Jazzamenco (Remastered)

Wayne Wesley Johnson

Wayne Wesley Johnson, a multi instrumentalist (former drummer for Les Paul) showcases his guitar mastery along with many of his musician friends that exhibit both similar and different styles and techniques.

Discover “Jazzamenco” tm ...”A unique blend of jazz improvisation and chord shapes with rumba flamenca (nuevo flamenco) rhythms.”

I am

Wayne Wesley Johnson, a multi instrumentalist (former drummer for Les Paul) showcases his guitar mastery along with many of his musician friends that exhibit both similar and different styles and techniques.

Discover “Jazzamenco” tm ...”A unique blend of jazz improvisation and chord shapes with rumba flamenca (nuevo flamenco) rhythms.”

I am pleased to present this double album “Jazzamenco” tm by Wayne Wesley Johnson & Friends, comprised of remastered tunes selected from our “Hypnotic Safari” ,”Canciones del alma, “ “Flamenco Flavors” and “Flamenco Festival” CDs, plus three additional new bonus tracks, “ Passion”, “Ticklestick” (2016 New Mexico Music Award Finalist / Best Jazz / Best Instrumental) & “Summertime”.

I am grateful to all of the Artists that shared in the recording process with me and to our fans for their continued support and encouragement. In particular, I would like to again thank my brothers at YPO Keystone Chapter Forum #7 for providing much of the resources needed in order to make this dream of mine, a reality. Therefore, I am dedicating this “Jazzamenco” tm album in their honor.

Thank You Wayne Wesley Johnson Electric/Acoustic Steel & Nylon String Guitars, Guitar Synthesizers, Godin Glissentar, Flaquinto tm, Fender Bass VI, Piano, Drums.

Wayne Wesley Johnson is a professional Award Winning Guitarist who formerly toured with guitar legend, Les Paul, recorded and performed with Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), and others, and has performed with Mason Williams (Classical Gas). He has sold over 80,000 CDs worldwide and his music is heard Internationally on over 400 radio stations and on "Roswell," "Malcolm in the Middle," Discovery Channel, "Outward Bound," MTV's "Made," and the Weather Channel to name but a few. He has toured and performed all over the world including China, Israel, Europe, South America and in most of the 50 states.

Wayne Wesley Johnson is also a dynamic player in that he is filled with emotion and expression. There may be soft romantic passages complimented by more energetic and exciting moments always keeping the listeners and audiences engaged in the musical moment.

Wayne now spends his time touring, performing, songwriting, recording and producing music for his own artist owned Wannadu record label.

Artists that accompany Wayne on these tracks in alphabetical order: Paul Arntz - Bass Thom Bresh - Guitar (feat) Rusty Crutcher - Sax (feat) Edgar Cruz - Guitar (feat) Tom Doyle - Guitar (feat) Nokie Edwards - Guitar (feat) Tim Farrell - Guitar (feat) Jon Gagan - Upright Bass (feat) Gao Hong - Chinese Pipa (feat) Sher Lindsay - Keyboards/Vocals (feat) Ben Lucero - Bass Consuelo Luz - Ethereal Voices Josef Martinez - Latin Percussion K C Morris - Drums/Percussion Lou Pallo - Guitar (feat) Mario Reynolds - Pan Flute/Charango (feat) Ruben Romero - Guitar (feat) Tim Stroh - Bass

Executive Producer Wayne Wesley Johnson dba Wannadu, LLC

Produced by Wayne Wesley Johnson dba Wannadu, LLC

Co-Producers Ruben Romero CD1 tracks 2,3 4,6,9,11,15 CD2 tracks 16,18,21,25,27

Sher Lindsay CD2 track 24 “Passion”

Tom Doyle CD1 1,5,7,8,10,12,13,14 CD2. 17,19,21,23,26,28,29,30

Tracking: Stepbridge Studios- Santa Fe, NM CD1 1,2,3,4,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,15 CD2 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,25,27,28

Sound Control Studios - Nashville, TN CD1. 5,14 CD2. 26,29

Sher Lindsay Productions CD 2. 24

Mixing: Stepbridge Studios, Santa Fe, NM CD1 tracks 1,2,3,4 5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 CD2 tracks. 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,25,26,27,28,29

Colorado Sound Studios CD1. track 8 CD2. track 30

Sher Lindsay Productions CD2. track 24

Mastering Terra Nova Digital , Austin, Texas CD1 tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13, 14,15 CD2 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,25,26,27,28,29

Colorado Sound Studios CD1 track 8 CD 2. track 30

Remastering: Rt 66 Studios , Bernalillo, NM

Engineers Stepbridge Studios Tim Stroh, William Bartley, Eric Fruits, Steve Malcolm

Terra Nova Digital Jerry Tubb

Sher Lindsay Productions Sher Lindsay

Rt. 66 Studios David Heidt

Songwriters: Johnson Johnson/Romero Johnson/Lindsay Others where noted

Publishers: Wannadu, LLC Wannadu LLC/Ruben Romero Music Wannadu LLC/Sher Lindsay Productions Others where noted

World Class Guitar Music

Acoustic/Electric/Fingerstyle/Jazz/World Beat/Rumba Flamenca/Nuevo Flamenco/New Age

Categorize as Instrumental/Jazz/World/Nuevo flamenco

*CD REVIEWS AND PERFORMANCE TESTIMONIALS: (note: these are from our other clients and media, reprinted with permission).

*Your "musical magic" made it a wonderful day for all of us, Wayne, thank you! We look forward to next opportunity, hopefully with Mito.

Lee Berk, President Emeritus Berklee College of Music / Friends of Santa Fe

*"Wayne Wesley's rasgueado is like a swarm of bees dancing around with honey combs in their hair." Mason Williams (famous composer of "Classical Gas") Eugene, Oregon

*Wayne Wesley Johnson - CANCIONES DEL ALMA (SONGS FROM THE SOUL): Several guest artists on this round with Wayne''s fantastic guitars. The title tells it all... these are definitely SONGS (not chicken-scratch noise sculptures), & they (all) reach right in & grab your spirit - make it sing! Shades of Santana's most recent efforts, but distinctly Mr. Johnson's fingers. The compositions are allowed to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out and take their own sweet time; no one-hit wonders on the album. We''ve reviewed Johnson''s works before, & always found them attractive (especially if you love the fire inherent in Latin-based musics). Patterns are similar to songs you've heard (all these years), but Wayne Wesley infuses the performances with high-end energy that will have you clackin'' yer'' castanets from the opener to the end-run. I don''t (really) feature this as "road music", but a coupla'' margaritas on your patio with Wayne''s songs will have you whippin'' out your Zorro sword to make yer'' mark on th'' lawn... heh! heh! Thoroughly enjoyable, this gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us! Rotcod Zzaj Improvijazzation Nation site: Zzaj Productions Catalog site: --Dick Metcalf, aka Rotcod Zzaj Productions Lacey, Washington

*As a friend of Wayne's, and a guitarist, I can honestly tell you he is a multi-talented individual, whose efforts should be heard by a world wide audience He not only plays the guitar with panache, but composes new pieces, as well devising great arrangements of the standards. His idea to put "jazzamenco" percussion as the rhythm for a re-recording of "Pipeline" is a classic example. He has been and continues to be a featured performer at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society conventions. Only the very best of the fingerstyle guitarists receive that recognition. Bob Snyder --Georgia Fingerstyle Guitarist's Assn. Albany, GA

*Wayne is an extremely talented individual both in writing and performing. Our clientele truly enjoyed his music and many times asked if they could purchase CD's of his work. We play his CD's at the restaurant and constantly hear great things from those who listen to the music while dining. John Sorrenti Owner Veneto Restaurant, Bedminster, NJ --Veneto Restaurant Bedminster, NJ

*Wayne- You are incredible!Your 'Songs from the soul' cd is an extraordinarily beautiful and varied cd.The production shows a life long dream has come to pass for you.Jazz,flamenco,world music,Ventures melodies blending together beautifully by your wise choice of expert musicians and great playing!What a producer you are! I love the pipa and guitar together.If I don't hear your music on the next Karate movie I watch I'll consider it a horrible injustice to you! Seriously,your dedication to the beauty of music will be reaching out to all my friends and students and fellow music lovers.If they haven't heard of Wayne Wesley Johnson before they will now! Sincerely,John Sheehan --John Sheehan Ringwood, NJ

*Congratulations Wayne! You have a certifiable hit on your hands! This is one of the best CD's I have ever listened to and it has immediately become one of my all time favorites! Thank you so very much for this gift, I truly enjoy it! I particularly like to listen to cuts #13, 14 , 1 and 2 in that order - and playing cuts #14 and #2 over and over several times in a row You are lucky I haven't sent you a speeding ticket to pay for - this is the only CD I play in my BMW and I get to grooving on your music and drive the car to the pace of the tunes! I just listen to the music and get lost in the exotic images that come to my imagination and the next thing I know I am zooming down some back country mountain road pretty fast! I really enjoy Melancolia - your performance of this song is very smooth and comes across very hypnotic - I enjoy listening to it over and over. This is a very solid CD - no weak points at all! You have done great work! I can't wait for your next release! I am in the planning stages of next years concert season (9/03 - 5/04) and I would love to have you perform for us if it were possible See you in Nashville - Joe --Joe Bolton Knoxville, TN

*Wayne is a true guitar aficionado, he is a collector, designer as well as a fine player. His recent collaboration with Ruben Romero (Hypnotic Safari, avail. at Hallmark stores everywhere) is a unique blend of jazz, classical,and fingerstyle with a rumba rhythm Wayne calls it "Jazzamenco". Wayne is multi-talented and has toured with the legendary Les Paul as a drummer and has also sat in on drums with Nokie Edwards of "The Ventures." Wayne has several Leach guitars: Rachel (with Willoughby cut-away), Franconia, a 16" Archtop and Jurassic Guitar and has a "Bresh Spirit" too. Wayne has also had a great effect on Leach Guitars, his "subtle" design hints into what collectors "see" were invaluable, as was his "networking"( several of the endorsers on this page were met through Wayne). Harvey Leach --H.G. Leach Guitar Company Grass Valley, CA.

