Wayne Wesley Johnson

Review: Canciones del Alma (Songs from the Soul) CD by Wayne Wesley Johnson I just love this Cd. It has a Jazz and Latin taste about. the songs with Nokie edwards are outstanding. best I have ever heard. this is a must for collector of great CD's.

– Reviewer: Dennis Cote 5/26/06

Hi Wayne: I signed the contract and issued a check for the deposit that will go in Monday's mail. I really liked what I heard on your website! You are an extremely talented guitarist that will help to make this a spectacular event.

– Tricia Hiser

To the Eldorado Hotel: Lynne and I spent some vacation in Santa Fe last week. Our evenings were spent testing the music in town. We were quite happy with the guitar players and singers we found. The St. Francis had a very good singer and guitarist on Thursday and Lynne and I were the only people there. Very embarrassing. Friday had more audience and was terrific also. But, when we went to the El Dorado, on Saturday, and experienced Wayne and Ruben, we were there till after closing. What a treat. Wayne projects a professional guitar mastery that you could only hope to imitate. What a talent. Someone needs to grab him and make him a star. If I were to evaluate their show, it would only be to mix some ?Margherita-ville? type music for the general audience. They would be hanging from the rafters. Again, thanks for having the great music.

– Chuck Lischer

This multi-talented guitarist, headquartered in Santa Fe, NM, plays the guitar with panache, composes original pieces and devises great arrangements of the standards. His playing style, nicknamed ?jazzamenco? is an integration of different techniques. Wayne?s idea to put ?jazzamenco? percussion as rhythm for a recording of the Surfaris classic ?Wipe Out? is guaranteed to take the listener on a wild ride! He has been, and continues to be, a featured performer at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) gatherings in Nashville, TN. This clearly establishes Wayne as one of the very best fingerstyle guitarists in the world today.

– Greg Atkin --Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists (AFG)

When I planned a small, intimate marriage ceremony and reception for my son and his fiancee there were many unique details that needed to be addressed: the couple yearned to have the rich rhythmic music of a classical guitarist; the officiating pastor had certain definite feelings about appropriate musical chorus? during the actual ceremony; the luncheon reception to follow would call for a more lively, celebratory entertainment. Knowing these elements, Wayne called upon his experience with weddings and went out of his way to satisfy all involved. The result was a beautifully sensitive accompaniment to the pastor?s words, responding to his cues---the music was softly woven into the nuptials. Wayne did a completely separate setup for the luncheon reception---his unique styling highlighted many of the songs. He included the couple?s favorite pieces, working their presentation into the joyously emotional afternoon. The groom had specifically asked for a classical guitarist to play. He was

– Joan England

I am president of the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society. We have an annual convention in Nashville, and we have been fortunate for the last several years to have Wayne Wesley Johnson as a performer at the event. He is a fine fingerpicker who has focused on a new breed of playing which he has named 'jazzamenco'. He has brought together the flavor of spanish guitar, jazz and gypsy music, and used his knowledge of fingerstyle music, and improvisation to fashion a unique sound. He is a crowd pleaser at our event, and he is also a big help to us in that he leads a workshop on his style of playing. I have played with him on stage, and can attest to his professionalism, and his ability to interact with a crowd. In other words I can vouch for his 'chops' and his all around stage ability.

– Dr. Mark Pritcher, Knoxville, Tn --Chet Atkins Appreciation Society

As a friend of Wayne's, and a guitarist, I can honestly tell you he is a multi-talented individual, whose efforts should be heard by a world wide audience. He not only plays the guitar with panache, but composes new pieces, as well devising great arrangements of the standards. His idea to put 'jazzamenco' percussion as the rhythm for a re-recording of 'Pipeline' is a classic example. He has been and continues to be a featured performer at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society conventions. Only the very best of the fingerstyle guitarists receive that recognition.

– Bob Snyder --Georgia Fingerstyle Guitarist's Assn.

