Parsonage Lane by Victor Johnson

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After flying to Boston for a Joni Mitchell music festival over Labor Day weekend 2001, Johnson flew home from Boston to Atlanta on September 3rd, experiencing an unusually beautiful flight. One week later, on September 10th, he wrote Parsonage Lane, capturing the beauty and innocence that seemed to be lost the following day. While everybody else struggles to write songs inspired by September 11th, Johnson has produced a brilliant, shining gem that shows and reminds you why life is worth living.

Johnson lived in Asheville for a year, writing most of the songs on the CD during that time. He worked with award-winning songwriter, Chris Rosser, who produced Parsonage Lane. Several amazing musicians are featured, including world class percussionist and drummer, River Guerguerian, Grammy award-winning bassist, Eliot Wadopian, vocalist, Jen Hamel (Clandestine), and Chris Rosser on guitar, keyboard, and bass. Also featured are violinist, Joe Ebel, vocalist, Annie Lalley, sax/flutist, Stuart Reinhardt, and trumpeter, Greg McClean. Parsonage Lane is scheduled to be released on June 21, 2003.

From Southeast Performer Magazine, August 2004

Reviewer -Shawn M. Haney

With the warm endearing feel of Latin jazz, and enlightening folk-pop, Victor Johnson spins out melodies and poetic messages with genuine heart and wit on the breathtaking Parsonage Lane. The opening track, "Heavenly Eyes" is somber and romantic, a perfect love ballad to help the record begin to flow. The listener can be engaged in awe of Johnson's daring group of backup musicians. You'll hear the soprano sax of Stuart Reinhardt, the dynamic percussive rhythms of River Guerguerian, and Chris Rossser playing a riveting bass. In "Real World," Reinhardt brings charm and energy to Johnson's dazzling poeticisms with bright flute passages, delivering the following message: "Life is for Living." Johnson's songs are versatile, with melodies reaching a colorful palette of feelings, striking a variety of emotions, from the somber, the sad, to the uplifting and spiritual. Be sure to catch the haunting emotional lift of Parsonage Lane, a song reflecting on home, friends and laughter, even during times of isolation and distress. Ron Clearfield offers the uncanny bliss of an enchanting cello in the album's title track. "Carolina" is a lush and beautiful song written by Johnson in dedication and gratitude to James Taylor, who is a major influence. "Master of the Ring" gives the record a much-needed lift, as this up-tempo tune is carried gracefully by harmonies, and the magical poetry of this artist. The album is full of great compositions but lacks the quality and staying power of a radio-friendly hit. Still, I'm sure Victor Johnson is satisfied with his work, in which a powerful vision becomes a genuine reality. Everything on this album is delightful in terms of quality. The musicians contribute spontaneous, sophisticated instrumental work, with Johnson's strength not only as a composer but a wordsmith and poet shining forth. Even the artwork, created by Janis Dunckel is compelling and dreamy, adding the right touch of atmosphere to the music and lyrics. Songs like "September Bride," "Scarlet," and "Sailing" point out the ease at which this artist excels.

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