*80 Million Daily Listeners * 6 Million Homes * 180,000 Businesses * 30 Airlines Worldwide................. Greetings Wayne, this is KenKi Johnson with DMX Music and I was just listening to the Riviera channel and my attention was grabbed by a tune I heard. I immediately checked my remote to see what the tune was and it was "Hypnotic Safari". Apparently I had a copy of this CD and on January 6 I added both "Hypnotic Safari" and "Entre dos Montanas" to the Riviera channel. Both are on high rotation and doing just fine. I will review the "Songs from the Soul" CD before the week is done. Thanks a ton partner!! --DMX Music Los Angeles , CA

*Jazz Guitar meets Nuevo Flamenco and time-trips, January 28, 2003 ...... Reviewer: Joanna Daneman..... If you like Nuevo Flamenco (Ottmar Liebert, for example) and you also like Jazz Guitar (Al Dimeola, Django Reinhardt) you will find this as interesting a CD as I did. Wayne Wesley Johnson and Latin percussionist Josef Martinez team up with guests on this album and give a wide sampling of their Santa Fe sound. The sound has been called "Jazzamenco" for very good reason: it is jazzy but has Latin tunes and rhythms. But the sound is also a very polished "big-studio" with a harking back to the Latin craze of the 50''s and a touch of that smooth, sophisticated cocktail-lounge sound. Listening to this CD, I occasionally felt I was taking a time-trip back to the 50''s or 60''s, with a brief stop in the 70''s and back to the 90''s. This CD definitely takes you places. All kinds of places. If you love a breezy Latin and Jazz guitar sound with more than a bit of tongue-in-cheek and a vague hint of country-with-Spaghetti-Western soundtrack, you will adore this CD and play it over and over. It''s a mood-lifter. If you like your guitar to have the rough but deeply felt sound of Gypsy guitar in a dark, smokey Paris Le Club Jazz or a Spanish flamenco boite, pass this one up --Joanna Daneman Middletown, Delaware

*CD Review: Canciones del alma (Songs from the Soul) Style: World Music.... Musicians: Wayne Wesley Johnson, guitar, composer. Various guest artists including Mario Reynolds on pan flute/charango...... Review: Without doubt, Wayne Wesley Johnson is a world class guitarist, and the jazz listening audience will find his new CD collection, CANCIONES DEL ALMA, a wonderful blend of world music and contemporary jazz. His guitar performances are flawless There are 14 songs on the CD. Among the many selections are "Cancion del alma," "Fire of the Gypsy," "Sambaleo," the intricate "The River Suite." The performances on this CD are topnotch, and the musicians with Wayne Wesley Johnson are topnotch. For those who enjoy world music with contemporary jazz influences, CANCIONES DEL ALMA is excellent listening and entertaining. For those who enjoy the stylings of Wayne Wesley Johnson, he is at his finest on CANCIONES DEL ALMA. Great entertainment for jazz guitar fans! ..... Reviewer: Lee Prosser Foyil, Oklahoma

*Re: Annual Conference/Showcase......Thanks Wayne for attending. The members loved you and hope you can come again soon. With people like yourself attending our meeting, your helping us to build and teach Fingerstyle Guitar. Thanks: J.D.Roberts --Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists / AFG Santa Ana, California

*Wesley Wayne Johnson - Canciones del Alma / Hypnotic Safari Wesley Wayne calls himself a "Jazzmenco" guitarist -- obviously a combination of Jazz and Flamenco, but these two recordings make it clear that there is much more to it than that. Backed by Latin percussion, bass and keyboards and sax when needed, WW and Ruben Romero lay down some intricate but mellow songs that will put you in a relaxed mood as you travel on your Hypnotic Safari. Guest artists Tom Doyle, Nokie Edwards, Gao Hong, and others help out on Canciones del Alma, WWs first solo album. You''ll hear many original melodies and a totally new take on classics like "Walk Don''t Run" and "Pipeline". Get your copy or download an mp3 at this website. Kirk Schutte --Kirk Schutte, Independent Review Madison, WI

*I enjoy this type of music so I tend to listen to alot of it. Since Wayne is a relatively new artist, I wasn''t sure of what to expect. However, after listening to the CD I can tell you that this artist (and CD) is a real undiscovered gem. This easy listening production is some of the best music of this genre I have ever heard. Soothing and stimulating all in one very entertaining package. As with his other works, Wayne seamlessly blends jazz, r&b and Spanish flamenco flavor with ease. The arrangements flow, the melodies captivate and you''ll find yourself hitting the replay button over and over again This CD is a first rate entry into Wayne''s already impressive portfolio Buy it with confidence, it''s loaded with tracks you''ll enjoy over and over again. --Raymond J. Cobos Kearny, NJ

*When I planned a small, intimate marriage ceremony and reception for my son and his fiance, there were many unique details that needed to be addressed: the couple yearned to have the rich rhythmic music of a classical guitarist; the officiating pastor had certain definite feelings about appropriate musical chorus' during the actual ceremony; the luncheon reception to follow would call for a more lively, celebratory entertainment. Knowing these elements, Wayne called upon his experience with weddings and went out of his way to satisfy all involved. The result was a beautifully sensitive accompaniment to the pastor's words, responding to his cues---the music was softly woven into the nuptials. Wayne did a completely separate setup for the luncheon reception---his unique styling highlighted many of the songs. He included the couple's favorite pieces, working their presentation into the joyously emotional afternoon. The groom had specifically asked for a classical guitarist to play. He was very happy with Wayne's presentation, and found (as we all did) this talented gentleman to also be most congenial and comfortable to be with. Wayne was highly professional in contracting and planning this event, working closely with me as details fluctuated and changed. He handles his set up and break-down efficiently, quickly and quietly, requiring very little support. Our family was very pleased. --Joan England Santa Fe, NM

*Hi Wayne, I received your box today. I am listening to "Safari" as we type. I love that CD the best! It has started me pondering which place would be the best to contact here in vegas? The Billagio has a piano, bar, etc area right across from the check in? I''m thinking. hmmmmm I think what I might do is wait until after Nascar which is ...

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Hypnotic Safari - Remastered

Wayne Wesley Johnson & Ruben Romero

Tens of thousands of these tracks have been sold Workdwide by this amazing guitar duo, Wayne Wesley Johnson and Ruben Romero. This release features remasters by David Heidt, Studio Engineer at Rt 66 Studios in Bernalillo, NM. We hope you enjoy our tracks

*CD REVIEWS AND PERFORMANCE TESTIMONIALS: (note: these are from our other clients and media,

Tens of thousands of these tracks have been sold Workdwide by this amazing guitar duo, Wayne Wesley Johnson and Ruben Romero. This release features remasters by David Heidt, Studio Engineer at Rt 66 Studios in Bernalillo, NM. We hope you enjoy our tracks

*CD REVIEWS AND PERFORMANCE TESTIMONIALS: (note: these are from our other clients and media, reprinted with permission).

*Your "musical magic" made it a wonderful day for all of us, Wayne, thank you! We look forward to next opportunity, hopefully with Mito.

Lee Berk, President Emeritus Berklee College of Music / Friends of Santa Fe

*"Wayne Wesley's rasgueado is like a swarm of bees dancing around with honey combs in their hair." Mason Williams (famous composer of "Classical Gas") Eugene, Oregon

*Wayne Wesley Johnson - CANCIONES DEL ALMA (SONGS FROM THE SOUL): Several guest artists on this round with Wayne''s fantastic guitars. The title tells it all... these are definitely SONGS (not chicken-scratch noise sculptures), & they (all) reach right in & grab your spirit - make it sing! Shades of Santana's most recent efforts, but distinctly Mr. Johnson's fingers. The compositions are allowed to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out and take their own sweet time; no one-hit wonders on the album. We''ve reviewed Johnson''s works before, & always found them attractive (especially if you love the fire inherent in Latin-based musics). Patterns are similar to songs you've heard (all these years), but Wayne Wesley infuses the performances with high-end energy that will have you clackin'' yer'' castanets from the opener to the end-run. I don''t (really) feature this as "road music", but a coupla'' margaritas on your patio with Wayne''s songs will have you whippin'' out your Zorro sword to make yer'' mark on th'' lawn... heh! heh! Thoroughly enjoyable, this gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us! Rotcod Zzaj Improvijazzation Nation site: Zzaj Productions Catalog site: --Dick Metcalf, aka Rotcod Zzaj Productions Lacey, Washington

*As a friend of Wayne's, and a guitarist, I can honestly tell you he is a multi-talented individual, whose efforts should be heard by a world wide audience He not only plays the guitar with panache, but composes new pieces, as well devising great arrangements of the standards. His idea to put "jazzamenco" percussion as the rhythm for a re-recording of "Pipeline" is a classic example. He has been and continues to be a featured performer at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society conventions. Only the very best of the fingerstyle guitarists receive that recognition. Bob Snyder --Georgia Fingerstyle Guitarist's Assn. Albany, GA

*Wayne is an extremely talented individual both in writing and performing. Our clientele truly enjoyed his music and many times asked if they could purchase CD's of his work. We play his CD's at the restaurant and constantly hear great things from those who listen to the music while dining. John Sorrenti Owner Veneto Restaurant, Bedminster, NJ --Veneto Restaurant Bedminster, NJ

