Album Notes

Rather than give you yet another boring critique why don't we let some recent results speak for themselves....

Two songs off this album were chosen by Channel 7 Television for their Beijing Olympics playlist. Five million Australians (where Weston is based) watched the broadcast. Being a supporter of the Olympics and Human Rights John says, 'Now that my music is on the Olympic podium I'm putting my money where my mouth is. All proceeds from iTunes downloads of my version of 'Waltzing Matilda' during the Games will go to Amnesty International'.

As well as being playlisted on over 25 radio stations (including BBC radio) John just secured airplay with Satellite Music Australia who supply music to Foxtel & Austar Pay TV radio channels in Australia as well as huge retail stores across the southern hemisphere.....he's also talking to another digital/satellite music company who service hundreds of clients in dozens of countries across the globe. For list of radio stations and press articles go to http://www.johnharleyweston.com/critics.htm

TONY BEARD (drummer/guitarist with Crosby, Stills & Nash, Johnny Winter, Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck, Daryl Hall) says new song ''Whatever Makes You Happy' is a hit and a great metaphor'.

KHALIQ GLOVER (Los Angeles based Grammy award winning recording/mixing engineer for John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Sting, Marcus Miller, Prince) says 'Wow, you sound great. Great songs and craftsmanship and your singing is spot on..'

PAUL PITICCO (manager of one of Australia's biggest rock band's Powderfinger and Bernard Fanning) says 'Congrats mate. DIY has worked great for you .....you should write a "how to" book. It has been great to watch it grow. Here's to your continued success'.

MARK HOLDEN - (Australian Idol judge, music producer and songwriter) says 'Hi John.....really good site you have for listening - excellent material - good onya...'

ABOUT THE ALBUM:
'Welcome Back To Reality' is a welcome back to the essence of great songwriting; strong melodies, a variety of teasing hooks and coherent lyrics that inspire and uplift. It's all wrapped in hook driven, laid back, acoustic guitar-based rock, seasoned with the best of folk.

In a time when much of todays music scratches the surface of 'reality' Weston's writing is reminiscent of the message songs of Ben Harper and Bernard Fanning. That common thread is evident from the cajun-flavoured 'Whatever Makes You Happy' to the Sheryl Crowesque 'Believe In Yourself' on to the epic self-discovery song 'Welcome Back To Reality'. It continues with 'Let Your Life Begin', revealing shades of Paul Rodgers, through to the bluesy 'Wouldnt Miss A Day' and on to the Johnny Cash styled 'Righteous Son' about Australian, Van Nguyen, who was hanged in Singapore for carrying drugs.

In addition to the above comparisons there are also tones of vintage Neil Diamond (one of the most successful songwriters of all time despite his taste in dinner jackets). Comparisons aside Weston's style is individual in it's own right. There's also an intimate and emotive cover version of the Australian classic, 'Waltzing Matilda,'. (Freddy Celis of respected 'Rootstime' Belgium says 'Weston’s intimate translation has to be added to the gallery of the greatest'.)

This music is not for pretentious pop lovers who've got no idea about real life. It is unashamedly music for the mature minded masses. An inexperienced critic may consider some songs cliched or simplistic but make no mistake, Weston knows exactly what he's doing. His audience have gone way past the 'wanabee ' stage and just love pure honesty.

This hard working independent artist also just signed with Blue Pie Productions (non-exclusive deal). One of the more significant propositions they provide is placing music in film and tv because they have licensing deals with companies like 20th Century Fox, ABC TV, Columbia Tristar, Dreamworks, Coca Cola, Toyota etc.

Weston's first album 'Hope Harbour' (2004/5) picked up some serious international awards. You can listen to that at www.cdbaby.com/jhweston