Wayne is an extremely talented individual both in writing and performing. Our clientele truly enjoyed his music and many times asked if they could purchase CD's of his work. We play his CD's at the restaurant and constantly hear great things from those who listen to the music while dining. John Sorrenti Owner Veneto Restaurant, Bedminster, NJ --

– Veneto Restaurant

Wayne is a musician's musician. He has been blessed with talent, and he hasn't wasted a moment of his musical life trying to imitate someone else or copying someone else's style. Wayne is as original as they come. It doesn't matter if we're talking Jazz, Finger Picking, or Flamenco. Wayne Wesley Johnson is the guy I'd want on stage with a six string in his hand. George Manno, Chicago, Ill

– George Manno

Wayne- You are incredible!Your 'Songs from the soul' cd is an extraordinarily beautiful and varied cd.The production shows a life long dream has come to pass for you.Jazz,flamenco,world music,Ventures melodies blending together beautifully by your wise choice of expert musicians and great playing!What a producer you are! I love the pipa and guitar together.If I don't hear your music on the next Karate movie I watch I'll consider it a horrible injustice to you! Seriously,your dedication to the beauty of music will be reaching out to all my friends and students and fellow music lovers.If they haven't heard of Wayne Wesley Johnson before they will now! Sincerely,John Sheehan

– John Sheehan

Thank You very much for providing such fabulous music at the Horse Play in the Hills auction at Merck & CO., last weekend. You are a truly talented musician. As you know, the auction was finished by 9:30 p.m. The total amount raised for the represented charities exceeded $280,000. What a wonderful success for all involved. Please realize that your contribution helped to make the evening the success that it was. Jacqueline L. Welsh, Director of Development and Marketing 908.766.0180

– Visiting Nurse Association & Merck Pharmaceutical

Dear Wayne, It was great to have you back. Our 1997 conference attendees once again enjoyed your music. After having heard you in 1995, I was certain our audience would love to hear you again. You did not let me down. Your music during our President's banquet for our 78th Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada was superb. Everyone enjoyed the relaxing yet energetic tunes played by you and Ruben Romero. You two were a wonderful pre-show act. Even though you were on a huge stage that held an airplane, you coordinated y our music superbly with the audio-visual staff. Music coming just from the two of you was better than any ten-piece band we could have hired. Your professionalism and ability to work with hotel staff and my convention staff made our event perfect. Your performance was flawless. Thank you for making our evening so enjoyable. Best Regards, Mimi Harlan, Executive Director ISWM 10 West Kimball Street Winder, Georgia USA --

– International Society of Weighing & Measurement

Dear Wayne, As ISWM's 1995 Conference Chairman, I would like to extend a Grand Thank You for your performance at our Opening Session held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Your music was one of the topics of discussion amongst our attendees during the conference. Everyone was impressed with your talent and your charisma. Playing in conjunction with Thom Bresh made this year's opening session one of the best in recent history. Also, we were pleased that you could join former Elvis Presley's lead guitarist Scotty Moore, during our evening performance at the RIO. We were thrilled that he was part of Ronnie McDowell's band during their exclusive performance for us. Having you hjoin in on guitar that evening made for a great night for all. We appreciate your wide range of talent, Wayne. Thank you for bringing your spirit and unrelenting talents to us during our 76th Annual Conference at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. You made me look good all week long. Sincerely, Bob Cheyne, 1995 Confere

– International Society of Weighing & Measurement

Dear Mr. Johnson, On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Reading Public Museum, I wish to extend a most sincere thank you for your personal role in the success of An Evening with Dan Naminha and His Friends on May 18. Although I was out of town and unable to attend, I have enjoyed glowing reports from many who expressed the utmost appreciation of the concert, the dinner, and all aspects of what they regarded as a most impressive experience. The success of the evening is also significant since this major fundraising event is a key component in making possible the Museum's presentation of this exciting exhibit to the Berks community and entire mid-Atlantic region. Dedicated to providing a resource that enlightens, educates and entertains, the Museum will achieve all those purposes through Dan Namingha: Reflections on the Natural Way, scheduled from September 16, 2000 through January 7, 2001. With your help, this show will provide a most unique opportunity to view the dramatic work of

– Reading Public Museum

WWJ .....I received your latest CD the other day. What the heck kind of magic spell have you fallen under? I hear the guitar come alive in your hands! This time you and your friends have really outdone yourselves. BRAVO!