*Wayne- You are incredible!Your 'Songs from the soul' cd is an extraordinarily beautiful and varied cd.The production shows a life long dream has come to pass for you.Jazz,flamenco,world music,Ventures melodies blending together beautifully by your wise choice of expert musicians and great playing!What a producer you are! I love the pipa and guitar together.If I don't hear your music on the next Karate movie I watch I'll consider it a horrible injustice to you! Seriously,your dedication to the beauty of music will be reaching out to all my friends and students and fellow music lovers.If they haven't heard of Wayne Wesley Johnson before they will now! Sincerely,John Sheehan --John Sheehan Ringwood, NJ

*Congratulations Wayne! You have a certifiable hit on your hands! This is one of the best CD's I have ever listened to and it has immediately become one of my all time favorites! Thank you so very much for this gift, I truly enjoy it! I particularly like to listen to cuts #13, 14 , 1 and 2 in that order - and playing cuts #14 and #2 over and over several times in a row You are lucky I haven't sent you a speeding ticket to pay for - this is the only CD I play in my BMW and I get to grooving on your music and drive the car to the pace of the tunes! I just listen to the music and get lost in the exotic images that come to my imagination and the next thing I know I am zooming down some back country mountain road pretty fast! I really enjoy Melancolia - your performance of this song is very smooth and comes across very hypnotic - I enjoy listening to it over and over. This is a very solid CD - no weak points at all! You have done great work! I can't wait for your next release! I am in the planning stages of next years concert season (9/03 - 5/04) and I would love to have you perform for us if it were possible See you in Nashville - Joe --Joe Bolton Knoxville, TN

*Wayne is a true guitar aficionado, he is a collector, designer as well as a fine player. His recent collaboration with Ruben Romero (Hypnotic Safari, avail. at Hallmark stores everywhere) is a unique blend of jazz, classical,and fingerstyle with a rumba rhythm Wayne calls it "Jazzamenco". Wayne is multi-talented and has toured with the legendary Les Paul as a drummer and has also sat in on drums with Nokie Edwards of "The Ventures." Wayne has several Leach guitars: Rachel (with Willoughby cut-away), Franconia, a 16" Archtop and Jurassic Guitar and has a "Bresh Spirit" too. Wayne has also had a great effect on Leach Guitars, his "subtle" design hints into what collectors "see" were invaluable, as was his "networking"( several of the endorsers on this page were met through Wayne). Harvey Leach --H.G. Leach Guitar Company Grass Valley, CA.

*80 Million Daily Listeners * 6 Million Homes * 180,000 Businesses * 30 Airlines Worldwide................. Greetings Wayne, this is KenKi Johnson with DMX Music and I was just listening to the Riviera channel and my attention was grabbed by a tune I heard. I immediately checked my remote to see what the tune was and it was "Hypnotic Safari". Apparently I had a copy of this CD and on January 6 I added both "Hypnotic Safari" and "Entre dos Montanas" to the Riviera channel. Both are on high rotation and doing just fine. I will review the "Songs from the Soul" CD before the week is done. Thanks a ton partner!! --DMX Music Los Angeles , CA

*Jazz Guitar meets Nuevo Flamenco and time-trips, January 28, 2003 ...... Reviewer: Joanna Daneman..... If you like Nuevo Flamenco (Ottmar Liebert, for example) and you also like Jazz Guitar (Al Dimeola, Django Reinhardt) you will find this as interesting a CD as I did. Wayne Wesley Johnson and Latin percussionist Josef Martinez team up with guests on this album and give a wide sampling of their Santa Fe sound. The sound has been called "Jazzamenco" for very good reason: it is jazzy but has Latin tunes and rhythms. But the sound is also a very polished "big-studio" with a harking back to the Latin craze of the 50''s and a touch of that smooth, sophisticated cocktail-lounge sound. Listening to this CD, I occasionally felt I was taking a time-trip back to the 50''s or 60''s, with a brief stop in the 70''s and back to the 90''s. This CD definitely takes you places. All kinds of places. If you love a breezy Latin and Jazz guitar sound with more than a bit of tongue-in-cheek and a vague hint of country-with-Spaghetti-Western soundtrack, you will adore this CD and play it over and over. It''s a mood-lifter. If you like your guitar to have the rough but deeply felt sound of Gypsy guitar in a dark, smokey Paris Le Club Jazz or a Spanish flamenco boite, pass this one up --Joanna Daneman Middletown, Delaware

*CD Review: Canciones del alma (Songs from the Soul) Style: World Music.... Musicians: Wayne Wesley Johnson, guitar, composer. Various guest artists including Mario Reynolds on pan flute/charango...... Review: Without doubt, Wayne Wesley Johnson is a world class guitarist, and the jazz listening audience will find his new CD collection, CANCIONES DEL ALMA, a wonderful blend of world music and contemporary jazz. His guitar performances are flawless There are 14 songs on the CD. Among the many selections are "Cancion del alma," "Fire of the Gypsy," "Sambaleo," the intricate "The River Suite." The performances on this CD are topnotch, and the musicians with Wayne Wesley Johnson are topnotch. For those who enjoy world music with contemporary jazz influences, CANCIONES DEL ALMA is excellent listening and entertaining. For those who enjoy the stylings of Wayne Wesley Johnson, he is at his finest on CANCIONES DEL ALMA. Great entertainment for jazz guitar fans! ..... Reviewer: Lee Prosser Foyil, Oklahoma

*Re: Annual Conference/Showcase......Thanks Wayne for attending. The members loved you and hope you can come again soon. With people like yourself attending our meeting, your helping us to build and teach Fingerstyle Guitar. Thanks: J.D.Roberts --Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists / AFG Santa Ana, California

*Wesley Wayne Johnson - Canciones del Alma / Hypnotic Safari Wesley Wayne calls himself a "Jazzmenco" guitarist -- obviously a combination of Jazz and Flamenco, but these two recordings make it clear that there is much more to it than that. Backed by Latin percussion, bass and keyboards and sax when needed, WW and Ruben Romero lay down some intricate but mellow songs that will put you in a relaxed mood as you travel on your Hypnotic Safari. Guest artists Tom Doyle, Nokie Edwards, Gao Hong, and others help out on Canciones del Alma, WWs first solo album. You''ll hear many original melodies and a totally new take on classics like "Walk Don''t Run" and "Pipeline". Get your copy or download an mp3 at this website. Kirk Schutte --Kirk Schutte, Independent Review Madison, WI

*I enjoy this type of music so I tend to listen to alot of it. Since Wayne is a relatively new artist, I wasn''t sure of what to expect. However, after listening to the CD I can tell you that this artist (and CD) is a real undiscovered gem. This easy listening production is some of the best music of this genre I have ever heard. Soothing and stimulating all in one very entertaining package. As with his other works, Wayne seamlessly blends jazz, r&b and Spanish flamenco flavor with ease. The arrangements flow, the melodies captivate and you''ll find yourself hitting the replay button over and over again This CD is a first rate entry into Wayne''s already impressive portfolio Buy it with confidence, it''s loaded with tracks you''ll enjoy over and over again. --Raymond J. Cobos Kearny, NJ

*When I planned a small, intimate marriage ceremony and reception for my son and his fiance, there were many unique details that needed to be addressed: the couple yearned to have the rich rhythmic music of a classical guitarist; the officiating pastor had certain definite feelings about appropriate musical chorus' during the actual ceremony; the luncheon reception to follow would call for a more lively, celebratory entertainment. Knowing these elements, Wayne called upon his experience with weddings and went out of his way to satisfy all involved. The result was a beautifully sensitive accompaniment to the pastor's words, responding to his cues---the music was softly woven into the nuptials. Wayne did a completely separate setup for the luncheon reception---his unique styling highlighted many of the songs. He included the couple's favorite pieces, working their presentation into the joyously emotional afternoon. The groom had specifically asked for a classical guitarist to play. He was very happy with Wayne's presentation, and found (as we all did) this talented gentleman to also be most congenial and comfortable to be with. Wayne was highly professional in contracting and planning this event, working closely with me as details fluctuated and changed. He handles his set up and break-down efficiently, quickly and quietly, requiring very little support. Our family was very pleased. --Joan England Santa Fe, NM

*Hi Wayne, I received your box today. I am listening to "Safari" as we type. I love that CD the best! It has started me pondering which place would be the best to contact here in vegas? The Billagio has a piano, bar, etc area right across from the check in? I''m thinking. hmmmmm I think what I might do is wait until after Nascar which is this week-end and then go down the whole strip and check it out. I love the Jazz Guitar! I just love Jazz. You are great!! I will keep you posted. --Renae Knapp Las Vegas, NV

*I'm just listening to 2 wonderfull CDs from Wayne Wesley Johnson, " Hypnotic Safari " and " Canciones del Alma" ! I didn't realise that we have between our listmembers a so good musician, composer, arranger in World Music / Flamenco Nuevo / Latin ! If you have any chance to put you hands on them, do it, listen to them, take them. They are, in any way, multistyle CDs, allways very good guitar, well arranged, technically perfect. It's not often I put my 20 points for a CD, but here I do it for 2 CDs at a time without great reflection ! I think you would agree too ! --Krishna Gans CD REVIEW Mainz-Kastel, Germany

*Subject: Re: GK: recommandation ! My copy of "Canciones del Alma" just came in the mail on Monday...I think it''s a great CD!!! Wayne you gotta come visit in Chicago! John L --Gipsy Kings Group List Review Chicago, ILL

*My friend Wayne Wesley Johnson "I''m pleased to know that many people on GK list''s members as me had loved your musics.....your a great artist. Thanks for your friendship...!" Manitas Fernando de Plata, Jr. Camargue, France

