Discoverers
© Copyright-Johnny Broadway
(061297209187)
Record Label: Johnny Broadway
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As the sun sets behind the aging, crooked grin of the Detroit skyline, a poet contemplates the coming stars from a bench on the other shore. In the distance, he can hear a cover band sing "I'm crossing you in style someday..." and the poet knows it's true.
Johnny Broadway's songs speak of love and beauty, struggling against an age with far too little of both. Taking to stages from Michigan to Manitoba in various forms over the past decade, Johnny Broadway has quickly emerged as an original and charismatic songwriter and performer.
Johnny has been compared to such varied artists as Bob Dylan meets Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney meets Andy Kaufman, a young Robert Smith (The Cure), and the infamous Danny Michel. The initial catalyst for Johnny was growing up next to the birthplace of Motown, and a second catalyst came in the form of a journey which brought him to his new home in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1999. This combination of urban and prairie living forms the basis of Johnny's words and music.
Johnny's debut album "Discoverers", released in the fall of 2006, is a collection of eight simple love songs that flirt with the themes of travel, leaving, and finding home. Innocent and even delicate, yet undeniably relevant, "Discoverers" is an ode to the things that matter most.
The heart is truly laid bare in this unforgettable debut album, which takes us on a quest for hope in love, in life, and in loss. With no pretenses remaining, all that stands here is a beautiful portrayal of one man's discovery of truth and meaning in everyday existence: "Maybe it's just that we are together, baby, which propels us towards forever."
Quotes:
"Johnny Broadway has the unique ability to inject heart-touching meaning into eccentric melodies. Truly creative... truly an artist."
-- Jaylene Johnson
"Johnny Broadway has a compelling, unique stage presence. Whether he's regaling the crowd with his quirky stories or grabbing their attention with his expressive songwriting, Johnny is impossible to dislike and impossible to ignore."
-- Stephen Johns
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A definite must hear for fans of Hawksley Workman and Danny Michel.
author: Jarrett Storey, Stylus Magazine
On Discoverers, his first proper full-length release, Winnipeg by way of Ontario native Johnny Broadway puts forth a collection of heartfelt songs that ask listeners to explore the ebbs and flows of interpersonal relationships.
The album's themes are centered around the desire to leave, the forces that keep us where we are and the internal struggle we face when we're holding on while simultaneously trying to let go. There's also a pretty solid boat theme running like an undercurrent throughout the album.
This might all turn real cheesy real fast if Mr. Broadway wasn't so melodically competent, and capable of turning phrases and hooks like he's working overtime in the crank factory.
Where Broadway really shines though is on Discoverer's standout track, The Last Town in Ontario, where he intones: "We've many miles yet to go, through every inch of falling snow, to the last town in Ontario."
It's moments like these that make listeners realize that Johnny might really be on to something.
Though the tracks may not appeal to those who like their rocking a tad less precious, it'd be hard for any music fan to not appreciate the breadth and scope of Broadway's songwriting, not to mention his relentless penchant for romance and the romantic. It doesn't hurt that Johnny's packing his metaphorical boats with boatloads of hummable melodies, either.
Discoverers is a definite must hear out for fans of likewise lovelorn softies like Hawksley Workman and Danny Michel. Try it; It'll probably float your boat.
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Bounces between wistful melancholy and sunny optimism with plenty of charisma.
author: David Schmeichel, The Winnipeg Sun
Johnny Broadway may have been raised in the shadows of Motown, but don't expect any Berry Gordy antics on the former Hamiltonian's debut Discoverers. This is strictly singer-songwriter stuff, although Broadway shows plenty of pluck and charisma. Armed with an uber-earnest voice and an arsenal of heart-on-sleeve, indie-pop confessionals, he bounces between wistful melancholy and sunny optimism so deftly he even manages to pull off wince-worthy lyrics like "I'm such a puppy for your loveliness." No easy feat.
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