– George Manno

Congratulations Wayne! You have a certifiable hit on your hands! This is one of the best CD's I have ever listened to and it has immediately become one of my all time favorites! Thank you so very much for this gift, I truly enjoy it! I particularly like to listen to cuts #13, 14 , 1 and 2 in that order - and playing cuts #14 and #2 over and over several times in a row. You are lucky I haven't sent you a speeding ticket to pay for - this is the only CD I play in my BMW and I get to grooving on your music and drive the car to the pace of the tunes! I just listen to the music and get lost in the exotic images that come to my imagination and the next thing I know I am zooming down some back country mountain road pretty fast! I really enjoy Melancolia - your performance of this song is very smooth and comes across very hypnotic - I enjoy listening to it over and over. This is a very solid CD - no weak points at all! You have done great work! I can't wait for your next release! I am in the p

– Joe Bolton

......Mr. Johnson and I have worked together for the last three years in promoting UltraSound Acoustic Amps, which is my company's line of amplifiers. To that degree I would offer the following observations on my relationship with Mr. Johnson: 1. Mr. Johnson's knowledge of guitars is unsurpassed. His knowledge covers: a. History of guitars which includes both electric and acoustic. b. Manufacturing of guitars. c. Assessment of various manufacturers and their place in the market 2. Mr. Johnson also posses this same field of knowledge as it applies to amplifiers which is very important to me. 3. Mr. Johnson is well networked within the industry and has the ability to move freely among the different niches. He has shared freely with this knowledge and introduced me to any number of members of our industry that has enabled me to move forward. 4. While not as important, he is respected by the players.'

– Dan Gore --Ultrasound Guitar Amplifier Co.

Wayne is a true guitar aficionado, he is a collector, designer as well as a fine player. His recent collaboration with Ruben Romero (Hypnotic Safari, avail. at Hallmark stores everywhere) is a unique blend of jazz, classical,and fingerstyle with a rumba rhythm Wayne calls it 'Jazzamenco'. Wayne is multi-talented and has toured with the legendary Les Paul as a drummer and has also sat in on drums with Nokie Edwards of 'The Ventures.' Wayne has several Leach guitars: Rachel (with Willoughby cut-away), Franconia, a 16' Archtop and Jurassic Guitar and has a 'Bresh Spirit' too. Wayne has also had a great effect on Leach Guitars, his 'subtle' design hints into what collectors 'see' were invaluable, as was his 'networking'( several of the endorsers on this page were met through Wayne).

– Harvey Leach --H.G. Leach Guitar Company

Review of Canciones del Alma 'Songs from the Soul' by Wayne Wesley Johnson Title: CANCIONES DEL ALMA ?Songs from the Soul? Category: Music Subcategory: INTRUMENTAL ReviewerName: Mike Woznicki ReveiwerCertifications: A+, NET+, INET+, SERVER+, CCNA, CCDA, MSP, CNX-A, CIWA, CIWP, AWP, IWA, BCIP rating: ***** of ***** As a freelance reviewer most of the time I determine what I want to review, however in rare instances I get the opportunity to review something that I didn?t choose. In this case it was certainly my pleasure to have the chance to hear some of the best music I have heard in a long time. There is no doubt as to the unbelievable gift and talent that Wayne Wesley Johnson has and his ability to share this with everyone in nothing short of amazing. Throughout this album, there is a collection of 14 tracks; each one has its own unique sound and a blend of musical flavor that makes this collection one to have. I found a mix of Rumba, Spanish guitar, jazz, fusion, classical and R & B

– Mike Woznicki Music Reviewer

80 Million Daily Listeners * 6 Million Homes * 180,000 Businesses * 30 Airlines Worldwide................. Greetings Wayne, this is KenKi Johnson with DMX Music and I was just listening to the Riviera channel and my attention was grabbed by a tune I heard. I immediately checked my remote to see what the tune was and it was 'Hypnotic Safari'. Apparently I had a copy of this CD and on January 6 I added both 'Hypnotic Safari' and 'Entre dos Montanas' to the Riviera channel. Both are on high rotation and doing just fine. I will review the 'Songs from the Soul' CD before the week is done. Thanks a ton partner!!