*Usually in the morning my initial music selections are along the lines of classic rock ''n'' roll, designed to get me fully awake and ready to work But sometimes I actually enjoy something a little more mellow. Lately it has been Wayne Wesley Johnson''s "Canciones del alma" album, with its pleasant guitar work. We are talking mostly acoustic, fingerstyle guitar playing, which, according to the back of the CD, would be characterized as Nuevo Flamenco/Jazz (I can pass along the label, do not expect a musical definition to be forthcoming) There are few songs on the album that I recognize ("Venus"), even if I do not know the name ("Chi-di-di-cha-cha"), but there are several times when Johnson works a familiar theme into a song. My favorite track is "Camina no corras (Walk Don''t Run)" which I know well enough to appreciate what is being done in this version. The main thing is that this is a pleasant album of what I would call morning music, although certainly you can use it for relaxing later in the day as you desire. The album features several guest artists so that Johnson is usually playing a duet or trio. My guitar playing skills are such that I can do "House of the Rising Son" and "Stairway to Heaven," so while I cannot recognize the different types of guitars being played here (most of which I assume are shown on the CD and in the liner notes), I can appreciate that there are some different types of guitars and styles of playing at work here (including Taiwanese on "Rumba Oriental") "Canciones del alma" is a pleasant little album of guitar music that makes for nice morning music. --Lawrance M. Bernabo Duluth, MN

*I have known Wayne Wesley Johnson at C.A.A.S. 2000 Convention in Nashville, and I''ve been impressed by his style, his taste and his personality. Moreover his gentle touch (that nowadays is something rare) also caught me, and convinced me to invite him to Soave 2001 Guitar Festival, in Italy, where he was very successful. Surely he is an outstanding guitarist and performer, and the music he plays (the so called "jazzamenco") is an interesting and innovating way to mix tradition and modernity, where the result is something original and really capturing in the inside. Yours truly, Pierpaolo Adda -- Soave Guitar Festival Soave, Italy

*Canciones del alma (Songs from the soul)... This isn''t the first CD I''ve run across from Wayne, but it is my favorite. Wayne mostly plays nylon-string guitar and mixes different music, including jazz, surf, and various styles of Latin. His chops are never suspect. Just listen to "Rumba Azul" for a taste of what he can do. He plays with a lot of fire and his right hand can send notes flying out a mile a minute. He shows he can write a great pop instrumental tune, too, on the title cut. Killer changes mix with fine guitar and piano (also playbed by Johnson), and some nice violin fills. There are some nice guest turns from former Venture''s Nokie Edwards. Their version of "Walk Don''t Run" is killer,...

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Canciones Del Alma / Songs from the Soul Remastered

Wayne Wesley Johnson

Remastered tracks of earlier releases, popular the world over. “Jazzamenco” tm, World Beat, Nuevo flamenco, New Age, Jazz

*CD REVIEWS AND PERFORMANCE TESTIMONIALS: (note: these are from our other clients and media, reprinted with permission).

*Your "musical magic" made it a wonderful day for all of us, Wayne, thank you! We look forward to next

Remastered tracks of earlier releases, popular the world over. “Jazzamenco” tm, World Beat, Nuevo flamenco, New Age, Jazz

*CD REVIEWS AND PERFORMANCE TESTIMONIALS: (note: these are from our other clients and media, reprinted with permission).

*Your "musical magic" made it a wonderful day for all of us, Wayne, thank you! We look forward to next opportunity, hopefully with Mito.

Lee Berk, President Emeritus Berklee College of Music / Friends of Santa Fe

*"Wayne Wesley's rasgueado is like a swarm of bees dancing around with honey combs in their hair." Mason Williams (famous composer of "Classical Gas") Eugene, Oregon

*Wayne Wesley Johnson - CANCIONES DEL ALMA (SONGS FROM THE SOUL): Several guest artists on this round with Wayne''s fantastic guitars. The title tells it all... these are definitely SONGS (not chicken-scratch noise sculptures), & they (all) reach right in & grab your spirit - make it sing! Shades of Santana's most recent efforts, but distinctly Mr. Johnson's fingers. The compositions are allowed to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out and take their own sweet time; no one-hit wonders on the album. We''ve reviewed Johnson''s works before, & always found them attractive (especially if you love the fire inherent in Latin-based musics). Patterns are similar to songs you've heard (all these years), but Wayne Wesley infuses the performances with high-end energy that will have you clackin'' yer'' castanets from the opener to the end-run. I don''t (really) feature this as "road music", but a coupla'' margaritas on your patio with Wayne''s songs will have you whippin'' out your Zorro sword to make yer'' mark on th'' lawn... heh! heh! Thoroughly enjoyable, this gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us! Rotcod Zzaj Improvijazzation Nation site: Zzaj Productions Catalog site: --Dick Metcalf, aka Rotcod Zzaj Productions Lacey, Washington

*As a friend of Wayne's, and a guitarist, I can honestly tell you he is a multi-talented individual, whose efforts should be heard by a world wide audience He not only plays the guitar with panache, but composes new pieces, as well devising great arrangements of the standards. His idea to put "jazzamenco" percussion as the rhythm for a re-recording of "Pipeline" is a classic example. He has been and continues to be a featured performer at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society conventions. Only the very best of the fingerstyle guitarists receive that recognition. Bob Snyder --Georgia Fingerstyle Guitarist's Assn. Albany, GA

*Wayne is an extremely talented individual both in writing and performing. Our clientele truly enjoyed his music and many times asked if they could purchase CD's of his work. We play his CD's at the restaurant and constantly hear great things from those who listen to the music while dining. John Sorrenti Owner Veneto Restaurant, Bedminster, NJ --Veneto Restaurant Bedminster, NJ

*Wayne- You are incredible!Your 'Songs from the soul' cd is an extraordinarily beautiful and varied cd.The production shows a life long dream has come to pass for you.Jazz,flamenco,world music,Ventures melodies blending together beautifully by your wise choice of expert musicians and great playing!What a producer you are! I love the pipa and guitar together.If I don't hear your music on the next Karate movie I watch I'll consider it a horrible injustice to you! Seriously,your dedication to the beauty of music will be reaching out to all my friends and students and fellow music lovers.If they haven't heard of Wayne Wesley Johnson before they will now! Sincerely,John Sheehan --John Sheehan Ringwood, NJ

*Congratulations Wayne! You have a certifiable hit on your hands! This is one of the best CD's I have ever listened to and it has immediately become one of my all time favorites! Thank you so very much for this gift, I truly enjoy it! I particularly like to listen to cuts #13, 14 , 1 and 2 in that order - and playing cuts #14 and #2 over and over several times in a row You are lucky I haven't sent you a speeding ticket to pay for - this is the only CD I play in my BMW and I get to grooving on your music and drive the car to the pace of the tunes! I just listen to the music and get lost in the exotic images that come to my imagination and the next thing I know I am zooming down some back country mountain road pretty fast! I really enjoy Melancolia - your performance of this song is very smooth and comes across very hypnotic - I enjoy listening to it over and over. This is a very solid CD - no weak points at all! You have done great work! I can't wait for your next release! I am in the planning stages of next years concert season (9/03 - 5/04) and I would love to have you perform for us if it were possible See you in Nashville - Joe --Joe Bolton Knoxville, TN

*Wayne is a true guitar aficionado, he is a collector, designer as well as a fine player. His recent collaboration with Ruben Romero (Hypnotic Safari, avail. at Hallmark stores everywhere) is a unique blend of jazz, classical,and fingerstyle with a rumba rhythm Wayne calls it "Jazzamenco". Wayne is multi-talented and has toured with the legendary Les Paul as a drummer and has also sat in on drums with Nokie Edwards of "The Ventures." Wayne has several Leach guitars: Rachel (with Willoughby cut-away), Franconia, a 16" Archtop and Jurassic Guitar and has a "Bresh Spirit" too. Wayne has also had a great effect on Leach Guitars, his "subtle" design hints into what collectors "see" were invaluable, as was his "networking"( several of the endorsers on this page were met through Wayne). Harvey Leach --H.G. Leach Guitar Company Grass Valley, CA.

*80 Million Daily Listeners * 6 Million Homes * 180,000 Businesses * 30 Airlines Worldwide................. Greetings Wayne, this is KenKi Johnson with DMX Music and I was just listening to the Riviera channel and my attention was grabbed by a tune I heard. I immediately checked my remote to see what the tune was and it was "Hypnotic Safari". Apparently I had a copy of this CD and on January 6 I added both "Hypnotic Safari" and "Entre dos Montanas" to the Riviera channel. Both are on high rotation and doing just fine. I will review the "Songs from the Soul" CD before the week is done. Thanks a ton partner!! --DMX Music Los Angeles , CA

*Jazz Guitar meets Nuevo Flamenco and time-trips, January 28, 2003 ...... Reviewer: Joanna Daneman..... If you like Nuevo Flamenco (Ottmar Liebert, for example) and you also like Jazz Guitar (Al Dimeola, Django Reinhardt) you will find this as interesting a CD as I did. Wayne Wesley Johnson and Latin percussionist Josef Martinez team up with guests on this album and give a wide sampling of their Santa Fe sound. The sound has been called "Jazzamenco" for very good reason: it is jazzy but has Latin tunes and rhythms. But the sound is also a very polished "big-studio" with a harking back to the Latin craze of the 50''s and a touch of that smooth, sophisticated cocktail-lounge sound. Listening to this CD, I occasionally felt I was taking a time-trip back to the 50''s or 60''s, with a brief stop in the 70''s and back to the 90''s. This CD definitely takes you places. All kinds of places. If you love a breezy Latin and Jazz guitar sound with more than a bit of tongue-in-cheek and a vague hint of country-with-Spaghetti-Western soundtrack, you will adore this CD and play it over and over. It''s a mood-lifter. If you like your guitar to have the rough but deeply felt sound of Gypsy guitar in a dark, smokey Paris Le Club Jazz or a Spanish flamenco boite, pass this one up --Joanna Daneman Middletown, Delaware

