Album Notes

"Intimate, honest, haunting, majestic." These are the words used to describe Jude Johnstone's critically acclaimed debut CD, Coming of Age, released in 2002. These characterizations also apply to Jude's new CD, On A Good Day. Jude Johnstone is an award-winning songwriter whose songs have been covered by a stellar list of recording artists including Johnny Cash ("Unchained"), Bonnie Raitt ("Wounded Heart"), Trisha Yearwood ("Hearts in Armor," "The Woman Before Me," "When We Were Still in Love"), Emmylou Harris (Hold On), Bette Midler, Stevie Nicks and Jennifer Warnes.

Johnstone has made her living as a songwriter for over 20 years, but the experience of recording these two projects presented a new inspirational and reflective journey for her. She describes how On A Good Day was given life:

"I was in a hotel room in Nashville listening to an old Tom Waits record and thinking what a great storyteller he is and it just prompted me to reflect on some stories from my upbringing in Maine. That day I wrote the first song for this project, called 'Evelyn.' Then all of a sudden, it was like the floodgates opened and I could see the whole album. At the same time, my family back home was still reeling from a couple of hard years where we lost my nephew and grandmother, along with the usual stresses and strains like divorce, addiction, politics and just plain fear. Things kept happening and I kept writing and when I looked up I had all the songs for On A Good Day. Perhaps the whole family connection is what made it such a labor of love this time. That, and the fact that each singer who worked with me on the project I revere, and every note they sang was inspired. And I felt it. Everyone in the room felt it. It was very powerful. There was no mistaking it."

On A Good Day showcases Johnstone's trademarks of meaningful lyrics and beautiful melodies, while transporting the listener through a diverse range of feelings. From the poignant "In This House," and the haunting "The Hereafter," to the engaging title track, the material reveals an artist who is unafraid to dive into deep emotional waters. Emmylou Harris recorded "Hold On" from this CD for her record "All I Intended To Be." This project has attracted an impressive group of guest artists including Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Rodney Crowell and Julie Miller. Their mutual respect for Jude and her music is expressed by several of the artists:

"Jude is one of the most soulful, deep singer-songwriters I know. On A Good Day is an extraordinary follow up to her brilliant first album, Coming of Age." - Bonnie Raitt

"Jude Johnstone's music brings to mind the poetic sensibilities of Laura Nyro and Jackson Browne. And if that weren't enough, the girl is blessed with the kind of charisma that flat out oozes dark mystery and Earth Goddess sensuality ala' Chrissie Hynde. High Praise? You bet! I'm a huge fan." - Rodney Crowell

Includes the song "In This House," featured in Lifetime Television's hit series "Army Wives," in episode airing in 2008 season.