– DMX Music

Jazz Guitar meets Nuevo Flamenco and time-trips, January 28, 2003 ....... Reviewer: Joanna Daneman..... If you like Nuevo Flamenco (Ottmar Liebert, for example) and you also like Jazz Guitar (Al Dimeola, Django Reinhardt) you will find this as interesting a CD as I did. Wayne Wesley Johnson and Latin percussionist Josef Martinez team up with guests on this album and give a wide sampling of their Santa Fe sound. The sound has been called 'Jazzamenco' for very good reason: it is jazzy but has Latin tunes and rhythms. But the sound is also a very polished 'big-studio' with a harking back to the Latin craze of the 50''s and a touch of that smooth, sophisticated cocktail-lounge sound. Listening to this CD, I occasionally felt I was taking a time-trip back to the 50''s or 60''s, with a brief stop in the 70''s and back to the 90''s. This CD definitely takes you places. All kinds of places. If you love a breezy Latin and Jazz guitar sound with more than a bit of tongue-in-cheek and a vague hin

– Joanna Daneman , Independent Reviewer

80 Million Daily Listeners * 6 Million Homes * 180,000 Businesses * 30 Airlines Worldwide................. Greetings Wayne, I just reviewed the Canciones del Alma CD and it''s absolutely fabulous. Everything I read is true, and then some. With that said I wanted to let you know which tunes I will be adding and to which programs. Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention. Peace!.... #1 - Rumba Azul - to Riviera & Smooth Jazz.... #2 - Baile de la Paloma - to Riviera.... #4 - Fire of the Gypsy - to Riviera.... #5 - Segovia''s Dream - To Smooth Jazz....

– KenKi Johnson Program Director --DMX Music

CD Review: Canciones del alma (Songs from the Soul) Style: World Music..... Musicians: Wayne Wesley Johnson, guitar, composer. Various guest artists including Mario Reynolds on pan flute/charango...... Review: Without doubt, Wayne Wesley Johnson is a world class guitarist, and the jazz listening audience will find his new CD collection, CANCIONES DEL ALMA, a wonderful blend of world music and contemporary jazz. His guitar performances are flawless. There are 14 songs on the CD. Among the many selections are 'Cancion del alma,' 'Fire of the Gypsy,' 'Sambaleo,' the intricate 'The River Suite.' The performances on this CD are topnotch, and the musicians with Wayne Wesley Johnson are topnotch. For those who enjoy world music with contemporary jazz influences, CANCIONES DEL ALMA is excellent listening and entertaining. For those who enjoy the stylings of Wayne Wesley Johnson, he is at his finest on CANCIONES DEL ALMA. Great entertainment for jazz guitar fans! .....

– Lee Prosser , Independent Reviewer

Annual Conference/Showcase......Thanks Wayne for attending. The members loved you and hope you can come again soon. With people like yourself attending our meeting, your helping us to build and teach Fingerstyle Guitar. Thanks:

– J.D.Roberts --Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists / AFG

Wesley Wayne Johnson - Canciones del Alma / Hypnotic Safari Wesley Wayne calls himself a 'Jazzmenco' guitarist -- obviously a combination of Jazz and Flamenco, but these two recordings make it clear that there is much more to it than that. Backed by Latin percussion, bass and keyboards and sax when needed, WW and Ruben Romero lay down some intricate but mellow songs that will put you in a relaxed mood as you travel on your Hypnotic Safari. Guest artists Tom Doyle, Nokie Edwards, Gao Hong, and others help out on Canciones del Alma, WWs first solo album. You''ll hear many original melodies and a totally new take on classics like 'Walk Don''t Run' and 'Pipeline'. Get your copy or download an mp3 at this website. Kirk Schutte

– Kirk Schutte, Independent Review

We liked this CD a lot, February 12, 2003 I am more of a fan of Flamenco than Jazz...but we played this CD start to finish and were happily humming along. I wasn''t the only one at home who enjoyed it at home, which tells me that 'Hypnotic Safari' has a very broad appeal. The guitar is very clean and crisp, and the tunes are snappy or relaxingly mellow. Very enjoyable, and the term 'hypnotic' really did describe the feeling. If you are a fan of Ottmar Liebert, you''d probably also like this particular CD from Wayne Wesley Johnson and Ruben Romero. The sound is very polished, and the cuts blend from one to the next smoothly. I found I could play this CD from start to finish without having to skip over the bits I didn''t like.