*CD Review: Canciones del alma (Songs from the Soul) Style: World Music.... Musicians: Wayne Wesley Johnson, guitar, composer. Various guest artists including Mario Reynolds on pan flute/charango...... Review: Without doubt, Wayne Wesley Johnson is a world class guitarist, and the jazz listening audience will find his new CD collection, CANCIONES DEL ALMA, a wonderful blend of world music and contemporary jazz. His guitar performances are flawless There are 14 songs on the CD. Among the many selections are "Cancion del alma," "Fire of the Gypsy," "Sambaleo," the intricate "The River Suite." The performances on this CD are topnotch, and the musicians with Wayne Wesley Johnson are topnotch. For those who enjoy world music with contemporary jazz influences, CANCIONES DEL ALMA is excellent listening and entertaining. For those who enjoy the stylings of Wayne Wesley Johnson, he is at his finest on CANCIONES DEL ALMA. Great entertainment for jazz guitar fans! ..... Reviewer: Lee Prosser Foyil, Oklahoma

*Re: Annual Conference/Showcase......Thanks Wayne for attending. The members loved you and hope you can come again soon. With people like yourself attending our meeting, your helping us to build and teach Fingerstyle Guitar. Thanks: J.D.Roberts --Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists / AFG Santa Ana, California

*Wesley Wayne Johnson - Canciones del Alma / Hypnotic Safari Wesley Wayne calls himself a "Jazzmenco" guitarist -- obviously a combination of Jazz and Flamenco, but these two recordings make it clear that there is much more to it than that. Backed by Latin percussion, bass and keyboards and sax when needed, WW and Ruben Romero lay down some intricate but mellow songs that will put you in a relaxed mood as you travel on your Hypnotic Safari. Guest artists Tom Doyle, Nokie Edwards, Gao Hong, and others help out on Canciones del Alma, WWs first solo album. You''ll hear many original melodies and a totally new take on classics like "Walk Don''t Run" and "Pipeline". Get your copy or download an mp3 at this website. Kirk Schutte --Kirk Schutte, Independent Review Madison, WI

*I enjoy this type of music so I tend to listen to alot of it. Since Wayne is a relatively new artist, I wasn''t sure of what to expect. However, after listening to the CD I can tell you that this artist (and CD) is a real undiscovered gem. This easy listening production is some of the best music of this genre I have ever heard. Soothing and stimulating all in one very entertaining package. As with his other works, Wayne seamlessly blends jazz, r&b and Spanish flamenco flavor with ease. The arrangements flow, the melodies captivate and you''ll find yourself hitting the replay button over and over again This CD is a first rate entry into Wayne''s already impressive portfolio Buy it with confidence, it''s loaded with tracks you''ll enjoy over and over again. --Raymond J. Cobos Kearny, NJ

*When I planned a small, intimate marriage ceremony and reception for my son and his fiance, there were many unique details that needed to be addressed: the couple yearned to have the rich rhythmic music of a classical guitarist; the officiating pastor had certain definite feelings about appropriate musical chorus' during the actual ceremony; the luncheon reception to follow would call for a more lively, celebratory entertainment. Knowing these elements, Wayne called upon his experience with weddings and went out of his way to satisfy all involved. The result was a beautifully sensitive accompaniment to the pastor's words, responding to his cues---the music was softly woven into the nuptials. Wayne did a completely separate setup for the luncheon reception---his unique styling highlighted many of the songs. He included the couple's favorite pieces, working their presentation into the joyously emotional afternoon. The groom had specifically asked for a classical guitarist to play. He was very happy with Wayne's presentation, and found (as we all did) this talented gentleman to also be most congenial and comfortable to be with. Wayne was highly professional in contracting and planning this event, working closely with me as details fluctuated and changed. He handles his set up and break-down efficiently, quickly and quietly, requiring very little support. Our family was very pleased. --Joan England Santa Fe, NM

*Hi Wayne, I received your box today. I am listening to "Safari" as we type. I love that CD the best! It has started me pondering which place would be the best to contact here in vegas? The Billagio has a piano, bar, etc area right across from the check in? I''m thinking. hmmmmm I think what I might do is wait until after Nascar which is this week-end and then go down the whole strip and check it out. I love the Jazz Guitar! I just love Jazz. You are great!! I will keep you posted. --Renae Knapp Las Vegas, NV

*I'm just listening to 2 wonderfull CDs from Wayne Wesley Johnson, " Hypnotic Safari " and " Canciones del Alma" ! I didn't realise that we have between our listmembers a so good musician, composer, arranger in World Music / Flamenco Nuevo / Latin ! If you have any chance to put you hands on them, do it, listen to them, take them. They are, in any way, multistyle CDs, allways very good guitar, well arranged, technically perfect. It's not often I put my 20 points for a CD, but here I do it for 2 CDs at a time without great reflection ! I think you would agree too ! --Krishna Gans CD REVIEW Mainz-Kastel, Germany

*Subject: Re: GK: recommandation ! My copy of "Canciones del Alma" just came in the mail on Monday...I think it''s a great CD!!! Wayne you gotta come visit in Chicago! John L --Gipsy Kings Group List Review Chicago, ILL

*My friend Wayne Wesley Johnson "I''m pleased to know that many people on GK list''s members as me had loved your musics.....your a great artist. Thanks for your friendship...!" Manitas Fernando de Plata, Jr. Camargue, France

*Usually in the morning my initial music selections are along the lines of classic rock ''n'' roll, designed to get me fully awake and ready to work But sometimes I actually enjoy something a little more mellow. Lately it has been Wayne Wesley Johnson''s "Canciones del alma" album, with its pleasant guitar work. We are talking mostly acoustic, fingerstyle guitar playing, which, according to the back of the CD, would be characterized as Nuevo Flamenco/Jazz (I can pass along the label, do not expect a musical definition to be forthcoming) There are few songs on the album that I recognize ("Venus"), even if I do not know the name ("Chi-di-di-cha-cha"), but there are several times when Johnson works a familiar theme into a song. My favorite track is "Camina no corras (Walk Don''t Run)" which I know well enough to appreciate what is being done in this version. The main thing is that this is a pleasant album of what I would call morning music, although certainly you can use it for relaxing later in the day as you desire. The album features several guest artists so that Johnson is usually playing a duet or trio. My guitar playing skills are such that I can do "House of the Rising Son" and "Stairway to Heaven," so while I cannot recognize the different types of guitars being played here (most of which I assume are shown on the CD and in the liner notes), I can appreciate that there are some different types of guitars and styles of playing at work here (including Taiwanese on "Rumba Oriental") "Canciones del alma" is a pleasant little album of guitar music that makes for nice morning music. --Lawrance M. Bernabo Duluth, MN

*I have known Wayne Wesley Johnson at C.A.A.S. 2000 Convention in Nashville, and I''ve been impressed by his style, his taste and his personality. Moreover his gentle touch (that nowadays is something rare) also caught me, and convinced me to invite him to Soave 2001 Guitar Festival, in Italy, where he was very successful. Surely he is an outstanding guitarist and performer, and the music he plays (the so called "jazzamenco") is an interesting and innovating way to mix tradition and modernity, where the result is something original and really capturing in the inside. Yours truly, Pierpaolo Adda -- Soave Guitar Festival Soave, Italy

*Canciones del alma (Songs from the soul)... This isn''t the first CD I''ve run across from Wayne, but it is my favorite. Wayne mostly plays nylon-string guitar and mixes different music, including jazz, surf, and various styles of Latin. His chops are never suspect. Just listen to "Rumba Azul" for a taste of what he can do. He plays with a lot of fire and his right hand can send notes flying out a mile a minute. He shows he can write a great pop instrumental tune, too, on the title cut. Killer changes mix with fine guitar and piano (also playbed by Johnson), and some nice violin fills. There are some nice guest turns from former Venture''s Nokie Edwards. Their version of "Walk Don''t Run" is killer,...

Read more…

Ticklestick

Wayne Wesley Johnson

Jazz Fusion feat. Wayne Wesley Johnson w/ Edgar Cruz, Lou Pallo (The Les Paul Trio) , Jon Gagan & KC Morris. Already a #1 hit at KJazzRadioUK and finalist in the New Mexico Music Awards (Best Jazz & Best Instrumental)

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Passion

Wayne Wesley Johnson & Sher Lindsey-Ham

Sexy, Sensual & Romantic Smooth Jazz by guitarist Wayne Wesley Johnson & vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Sher Lindsey-Ham.

"Passion" by Wayne Wesley Johnson & Sher Lindsey-Ham

Jazz guitarist, Wayne Wesley Johnson (Wannadu, LLC) and vocalist / multi instrumentalist, Sher Lindsey-Ham (OFD Productions) met on facebook and immediately

Sexy, Sensual & Romantic Smooth Jazz by guitarist Wayne Wesley Johnson & vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Sher Lindsey-Ham.

"Passion" by Wayne Wesley Johnson & Sher Lindsey-Ham

Jazz guitarist, Wayne Wesley Johnson (Wannadu, LLC) and vocalist / multi instrumentalist, Sher Lindsey-Ham (OFD Productions) met on facebook and immediately became good friends. As independent recording artists, they're music has been mutually aired on many of the same Jazz Radio Stations, worldwide. They recognized each other's talents and mutual affection for Smooth Jazz and each other's musical styles. What started out as casual conversation blossomed into a songwriting, producing, recording, and publishing collaboration which has culminated in the sexy, sensual and smooth sound of their first instrumental release together...."Passion."

The duo is already discussing their next creation. We hope you enjoy "Passion" as much as the Artist's did creating it.

"The return of the slow dance..." (60 bpm)

"Passion" was co-written and co-produced by Wayne Wesley Johnson and Sher Lindsey-Ham and will be released 2/1/2012 on the Wannadu, LLC label.

