 by Jeff Johnson at The Ark in Camano Island, Washington.

The cassette edition came with a sticker saying: “Experience a blend of Neo-Celtic and Gregorian chant with sounds recorded on location in Europe.”

For nearly 20 years, Jeff Johnson has taken many trips around the globe to do research and recruit first-class musicians, especially for his instrumental projects. His ‘Songs from Albion‘ albums – while keyed to a particular series of books – also stand alone as containing some of the finest Celtic music released in the past 10 years. During that same periode, Johnson has released several albums that might be described as “contemplative praise” while also doing a few jazz-oriented discs and some fine vocal albums as well.

But it’s Johnson the ethno-musicologist whose compositional skills are at the center of ‘Psalms’. The lyrics for this outstanding work are based on Latin texts of the Psalms. The music – which is both Gregorian and Celtic in nature – features ethereal vocals from classic star Janet Chvatal. The ambient musical tapestries which envelop Chvatal’s voice might suggest a generic description like “New Age,” the handle applied to much more commercial ventures by the likes of Yanni and John Tesh. But make no mistake – Johnson’s music has a decidedly Christian worldview. Not all of the vocals are performed by Chavtal; Johnson sings a number of selections in English, giving those who may not have the patience to sit through an entire classical recording the chance to appreciate Johnson’s compositions.

As usual, it’s Johnson’s keyboards which form the basis of the music. Whether using piano or string-like settings, Johnson maintains a consistency throughout the production that is rare. Assisting Johnson on ‘Psalms’ are frequent collaborators such as Brian Dunning (recorder), Roger Hadley (percussion), Rick Crittenden (bass), and Derri Daugherty (electric guitar).

If you’ve never taken the time to investigate Jeff Johnson’s albums, ‘Psalms’ is a great place to start. It’s got hauntingly beautiful music and a text with which you are no doubt familiar. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, December 1996]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/psalmus/64955005)

CD tracklist:

01. God Is Our Refuge (Deus Noster Refugium) – 2:40
02. Trust – 4:57
03. I Will Give Thanks (Confitchor Tibi) – 1:00
04. Psalmus Theme (Instrumental) – 3:21
05. Mercy – 3:14
06. Calling – 6:07
07. A Door Into Heaven/ Psalmus Reprise (Instrumental) – 3:08
08. Give Ear To My Words (Verba Mea Auribus) – 1:44
09. Heaven And Earth Meet (Instrumental) – 2:17
10. Under Thy Wings – 5:50
11. Place Of Resurrection (Instrumental) – 5:13
12. I Will Sing You Name (Psalmus Nomini) – 2:09

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by R.E.X. Music. Available at Bandcamp: https://jeffjohnsonarkmusic.bandcamp.com/album/psalmus

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