Jeff Johnson Brian Dunning

Item: Patrick
Author: Chris MacIntosh

Patrick

(2003)

Reviewed by Chris MacIntosh

Discogs Bandcamp Apple Music Spotify

Label Ark RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2003

celtic new age

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!!!

5 tocks