Label: Wannadu, LLC / BMI & Sound Exchange Registered All rights reserved
Songwriting, Publishing and copyrights co-owned by Wayne Wesley Johnson (Wannadu Music) and Sher Lindsey-Ham (One Floor Down Productions)

Musicians: Wayne Wesley Johnson , Guitar Sher Lindsey-Ham, Vocals, Keyboards, other

Tracking: Sher Lindsey-Ham (One Floor Down Productions) , Rhode Island Ryan Oglesby (Ryzhun Productions) , Rio Rancho, NM

Midi tracking: Keith Ham

Mixing/Mastering Sher Lindsey Ham (One Floor Down Productions) We extend our appreciation to Thomas Doyle (Les Paul Trio - Engineer) for lending an ear and his assistance during mixdown.

Dedications:

Wayne dedicates his musical contribution to the late Wes Montgomery and to the late Barry White & the Love Unlimited Orchestra.

Sher dedicates her musical contribution to the late Etta James.

About Wayne Wesley Johnson ...

"Wayne Wesley Johnson and I have been friends for about a million years...we've travelled all over the world together...Wayne's a fine guitarist and fine drummer, too" Guitar Legend, Les Paul at The Iridium, NYC

'WORLD CLASS GUITARIST'...Internationally recognized, this award winning guitarist performs on acoustic, electric, nylon & steel string guitars and guitar synthesizer in a variety of musical styles and genres. A pioneer of the 'New Sound of Santa Fe' tm and 'Jazzamenco' tm., the artist performs in thumbpicking, fingerstyle, and flatpicking styles...playing jazz, world, new age, latin & rumba flamenca and with classical techniques. Wayne is currently a guitar instructor and member of the faculty of the Santa Fe Community College. In addition to his concert, corporate and private performances, Wayne has also become known by many as Santa Fe, New Mexico's Premier Wedding Guitarist, in high demand for both ceremonies and receptions, alike.

This charismatic performer has shared the stage with some of the world's finest guitarists, too... Formerly a drummer and touring companion with legendary guitarist's Les Paul, and Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), Wayne has also shared the stage with Mason Williams, George Benson, Bucky Pizzarelli, BB King, Scotty Moore, Howard Roberts, Larry Carlton, Chet Atkins, Thom Bresh (Son of the legendary guitarist Merle Travis), Tom Doyle, Ruben Romero, Antonio Mendoza, Tommy Emmanuel, Seymour Duncan, Stephen Bennett, Stephen King, Richard Smith, Anthony Smith, Tim Farrell, Edgar Cruz, Lou Pallo *The Les Paul Trio), John 'Nightwolf' Nelson, Jon Paris, Roberto Gonzales and more.

Wayne, is a regular annual performer at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS), Nokie Festival, Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists (AFG) and the Guitars for life (GFL) benefit concerts.

Wayne has performed either as a soloist or with others in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Les Paul), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, England, China, Hong Kong, & nearly all 50 states.

Wayne now spends his time touring, performing, songwriting, recording and producing music for his own artist owned Wannadu record label.

AWARDS AND/OR OTHER NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • WWJ has performed and toured with Living Guitar Legend, Les Paul
  • WWJ has performed and recorded with Nokie Edwards (The Ventures) ,Thom Bresh (Merle Travis' Son), Tom Doyle, Lou Pallo, Gao Hong, Tim Farrell, Anthony Smith, Edgar Cruz, Ruben Romero, Mario Reynolds, Matthew Vaughn, Jon Gagan, Josef Martinez, Ben Lucero, K.C. Morris and others.
  • WWJ has performed with Mason Williams (Composer of Classical Gas)
  • World Class Recording & Performing Artist...NAMM/BMI/NARAS
  • "Artist of the Month" New Mexico Music Commission
  • "Artist of the Month" Jan. 2012 KJazzRadioUK
  • "Album of the Month" Jan 2012 KJazzRadioUK
  • Twice nominated for the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award.
  • Guitar Instructor / Adjunct faculty Santa Fe Community College
  • Honorary Member AFG -- Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists
  • Annual Performer/Member CAAS -- Chet Atkins Appreciation Society
  • Soave, Italy Guitar Festival Award Winner
  • GFL -- Guitars for Life Award Winner
  • John Lennon Songwriter's Contest Winner
  • Grammy Award Contestant
  • WAYNE'S MUSIC ON TV/FILMS... MTV's "Made", Roswell, Malcolm in the Middle, Discovery Channel, Outward Bound, The Weather Channel.

About Sher Lindsey-Ham...

"Let's-see-what-she-can-do...and watch them sit up in their seats!" Sher Lindsey-Ham is a complete package of music, story, life's experiences and an uncompromising love for what she does best...sing...perform! Sher knows her audience, she senses their feelings, she responds to their every reaction and turns it all back on to them with absolutely delightful results. She is in total audience and personal control. No matter the song, she tells it's story like it should be told...happy, sad, soulful, lonely, funky, funny, loving...whatever the emotion...it's all there...spilling over with a love for those watching and listening in the darkness.

Sher has performed in many venues, from jazz festivals to exclusive private events. Sher has spent many years honing her estimable skills, beautifully texturing her pure, sultry and smoky vocals with a sensual, jazzy musical style. California/New England based producer, singer, songwriter and composer, Sher Lindsey-Ham, continues to broaden her base of appreciative and passionate fans all over the world.

Sher penned the songs that would launch her recording career on the newly released debut album, "Unraveled." The musical passions of Sher Lindsey-Ham are very evident in her music. The reactions to her music is just as passionate. "What a dynamic lady!" "Her sound is exciting to the soul yet calming to the spirit." "Music with personality!" "The dedication to her musicianship and the breadth of her experience are evident in every song."

Sher's talent, however, extends beyond the pen and the microphone. She is the owner and President of OFDProductions, Promotions, and Sound Designs. It's there she has expanded her passion for music into the recording studio. Her studio world is one of percussion grooves and keyboard sounds that brings new creativity to a variety of jazz sounds. Sher's creative thumbprint on smooth jazz, chill, lounge, and R & B, is unique and unmistakable. Most importantly, Sher has added her expertise in the area of digital mixing and mastering. Those who utilize OFDProductions for their projects can opt to utilize the sensuous sounds of Sher's sexy alto voice, use Sher's worldwide promotion connections, and benefit from her unmatched talent in the mixing and mastering process.

Using the best recording software on the market, Sher Lindsey-Ham spends hours listening to combinations of reverb, delay, EQ, and stereo imaging to create that perfect yet unique pearl of sound for the voice, the melody, the lyric and the rhythm. Never satisfied with the sound of just one set of studio speakers, she will listen to take after take in a variety of headsets, rooms, and even be found racing down a New England freeway with speakers blaring in her trademark BMW, just to ensure that the sound, the energy and the passion is just right.

Sher believes that music is a feeling, and that great music involves a great deal of emotion. The production of music is no different. "If the music doesn't move you," she says, "it's just words, notes and chords. It's all for nothing."

That level of emotion carries into the production studio, where she challenges the artist to make her laugh, cry, shout for joy or fall into despair. She coaches those who enter the realm of OFD to push their talents, their gifts, and their passion to the limit. A session with Sher will leave you jazzed, yet exhausted.

Along with her 2011 debut album, "Unraveled," last year Sher produced "The Cheyenne Loca Project," a video of the Italian model, Cheyenne Loca's, portfolio, with all original music done in three suites. She manages and produces several projects for large corporations, internet radio stations, as well as individual clients. Sher is now the co-host for KJAZZ Radio UK which broadcasts from its studio in Southern England and globally via the internet.

When you visit Sher Lindsey-Ham at OFDProductions or listen to her perform live, you will find every lyric, every note of melody, and every beat of rhythm embraces meaning. Prepare to have your mind unraveled and your soul overwhelmed with passion.

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Canciones del alma (Songs from the Soul)

Wayne Wesley Johnson

World Class Guitar Music by fingerstyle & Jazzamenco tm (jazz/nuevo flamenco) guitarist / producer / recording artist Wayne Wesley Johnson with guest appearances by Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), Tom Doyle (The Les Paul Trio) & many more

Wayne Wesley Johnson with featured guest artist appearances by Tom Doyle, Nokie Edwards (The Ventures),

World Class Guitar Music by fingerstyle & Jazzamenco tm (jazz/nuevo flamenco) guitarist / producer / recording artist Wayne Wesley Johnson with guest appearances by Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), Tom Doyle (The Les Paul Trio) & many more

Wayne Wesley Johnson with featured guest artist appearances by Tom Doyle, Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), Gao Hong, Consuelo Luz, Mario Reynolds, Matt Vaughn. With Paul Arntz, Ben Lucero & Tim Stroh on bass guitars, Josef Martinez on latin percussion & K.C. Morris on drums and percussion

Canciones del alma "Songs from the Soul"

  1. Rumba Azul aka (Blue Rumba) w/ Gao Hong / Mario Reynolds Johnson/bmi 6:26
  2. Baile de la paloma aka (Dance of the Dove) w/ Mario Reynolds Johnson/bmi 4:23
  3. Cancion del alma aka (Song from the Soul) w/ Mario Reynolds / Matt Vaughn / WWJ on guitar and piano Johnson/bmi 2:32
  4. Fire of the Gypsy w/ Tom Doyle / Nokie Edwards / Matt Vaughn Doyle/bmi 2:37
  5. Segovia's Dream w/ Gao Hong Cenicola 4:00
  6. Chi-di-di-cha-cha w/ Gao Hong / Consuelo Luz Randell 3:17
  7. Camina no corras aka (Walk Don't Run) w/ Nokie Edwards / Mario Reynolds Smith/bmi 2:42
  8. Rumba Oriental aka (Mama Song) w/ Gao Hong Taiwanese traditional 2:48
  9. Venus featuring Nokie Edwards w/ Mario Reynolds / Matt Vaughn Marshall / ascap 2:45
  10. Sambaleo w/ Mario Reynolds on pan flute at intro & WWJ also on Godin Glissentar Johnson/bmi 2:54
  11. The River Suite WWJ solo guitar Johnson/bmi 3:21
  12. Pharoah's Journey w/ Gao Hong / Mario Reynolds Johnson/bmi 4:59
  13. Pipeline duet with Nokie Edwards Spickard, Carman/bmi 2:59
  14. Melancolia aka (Melancholy) WWJ solo guitar Johnson/bmi 2:36