– Joanna Daneman (Independent CD Reviewer)

Hi Wayne, I received your box today. I am listening to 'Safari' as we type. I love that CD the best! It has started me pondering which place would be the best to contact here in vegas? The Billagio has a piano, bar, etc area right across from the check in? I''m thinking. hmmmmm I think what I might do is wait until after Nascar which is this week-end and then go down the whole strip and check it out. I love the Jazz Guitar! I just love Jazz. You are great!! I will keep you posted.

– Renae Knapp

I enjoy this type of music so I tend to listen to alot of it. Since Wayne is a relatively new artist, I wasn''t sure of what to expect. However, after listening to the CD I can tell you that this artist (and CD) is a real undiscovered gem. This easy listening production is some of the best music of this genre I have ever heard. Soothing and stimulating all in one very entertaining package. As with his other works, Wayne seamlessly blends jazz, r&b and Spanish flamenco flavor with ease. The arrangements flow, the melodies captivate and you''ll find yourself hitting the replay button over and over again. This CD is a first rate entry into Wayne''s already impressive portfolio. Buy it with confidence, it''s loaded with tracks you''ll enjoy over and over again.

– Raymond J. Cobos

WAYNE WESLEY JOHNSON Canciones del Alma (Songs from the Soul) Taking the Nuevo Flamenco sound to it?s loftiest peak yet, the 2003 release of Canciones del Alma - Songs From The Soul from the New Mexico guitarist is a real revelation for guitar fans. Johnson?s played with guitar legends including Les Paul and Nokie Edwards and his wealth of guitar experience and influences comes shining through on Canciones del Alma. The Spanish title underscores Johnson?s affinity for uptempo, lushly recorded Latin-flavored instrumental music. The album features a number of skillful players and percussionists, including masterful drumming from K.C. Morris and right at the center of the soundstage is Johnson?s ever inventive guitar work. Ventures guitarist Nokie Edwards appears a new Latin rhythm version of Walk Don?t Run called Camina No Corras. Another highlight is a remake of the 60s surf-rock classic Pipeline again featuring Nokie Edwards on electric lead with Johnson carrying that supple Jazzamenco

– 20th Century Guitar Magazine --Robert Silverstein

Subject: Re: GK: recommandation ! My copy of 'Canciones del Alma' just came in the mail on Monday...I think it''s a great CD!!! Wayne you gotta come visit in Chicago!

– John L --Gipsy Kings Group List Review

I'm just listening to 2 wonderfull CDs from Wayne Wesley Johnson, ' Hypnotic Safari ' and ' Canciones del Alma' ! I didn't realise that we have between our listmembers a so good musician, composer, arranger in World Music / Flamenco Nuevo / Latin ! If you have any chance to put you hands on them, do it, listen to them, take them. They are, in any way, multistyle CDs, allways very good guitar, well arranged, technically perfect. It's not often I put my 20 points for a CD, but here I do it for 2 CDs at a time without great reflection ! I think you would agree too !

– Krishna Gans CD REVIEW

A pleasant album of Nuevo Flamenco/Jazz guitar playing... Reviewer: Lawrance M. Bernabo (see more about me) from The Zenith City: Duluth, MN United States Usually in the morning my initial music selections are along the lines of classic rock ''n'' roll, designed to get me fully awake and ready to work. But sometimes I actually enjoy something a little more mellow. Lately it has been Wayne Wesley Johnson''s 'Canciones del alma' album, with its pleasant guitar work. We are talking mostly acoustic, fingerstyle guitar playing, which, according to the back of the CD, would be characterized as Nuevo Flamenco/Jazz (I can pass along the label, do not expect a musical definition to be forthcoming). There are few songs on the album that I recognize ('Venus'), even if I do not know the name ('Chi-di-di-cha-cha'), but there are several times when Johnson works a familiar theme into a song. My favorite track is 'Camina no corras (Walk Don''t Run)' which I know well enough to appreciate what is bein

– Lawrance M. Bernabo

My friend Wayne Wesley Johnson 'I''m pleased to know that many people on GK list''s members as me had loved your musics.....your a great artist. Thanks for your friendship...!'

