Album Notes

"View From My Room" is a portrayal of human insecurity and struggle between ego and higher self. The marriage between Charlene's unique voice with its lyrical twang and Greg Johnson's acoustic/electric guitar strums, takes you on a journey that is honest, heartfelt and tinged with an edge of anger. The music itself blends folk, alt.country, pop and rock elements in the sonic territory positioned between Shawn Colvin and Sixpence None the Richer.

"View From My Room" (nominated "Best Folk" by the Orange County Music Awards 2005) was produced and recorded by Paul Stebner at Slack Boy Studios in Tustin, California. The album features nine originals and one cover song-an alt.country version of Dave Alvin's "Border Radio" with guest appearances by Kerry Getz, John Bazz (bass player of The Blasters) and Alex Armstrong on riquinto guitar. Other notable Orange County artists that lent their talents include Steve Carson and Marnie Ann on vocals, Don Reed on dobro, Randy Rusk on guitar, Jon Mattox on drums (Young Dubliners) and Carol Roman on piano.

With the release of the album in January 2005, Charlene Johnson has finally given in to her wander lustings of music on the road. She and guitar player/husband, Greg Johnson, have sold their belongings, giving up the house and stressful jobs to hit the road in a 36 foot RV to promote "View From My Room", tighten their performing chops and experience America. The intention is to live authentically and continue to grow-writing songs that are honest along the way.


*Robert Kinsler from the OC Register writes:
".....Blending alt-country, pop and folk with an ease that defies cliché, singer-songwriter Charlene Johnson's "View From My Room" is a 10-song disc that richly explores love, loss and anger in lyrical and musical layers almost as large as life itself. Whether dealing with self-doubt and insecurity (the intoxicating "Invisible") or the renewal of the human spirit ("Blossom"), Johnson and her husband, guitarist-songwriter Greg Johnson, have written an array of songs that delve deep into the human spirit and reveal their forceful themes and secrets with each successive listen."