"World Class Guitar Music"

For Bookings & Information: Wannadu, LLC 7 Avenida Vista Grande #260, Santa Fe, NM 87508 USA Phone: 505.466.8700 Fax: 505.466.8702 http://wannadu.com email: Wannadullc@aol.com

Acoustic / Electric / Fingerstyle / Jazz / World Beat / Rumba Flamenca

Discover "Jazzamenco" tm Categorize as :Instrumental / World / Nuevo Flamenco / Jazz

Wayne Wesley Johnson "is a fine guitarist and fine drummer, too" -Living Guitar Legend Les Paul at the Iridium, NYC

Nylon & Steel String Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Guitar Synthesizer, Fla-quinto tm & Godin Glissentar by Wayne Wesley Johnson

With special guest virtuoso artist appearances in alphabetical order T.W. Tom Doyle (guitar) , Nokie Edwards formerly of The Ventures (guitar)
Gao Hong (pipa/Chinese guitar), Mario Reynolds (pan flute / charango) & Matt Vaughn (violin)

With accompaniment by Paul Arntz, Ben Lucero, & Tim Stroh (bass)
Josef Martinez (latin percussion), K.C. Morris (drums & percussion)

Title Song Cancion del alma (Song from the Soul) also features WWJ on guitar & piano

Executive Producer
Wayne Wesley Johnson / Wannadu, LLC

Producer / Arranger Wayne Wesley Johnson

Associate Producer / Arranger Fire of the Gypsy, Sambaleo, Camina no corras, Venus & The River Suite
T.W. Tom Doyle

WWJ's Original Music Publishing Wannadu Music div. Wannadu, LLC / BMI

Recorded Analog Stepbridge Studios, Santa Fe, N.M.
Sound Control Studios, Nashville, Tn.

Engineering Tim Stroh / Stepbridge Studios Mark Mosley / Sound Control Studios

Mixing Wayne Wesley Johnson T.W. Tom Doyle (Les Paul's Sound Engineer)
Tim Stroh / Stepbridge Studios

24 bit HD Mastering David Glasser / Airshow Mastering, Inc. Boulder, CO

Pressing & Packaging Sound Recorders, Austin Texas

Graphic Design & Illustration Charles Azbell / Charles Azbell Galleries Santa Fe, NM

Other WWJ releases: with Ruben Romero Hypnotic Safari (wannadu), Flamenco Flavors (Iago / Talking Taco), Flamenco Festival (Narada / Hallmark Music)

A message from Dr. Mark Pritcher, CAAS President...

As President of the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society it is my pleasure to recommend Wayne Wesley Johnson as a fine guitarist and a fine entertainer. He has performed at our annual convention for over six years in Nashville, Tennessee. He is accomplished in several styles of music, including acoustic, electric, steel and nylon string, jazz, world, new age, flamenco, finger-style and thumb-style playing in the Atkins/Travis style. His unique compositions combine the worlds of jazz and flamenco. I hope you have an opportunity soon to invite Wayne Wesley Johnson to perform his music for you. -Mark Pritcher

About the Artist: Wayne Wesley Johnson

New Jersey-born Wayne Wesley Johnson was inspired as a boy by Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy, Nokie Edwards and The Ventures, Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery and later by George Benson, Pat Martino, and Earl Klugh. Wayne took up guitar at the age of nine in the late 50s, and was groomed primarily as a jazz style flatpicking guitarist, having studied with Sandy DeVito, Gary Keller, Eddie Berg, and Vic Cenicola. He also studied classical technique briefly with Carol Hammersma, and flamenco techniques with Ruben and Miguel Romero, but this came much later in the artist's musical life.

In the early 60's, Wayne was a leader of his own bands, "The Yellow Jackets" and "Sons and Lovers," and played rock n' roll, rhythm & blues, and jazz standards. His bands grew from three musicians to as many as 11 complete with a 5 piece horn section and all. He played a variety of instruments in his bands including electric and acoustic guitar, steel guitar, drums, tenor sax, and trumpet.

Thrilled with the prospect of working with some of his childhood guitar heroes, Wayne later was given the opportunity to work on occasion as drummer for living guitar legend Les Paul, with whom he toured the U.S. and South America in 1979 & '80. He has also performed on occasion as a drummer for Nokie Edwards, lead guitarist with The Ventures, and on guitar and/or drums with his friends and thumb-picking artists Thom Bresh, Tom (T.W.) Doyle, Eddie Pennington, Bob Saxton, Tommy Flint, and Anthony Smith.

Through the years Wayne has performed at various events worldwide and has shared the stage with other famous guitarists including Bucky Pizzarelli, George Benson, Les Paul, Howard Roberts, Thom Bresh, Larry Carlton, BB King, Chet Atkins, Buster B. Jones, Edgar Cruz, Tim Farrell, Bobby Gibson, Zoe McColluch, Tommy Emmanuel, Laurence Juber, Stephen Bennett, Muriel Anderson, Richard Smith, Romane, Marcel Dadi, Martin Taylor, Pat Kirtley, Jim & Morning Nichols, Al Caiola, Lou Mecca, Seymour Duncan and many others.

Wayne's international circle of friends includes some of the world's greatest guitarists and guitar makers. He was introduced many years ago, in Nashville, to the thumb-picking country style of Thom Bresh (son of the late Merle Travis), and to the late French guitarist, Marcel Dadi, Eddie Pennington, Tommy Flint, and Buster B. Jones, and to the finger-style influences of the late Tommy Jones, Laurence Juber, Ed Gerhard, Martin Simpson, Pat Kirtley and others. Wayne has performed with Thom Bresh at a private convention held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. They are currently working on some audio/video recording projects together.

Upon putting down the flat pick in favor of thumb and finger-style technique, Johnson later became interested in the Spanish and New Mexico flamenco and Latin sounds of Paco de Lucia, Ottmar Liebert, Armik, Strunz and Farah, Shahin and Sepher, Willie and Lobo, the Gipsy Kings, and his friend and recording partner on "Hypnotic Safari, Flamenco Flavors and Flamenco Festival, Ruben Romero.

Wayne has since begun developing a playing style of his own, an integration of different techniques, which he refers to as "Jazzamenco." As evident on this, the artist's first solo CD release.

Wayne is a regular annual performer and staunch supporter of GFL Guitars for Life, NAMM International Music Products Association, the CAAS Chet Atkins Appreciation Society and others. Much of Wayne's world music influence stems from the fact that he has traveled extensively both for business and his musical interests. He has traveled to and performed in Nanjing China, Israel, Buenos Aires Argentina, Barcelona Spain, Soave Italy, Paris France, Zurich Switzerland, Dusseldorf and Frankfort Germany, Copenhagen and Aalborg Denmark, Helsinki Finland, Brussels Belgium, Birmingham & Brighton England, Prague Czech Republic, and throughout the United States.

Wayne's Dad, though American, was of Swedish and English decent, and his Mom, Italian American. (probably, where the Mediterranean musical influence comes from.) So, Wayne grew up in a household full of a variety of musical influences, to begin with. Some of his ancestors were musicians too, he is told. As a producer and performer, Wayne enjoys merging various musical cultures which he has been exposed to in his travels and his upbringing. Musical cultures that typically wouldn't find each other. Hence, some examples in this recording are the integration of Chinese pentatonic melodies performed on guitar, guitar synthesizer (WWJ) and pipa (Gao Hong) blended with Spanish and latin rumba flamenco rhythms (WWJ), and further complimented with Bolivian pan flutes and charango (Mario Reynolds). Rumba Azul , Rumba Oriental , Chi-ci-ci-cha-cha, and Pharoah's Journey were all produced in this manner. Another example is the blending of the Chinese guitar (pipa) with the Brazilian Bossa nova or Samba as evidenced by the Vic Cenicola tune, Segovia's Dream.

Wayne met one of his guitar idols, Nokie Edwards (The Ventures) at a musical event a few years ago and shared his idea about doing remakes of Walk Don't Run, Venus and Pipeline ala Nuevo flamenco, in future recordings. Nokie was impressed with Wayne's concept and agreed to accompany Wayne in these recordings of those tunes. Of course Walk Don't Run, written by jazz guitar great Johnny Smith (another one of Wayne's idols), was the Ventures most famous tune next to Hawaii Five 0. Since this new version has a latin rhythm to it, Wayne aptly calls it Camina no corras.

The Ed Marshall tune, Venus was originally recorded by vocalist Frankie Avalon. It was the first 45 RPM record Wayne ever received as a young boy. It was a gift from one of his favorite cousins, Madeline Sorrenti. It was an all time favorite of Wayne's, and is now presented as an instrumental with a latin flavor, by Nokie and Wayne. Nokie Edwards is the featured performer on this piece.

Pipeline written by Spickard and Carman, was originally recorded by the Chantays, one of Wayne's favorite instrumental guitar tunes of the 60's. Shortly thereafter, another version was released on a Ventures album. Nokie Edwards played the lead guitar on many of the Ventures tunes, and Pipeline was no exception. On this musical presentation, Nokie plays electric lead and Wayne joins him on a nylon string flamenco guitar for some lead doubling in harmony all with a rumba flamenca rhythm performed by Wayne, in the background.