– Manitas Fernando de Plata, Jr.

I have known Wayne Wesley Johnson at C.A.A.S. 2000 Convention in Nashville, and I''ve been impressed by his style, his taste and his personality. Moreover his gentle touch (that nowadays is something rare) also caught me, and convinced me to invite him to Soave 2001 Guitar Festival, in Italy, where he was very successful. Surely he is an outstanding guitarist and performer, and the music he plays (the so called 'jazzamenco') is an interesting and innovating way to mix tradition and modernity, where the result is something original and really capturing in the inside.

– Pierpaolo Adda -- Soave Guitar Festival

Canciones del alma (Songs from the soul)... This isn''t the first CD I''ve run across from Wayne, but it is my favorite. Wayne mostly plays nylon-string guitar and mixes different music, including jazz, surf, and various styles of Latin. His chops are never suspect. Just listen to 'Rumba Azul' for a taste of what he can do. He plays with a lot of fire and his right hand can send notes flying out a mile a minute. He shows he can write a great pop instrumental tune, too, on the title cut. Killer changes mix with fine guitar and piano (also playbed by Johnson), and some nice violin fills. There are some nice guest turns from former Venture''s Nokie Edwards. Their version of 'Walk Don''t Run' is killer, with both men soloing nicely and throwing together some nice harmony parts. The cover of the classic pop tune 'Venus' oozes prettiness. both from Nokie''s electric and Johnson''s acoustic. And the classic 'Pipeline' cooks with just the right amount of fire. Other tunes, like 'The River Suit

– John Heidt --Vintage Guitar Magazine Review

Canciones del alma by Wayne Wesley Johnson 'conjures the musical spirits of Carlos Santana, The Ventures, and Paco DeLucia...Wayne Wesley Johnson is essential listening for guitar enthusiasts'

– 20th Century Guitar Magazine

'Canciones del alma' Songs from the Soul by Wayne Wesley Johnson is the most significant recording to come out of New Mexico in years...this is a guitarist you need to know about.'

– Matthew Andrae resident staff guitarist --

'Wayne Wesley Johnson is a fine guitarist and a fine drummer, too!'

– Living Guitar Legend Les Paul at

CD Review: As the closest major town to Taos which I call home, Santa Fe has quite the stable of local music talent. It''s always proudly featured in dedicated sections of the more enterprising of music retailers. Of course, homegrown doesn''t automatically equate to quality. Inherently suspicious of flag waving, I don''t touch any of it unless a listening station supported sampling. That''s how I discovered Ladino singer Consuelo Luz and Flamenco maestro Chuscales. Resident clarinet wizard Eddie Daniels I of course loved long before I ever moved to the SouthWest. Today''s guitar album played a cut in the background while I perused the magazine racks at Hastings. It''s not a store I frequent for CDs since their selection focus doesn''t accommodate my acquired taste. Borders and The Ark tend to more be my kind of haunts. Alas, this rumba-flamenco flavored track with Chinese pipa, charango and panflute caught my attention. A copy of HiFi News got stuffed back into the rack while I made t

– written by Srajan Ebaen

'I didn''t know you were a drummer, too....that explains your excellent time.'

– Artie Traum - World Class Guitarist

Wayne Wesley Johnson is a name synonymous with creative innovation and artistic excellence. For more than four decades Johnson has dedicated his personal vision to music, starting out as a jazz-style flat picker, exploring various styles and genres, and eventually developing his own unique signature sound. Drawing from musical principles refined by the celebrated blues and jazz legends of past and present, as well as from the time-honored melodies and spirited rhythms of classical Old World flamenco, Johnson has inspired the fusion of these very different forms of sonic expression to create a high-energy hybrid of sound and tempo that has come to be known as Jazzamenco tm, also referred to as nuevo flamenco or rumba flamenca. Johnson?s affinity with music was evident early in his life. In 1959, at the age of nine, he began studying guitar with renowned jazz artist Sandy DeVito, and remained under his instruction for almost a decade. Shortly after the commencement of these studies, John

– RoseMary Diaz, freelance writer

Ruben and Wayne, Thank you very much for an enjoyable evening of music at our conference banquet (ipdps.org). I''ve heard a number of compliments from our attendees that I promised to pass along to you.

