JUDE JOHNSTONE: On a Good Day

Jude Johnstone

On a Good Day

© 2005 BoJak Records (662582811322)

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"On a Good Day" includes the songs "Hold On," on Emmylou Harris' CD "All I Intended To Be," "In This House" and "The Hereafter," which are featured in Lifetime Televison's hit series "Army Wives."

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.

reviews

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  • GREAT
    author: Tanya

    Great music for those days that beat you up. The lyrics connect with your life at the moment.

  • Sings intimate secrets in very wise and knowing voice
    author: Chet Flippo

    She writes psychological thrillers and sings intimate secrets. And her voice is very wise and knowing. This is mature music, for the baby boomers looking at the gray in the mirror and reflecting on paths taken and roads not driven down. The music is heavily atmospheric. Some of the songs are almost brutally honest.

  • Truly magnificiant...such beauty within your words.

  • A jewel of a find
    author: Tom Price

    This is one of those that doesn't need many listens to hook you. The quality is evident throughout. Poetic, a little bitter, with superb vocals which were the acquired taste on this CD, but once acquired, for good. Strong throughout. I'm 53 my daughter is 16 and we keep stealing this from each other; but her birthday is coming up. The song Evelyn is heartbreaking, real, and unlike anything I've heard in a long time. Loved this CD! and could only hope for a piece or two on the sweeter side of life!

  • "An Amazing Album"
    author: Maverick Magazine

    From the first song on this CD, I was hooked, the peaceful sorrow instilled in the album's title track is so appealing that one can't help but want to listen to more. In fact the lyrical content throughout engulfs you in such a way that you can relate to what is being sung. Jude's really got an amazing album here. A totally enjoyable listen.

  • Gets Over On Her Own ... Sounds Live To Me ... Thats Something
    author: Mary

    Very Few Female Vocalists Can Cut It Singing Live...This CD Sounds Like A Live Performance .. Jude Johnstone Can Do It .... I liked The Music .. And The Lerics Aren't So Personal As To Distract You From The Entire Musical Arrangement .. Good Listening

  • "Emotionally Poigant"
    author: "Now on Tour"

    Jude Johnstone has delivered an emotionally poigant set of songs on par wtih the great singer-songwriters that emerged from the 70's Southern California music scene.

  • "Beautiful Imagery"
    author: Performing Songwriter Magazine

    ...From the tender ("skin to skin the way they talked and the sound of love when it's spoken softly in the light of dawn"), to aging, to life's hard lessons, nothing is spared and everything is beautified by Johnstone's imagery."

  • "Immensely Powerful Music"
    author: The Ellsworth American

    ...Immensely powerful music. Each of the 11 songs in this collection sparkles like the different facets of the same diamond. Song after song, the listener is transported on a musical journey that plumbs a deep and wide range of emotions...an artist of the highest order.

  • "Heavy Stuff"
    author: Charleston Daily Mail- Charleston, WV

    From the opening title track, there's no doubt that Jude Johnstone can write a hit. Far more than fluff, not only does she articulate complex emotions with an economy of words, but her voice is personal enough to jump octaves at will. She takes on the toughest of topics with the words of someone who's been there more than once, making the instrumentation a backdrop for Johnstone's poignant observations. This is heavy stuff.

  • "Deeply Beautiful"
    author: Charleston, SC - Post & Courier

    On a Good Day is a deeply beautiful body of work from an artist who obviously knows a thing or three about how to write a good song.

  • Jude Johnstone could be the female musical counterpart to Jackson Browne. This
    author: Irene Kelley

    Jude Johnstone could be the female musical counterpart to Jackson Browne. This cd is a beautiful piece of work from start to finish!

  • "Mature, Intelligent"
    author: Pasadena Weekly

    Mature, intelligent songwriting...Johnstone consistently connects with the heart.

  • author: Jan

    This is an exceptional cd by an exceptional artist. Everything is top notch from the production to the background artists and of course, Jude's wonderful interpretation of her poetry.

  • "Intimate, Honest, Personal"
    author: Dirty Linen Magazine

    Songs are intimate, honest and personal...There is a combination of mystery and accessibility to her music that will open up new horizons to those willing to listen.

  • "Pure Poetry"
    author: Buffalo News

    On a Good Day is an exceptional album that features 11 bedrock-solid songs of discovery, wisdom and heartbreak. Johnstone's song craft is pure poetry. Chilling

  • "Simply Gorgeous"
    author: Iowa City Press-Citizen

    Simply gorgeous...Johnstone's pipes are top-shelf...a bittersweet collection from her upbringing in Maine providing not only pain and fear but also growth and redemption. Straight ahead and clear-eyed, On a Good Day takes a hard look at what life dishes out and manages to find flowers in the coal-bin.

  • captivating beyond words
    author: Coleen Leath

    on a good day will grip you and sink deep into your subconscious mind. it's captivating from the very first note, and several of the tracks still move me to tears. jude's expresion on this cd is surpassed only by her song crafting skills... a beautiful experience!!!

  • simply sublime
    author: Jude Williams

    I have played this for a couple of weeks now and it just gets better with time... I find I start singing to myself at any time of day - Pen and Paper, In this House, Long Way Back and The Hereafter - they haunt my thoughts already. Beautiful, timeless lyrics...

  • "Emotionally Riveting"
    author: PopMatters.com

    ...These 11 songs carry the weight of age and experience; they wrestle with topics that many will find endearing. Fans of Bonnie Raitt, Julie Miller, and others of that ilk will love Jude Johnstone. Yet the universal honesty in these songs should appeal to a much wider audience...her luminous adult-themed songs glow with a generous warmth and succint voice...On a Good Day was a discovery for me---but with talent like this, her music won't remain a secret much longer.

  • "Remarkable, Thoughtful, Emotional"
    author: Roots66.com

    ...a remarkable collection of thoughtful, moving, and emotional songs that provide a significant artist's view of life...a direct look into the heart."

  • "Soulful"
    author: All Music Guide

    On a Good Day offers soulful vocals...emotional depth...never pretentious...

  • "Engaging, Poignant, Charismatic"
    author: Philadelphia Daily News

    On a Good Day is an engaging set of poignant, charismatic originals.

  • "Deep and Soulful"
    author: Evolving Artist

    Jude Johnstone's music is deep and emotionally honest...a poet with the gift of taking her words to another level through music...This could very well be the sleeper album of 2005.

  • "Rare Treat"
    author: Midwest Record Recap

    A solid performer with a sound and style that was welcome in the era before processing, Johnstone is a blessing for people starting to get diabetes from too much eye candy. A tasty outing that's unfortunately becoming a rare treat as well.

  • "Great Stuff"
    author: Vintage Guitar Magazine

    ...a beautiful textured emotional landscape full of strong feelings and colorful characters...each of the 11 songs make a strong first impression...Great stuff.

  • "Poetic"
    author: Rodney Crowell

    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. I'm a huge fan.

  • "Extraordinary"
    author: Bonnie Raitt

    Jude is one of the most soulful, deep singer-songwriters I know. On a Good Day is an extraordinary follow up to her brilliant debut CD, Coming of Age.

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