Artist description Honest, highly accessible rock instrumentals featuring PJ's distinctively lyrical guitar stylings; ranging from authentic surf (PJ's roots) to Americana-flavored rockers and everything in between, with various tunes favoring either blues, country, swing, straight-ahead rock, surf - the list goes on... The emphasis is always on melody, simplicity, and highly creative arrangements drawing from a wide spectrum of source ideas. ***** Tracks on PJ's personal albums feature a variety of world-class musicians in support; but the guitar work is usually all PJ; he's widely acclaimed as one of the most creative multi-trackers since Les Paul. ***** PJ aims to combine the sophistication of the modern "guitar hero" with the pure and simple musical values exemplified by the instro pioneers of the late '50s/early '60s (the first "golden age" of rock instrumental music).

Music Style rock-instrumentals (very eclectic)

Musical Influences Duane Eddy, The Fireballs, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Beatles, Dylan, Lovin' Spoonful, Kweskin Jugband, Bonzo Dog, Cream, Hendrix, Mike Bloomfield, CCR, Stevie Ray, Mississippi John, Doc Watson, Django, etc..

Similar Artists PJ is one of a kind! But if you like the above artists, or the Ventures, Mark Knoeffler, Richard Thompson, Shadows, Hellecasters, Phil Keaggy, etc., you'll DIG this stuff!

Artist History Paul has a LOT of history to cover... ***** He is widely acknowledged as second only in importance to Dick Dale as a "founding father" of instrumental surf music in the early '60s. See his separate MP3.com VINTAGE SURF MUSIC page (linked on his MP3 homepage) for details and tracks by his seminal band, the BEL-AIRS. Their '61 recording of "Mr. Moto" (Paul's composition) is often cited as the very first "surf-instro" hit! This link will also take you to a number of other important recordings Paul made during this prolific period, including some with other bands and some from studio sessions (various album projects of that day). (Note: Paul is also regarded as probably the top tunewriter of the surf genre; his tunes have been covered by dozens of bands over the years, rang ing from the Ventures to Agent Orange...) ***** Paul was a pioneer all over again in the early '80s when the "surf/instro revival" kicked in. Use the link to his special MP3.com PACKARDS page for details and tracks by his ground-breaking band, which hel p ed to bring this music back and re-invent it for a new generation. See also the MUTITRACKIN' page, which features Paul's solo-multitrack recordings from this period that were so highly acclaimed in Guitar Player magazine's feature articles and reviews. ***** Since about 1990 Paul has been most visible as a touring member of the SURFARIS ("Wipeout"). In nationwide appearances to large crowds at major venues, this band has probably re-introduced more people to authentic surf-instro music than any other band working today. In about '96, Paul also teamed up with Gil Orr of the Chantays ("Pipeline") to form the DUO-TONES; they have also been increasingly active with their more intimate approach (just two guitars). But the mission is the same: turning folks on to the joys of rock-instrumental music. ***** There are yet more links to other PJ MP3.com pages, because there is so much more to Paul's history and musical output than we can cover here; be sure to explore those pages as well to get the rest of this very colorful story!

Group Members On albums credited PAUL JOHNSON: Paul plays all guitars & bass; various supporting musicians include (among others) David Raven & Don Murray (drums), Rob Watson & Scott Burns (keyboards), Glen Holmen (upright bass). The DUO-TONES tracks highlight Paul Johnson and Gil Orr's lively acoustic guitar interplay, without accompanying musicians.

Instruments Guitars! - usually with bass and drums, plus occasional keyboards, sax, or other instruments

Albums DAM CDs currently offered on this page: Perseverance & Tsunami (PJ) plus Surf Music Unplugged (Duo-tones). Many others available on other MP3.com pages. E-mail PJ to get info about MANY other CDs from every period that are available by mail-order.

Press Reviews Dan Forte, associate editor, GUITAR PLAYER magazine: "Had Paul Johnson's career ended after the Belairs' 1961 recording of "Mr. Moto," his importance in the history of rock and roll instrumental music would be insured; with his latest musical chapter he stands as possibly the most important figure in this select but vital genre..." ***** Mike Varney, "Spotlight" editor, GUITAR PLAYER magazine: "...a remarkably articulate player. His music covers a wide spectrum of popular music categories, including blues, country, rock and surf, which he plays with great technical ability... in his genre, he has to be one of the best I've heard." ***** Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM magazine: "...a truly unique and authentic musical talent... his sound is as recognizably h is own as that of Knoefler or Clapton. (Johnson's) easy control, bright inflections, and flowing compositions make for uplifting listening..." ***** Jim Washburn, L.A. Times Calender: "Johnson's playing sparkles with invention; (his) arrangements reveal a beguiling architecture... when he shifts mood in mid-song, it's like entering a different room." ***** David McGee, managing editor, RECORD magazine: "Johnson is a magnificent player... it's not what he says but how he says it that leaves a lasting impression... unusual and potent." ***** Aldo Pedron, L' Ultima Buscadero (Italy): "Paul Johnson is one of the most prolific authors of surf cuts... the best in instro surf." ***** C.P. Smith, O.C. REGISTER: "Johnson's compositions embody the prime ingredients that distinguish instrumental surf music: short, tight songs with active rhythm that underpins the bold, slightly distorted guitar tone which is the music's focal point... (Johnson's) experiments are worth keeping an eye on." ***** Barry Lazell, WAX FAX (U.K.): "Paul Johnson is a name to be reckoned with, because like Dick Dale, he's a genuine star of the genre from the original scene..." ***** Bob Dalley, author, SURFIN' GUITARS: "...had the wave broken the other way, Paul Johnson might be known as the "king of the surf guitar." ***** Toe's Tavern, Redondo Beach surfer's bar (from event poster): "Paul Johnson is, according to many critics... quite simply the greatest surf guitarist alive."

Additional Info Each of PJ's MP3.com pages features

Location Carlsbad, California - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).