artist Michael Johnston

Michael Johnston's debut cd takes me on a riverboat ride to the other side. He's got the groove to prove it, the chops to cook it, and licks to give you the kicks. Stories, style and swing. That's the thing. The man can play the 88 bones and moan out the jones. - Dave Clark 04/03 Under the roof of his second floor apartment, sneaking into a rehearsal studio at the University of Manitoba, on a makeshift stage in a Slovak bar – Michael Johnston draws inspiration from many places, and creates timeless and affecting songs. Throughout his career, 30-year-old Johnston has done everything from playing improvised accordion and piano sessions with Bob Wiseman, to opening for bands like Barenaked Ladies and Rheostatics, to fronting pop quartet Us and Wilbur (1993-1999). But it's his recent work as a solo artist that has been gaining attention and acclaim from fellow musicians, CBC radio and the enthusiastic crowds at his concerts. Johnston recently completed recording his full-length solo debut (scheduled for release this fall) with producer and drummer Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith). Built around the piano, the album's 14 songs talk about love lost and love found, in the rooms and on the streets of Canadian cities.

Michael Johnston vocals, piano, accordion
Jason Mercer Bass
Reid Jamieson guitar, vocals
Maury LaFoy bass, vocals
Lewis Melville pedal steel, banjo, mandolin
Don Kerr drums, cello, vocals, producer
Dave Clark drums, tuba, vocals