– David A. Bader, Associate Professor and Regent''s Lecturer, Electrical and computer Engineering Depa

Wayne Wesley Johnson - CANCIONES DEL ALMA (SONGS FROM THE SOUL): Several guest artists on this round with Wayne''s fantastic guitars. Th'' title tells it all... these are definitely SONGS (not chicken-scratch noise sculptures), & they (all) reach right in & grab your spirit - make it sing! Shades of Santana''s most recent efforts, but distinctly Mr. Johnson''s fingers. The compositions are allowed to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out and take their own sweet time; no one-hit wonders on the album. We''ve reviewed Johnson''s works before, & always found them attractive (especially if you love th'' fire inherent in Latin-based musics). Patterns are similar to songs you''ve heard (all these years), but Wayne Wesley infuses the performances with high-end energy that will have you clackin'' yer'' castanets from the opener to the end-run. I don''t (really) feature this as 'road music', but a coupla'' margaritas on your patio with Wayne''s songs will have you whippin'' out your Zorro sword to make yer'' mark

– Dick Metcalf, aka Rotcod Zzaj Productions Lacey

'Wayne's rasgueado is like a swarm of bees dancing around with honey combs in their hair.' Mason Williams (famous composer of 'Classical Gas') --

– Mason Williams, Composer "Classical Gas"

Graham and I wanted to tell you that we had such a fantastic time at the reception! We were thrilled at how amazing you guys sounded! It was so full of vitality and talent! We were worried that the energy at the reception would be a little 'stale' and uncomfortable but to our surprise when we got there you were already playing and the energy was great! I, also, wanted to thank you for how well you did with everything from working with us on music selection to making sure that everything went smoothly. The ceremony also went great. We didn''t even have a rehearsal but you managed to play perfectly and at the right times. I also noticed that at the reception even when you went on break to eat you continued to get up and make sure that the sound and volume were just right for the speeches and the other musician! Everything about you did was professional and dedicated to making our night the best night ever. Thank you, you succeeded! Every one loved you guys and we all had a excellent time

– Graham & Wendy Kepfer Warner

New Jersey-born Wayne Wesley Johnson was inspired as a boy by Les Paul, Chet Atkins, The Ventures, Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery and later by George Benson, Pat Martino, and Earl Klugh. Wayne took up guitar when he was nine years old and focused primarily on jazz style flat-picking. He led two of his own bands and also worked as a drummer for several guitarists, including the legendary Les Paul (toured the U.S. and South America with Les? band). His love for what he calls ?Jazzamenco? guitar caused him to change over from the flat-pick in favor of thumb and finger style playing. Artists like Ottmar Liebert, Armik, Strunz & Farah, and Willie & Lobo inspired Wayne to pursue the Jazzamenco course and the result is a fun and fascinating, creative new solo project called CANCIONES DEL ALMA (or Songs from the Soul). This exotic and relaxing project features super cool, surf guitar tracks as well as Flamenco music and melodic, world rhythms. Some of the music sounds like it?s directly from

– Sandy Shore

On behalf of the Board of Directors I''d like to thank you for your outstanding music. We enjoyed having you and hope to have you back in the future.

– Jeff Janke Vice President of Programs --Otowi Bridge

WOW! You made a special occasion unforgettable. Todd''s Fortieth Birthday on New Year''s Eve (held at the Compound Restaurant) was a night we will all remember forever and you made it even more special by providing us with exceptional music. Our guests were extremely complimentary of your music. You surpassed my expectations. Todd was thrilled! Thank you for a wonderful evening of music and we look forward to hearing more of you in the future. Please let us know of your local performances so we can hear you often. Take care and all my best to you both.

– Chris Richter