In Fire of the Gypsy, Santa Fe, New Mexico violinist Matt Vaughn and swing guitarist Tom Doyle from New Jersey join Wayne to create a 'Gypsy Jazz' feel a swing style made famous in France by the famous Gipsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and The Hot Club of France which featured Django and violinist Stephan Graphelli. Tom Doyle wrote this tune for Wayne and this album.

In another life, Johnson has also been a successful business executive having served as President and CEO of two electronic industrial scale firms, concurrently. For nearly 14 years he lead his firms while he harbored his passion for music. He gave up the corporate life, in 2001 and relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico where today he enjoys regular guitar performances at local resorts, tours, and producing recordings. He now owns his own record label, and also does some consulting work for other musicians and businesses on occasion.

Over the years, Wayne has also developed as a collector and has had as many as 100 guitars in his collection, several of which are featured on his recordings. He has also designed guitars both for himself and for well-known manufacturers. A self-professed "equipment junkie," Wayne has an arsenal of guitars, amplifiers, studio gear, and sound modules. With the advent of reliable and higher-performance guitar synthesizers and Roland COSM technology, Wayne has embraced the use of the GR-1, GR-33, and VG-8, used on some mixes of his latest recordings.

Invention is a family tradition. His father and grandfather were inventors. Wayne is no exception. He holds a patent on a leather executive's briefcase Lesecutivo tm, various industrial scale designs, and is the noted creator of the 'Tap Guitar' tm , a flamenco guitar outfitted with 19 midi trigger plates that allows the performer to drum and strum at the same time producing authentic latin percussion and drum sounds and the 'Fla-quinto' tm, a custom made double necked flamenco and requinto, which was used occasionally in these recordings.

Additionally, Wayne is a contributing consultant to Just Jazz Guitar Magazine.

Note: Wayne is currently working on his next CD release "Summertime in Santa Fe" (Wannadu). Joining him in this extraordinary guitar project are virtuoso guitarists: Thom Bresh, Edgar Cruz, Tom Doyle, Anthony Smith, Tim Farrell, Lou Pallo, drummer/percussionist K.C. Morris, and upright bassist Jon Gagan.

Various vintage archtop guitars from the Johnson Collection are used in this upcoming CD release, many played simultaneously. Handmade guitars by D'Angelico, Stromberg, Benedetto, Triggs, Epiphone, Koontz & Gibson make this upcoming release one of historical significance. A video is also forthcoming.

WWJ comments:
A brief about some of the tunes in this recording:

Rumba Azul (Blue Rumba) was named so, because it blends the basic I-IV-V blues chord changes with a layered rumba flamenco rhythm. It has been aired numerous times on WBTV's Roswell TV show episode Crazy I used finger-style nylon string guitar and flat-picked electric guitar on this one I'm joined by Gao Hong on pipa and Mario Reynolds on pan flute and charango. There's some real nice drumming and latin percussion work done on this one by K.C. Morris and Josef Martinez, Ben Lucero is on bass.

Baile de la paloma (Dance of the Dove). My fiancée, Freda and I were sitting outside a café in Del Coronado, near San Diego, CA, having a cappuccino, and watching the pigeons 'dancing' in front of us, pecking away at blueberry muffin crumbs. There they were bopping their little heads as they moved forward in a rhythmic fashion. I told Freda I had to write a song called dance of the pigeons. She thought the word dove sounded more appropriate. I agreed. Since it was put to a latin beat, I named it Baile de la paloma. This tune was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriter's Contest / Dance category. I'm joined by Mario Reynolds on charango. Guitars used by me are the Heritage 'Bluesette' with T.W. Doyle pickups and the Hernandez Huipe WWJ model cutaway flamenco. Ben Lucero on bass, K.C. Morris on drums, and Josef Martinez on latin percussion.

Cancion del alma (Song from the Soul) I wrote this song many years ago and had never recorded it. I actually wrote it on the piano and then figured it out on the guitar, later on. I performed the piano part, too, on this one. Live performances of this tune receive outstanding reception. It has been licensed to RCN media for the Discovery Channel for airing on an upcoming Outward Bound Series program. I'm joined by Matt Vaughn on 'sensuous' violin and Mario Reynolds on charango. K.C. Morris performs on drums and latin percussion. Paul Arntz of Nashville, Tn is on bass.

Fire of the Gypsy Also slated for upcoming airing on the Discovery Channel's Outward Bound Series, this tune was written for this album by my closest friend and musical genius, T. W. Tom Doyle. I was flattered when Tom told me he wrote the tune for my CD. The arrangement was also done by Tom Doyle. All of the rhythm guitar work on this tune was performed by Tom Doyle. A Mexican requinto was used for the lead, by me. Also joining Tom and I are Nokie Edwards on the McGill resonator guitar and Matt Vaughn on violin. Tim Stroh is on Fender Precision Bass and K.C. Morris performs on drums with brushes and Josef Martinez on castanets.

Segovia's Dream A long time favorite tune of mine. Written by my good friend and one time jazz...

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Hypnotic Safari

Wayne Wesley Johnson & Ruben Romero

Acoustic, Instrumental, Nuevo Flamenco, Jazzamenco

This album features an eclectic mix of acoustic and electric steel and nylon string guitars and guitar synthesizer multitracked by two outstanding guitarists.

Wayne Wesley Johnson and Ruben Romero merge their musical styles in a fashion that creates the new sound of "Jazzamenco". This is a CD by

Acoustic, Instrumental, Nuevo Flamenco, Jazzamenco

This album features an eclectic mix of acoustic and electric steel and nylon string guitars and guitar synthesizer multitracked by two outstanding guitarists.

Wayne Wesley Johnson and Ruben Romero merge their musical styles in a fashion that creates the new sound of "Jazzamenco". This is a CD by guitar lovers for guitar lovers.

Over 70,000 CDs have been sold by the duo in the past 2 years, and the CD has been aired on over 207 NPR and College radio stations.

They are joined occasionally by smooth jazz / new age saxophonist Rusty Crutcher.

Both Johnson and Romero have been performing on guitar since early childhood.

Romero, a New Mexican resident, is a veteran recording artist with over 20 CD releases to date. Originally beginning his guitar training in Spain, this virtuoso classical and flamenco style player is now considered responsible for the creation of the "Santa Fe Sound".

Johnson, formerly a drummer for guitar legend's, Les Paul and Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), has also had several of his own bands through the years including the Yellow Jackets and Sons & Lovers. Groomed as a flat picking jazz stylist, he later adapted to thumb and fingerstyle playing techniques having performed with Thom Bresh (Merle Travis'son)in Las Vegas, and in this CD debuts much of his nuevo flamenco or rumba flamenca techniques as well.

Johnson is a regular performer each year at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society, where he is joined by many of the world's finest guitarists. Johnson refers to his technique and sound as "Jazzamenco".

This is the third release by the duo...

Flamenco Flavors (IAGO/Talking Taco) Flamenco Festival (Narada/Hallmark Music)

Read what they're saying about Wayne Wesley Johnson & Ruben Romero!

Jazz at a Glance Volume 119

Featured Artist: Wayne Wesley Johnson & Ruben Romero

CD Title: Hypnotic Safari Year: 2000 Record Label: Wannadu Productions Style: Flamenco / Contemporary Jazz Musicians: Wayne Wesley Johnson and Ruben Romero, guitars. Guest artist: Rusty Crutcher, saxophone.

Review: I have listened to HYPNOTIC SAFARI eight times and each time I discover something refreshingly new & creative in this unusual CD from Wayne Wesley Johnson and Ruben Romero. If you want to purchase something new and incredibly good, get a copy of this CD and if you can, purchase a copy for a close friend to enjoy, too!

There are 11 selections on this CD, each different and strikingly beautiful in concept and jazz motifs! Written by Johnson and Romero, this collection is sure to enchant jazz listeners who like the performances of master guitarists in topnotch form!

"Hypnotic Safari" has a playing time of 58:58 minutes, and is a lovely work of jazz. Closing out the collection at number 11 is an extended version of this song at 18:48 minutes.

Songs include the complex "Turquoise Jungle," "Autumn Wind," "La Gloria," "Entre dos Montanas" among others in this fine collection. Rusty Crutcher appears with saxophone on some of the selections and his performance on "Zamora" is outstanding and flawless. "Cathedral Bells" is a nice jazz piece destined for classic status for its direct approach and perfect jazz dimensions.

Everything about HYPNOTIC SAFARI is perfect. Wayne Wesley Johnson & Ruben Romero have created something uniquely original. It is not often one comes across such an excellent collection as HYPNOTIC SAFARI featuring such gifted guitarists. If you like jazz guitar with an international flavor, you will enjoy this one.

Five stars! Excellent!

Record Label Website: http://www.wannadu.com

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

REVIEW: CD REVOLUTIONS MAGAZINE

New World "Jazzamenco" is the terminology guitarists Wayne Wesley Johnson and Ruben Romero use to describe their music, a hybrid of jazz, classical, and fingerstyle techniques with a rumba rhythm. In their new album, Hypnotic Safari, the duo present a sophisticated collection of original compositions that showcases Johnson's fingerstylings and Romero's flamenco technique.

Wayne Wesley Johnson cites as his early influences such guitar greats as Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, and Duane Eddy. Initially a jazz style flat picking guitarist, he later picked up the Thumb-picking country style from his buddy Thom Bresh and the fingerstyle influences of Laurence Juber and others. The Latin sounds of Paco de Lucia and Ottmar Liebert led to his interest in Flamenco and his friendship with Ruben Romero. Romero, a Santa Fe native, studied flamenco in Spain and has appeared with the Denver Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra, as well as having been the subject of a musical documentary on PBS called "Simple Treasures." He is considered one of the primary innovators of the "Santa Fe Sound." Both musicians are recognized among the world's top guitarists, and Hypnotic Safari is a virtuoso performance. If the cool, creamy sounds of Latin guitars light your fire, this is the album for you.

Amazon.com November 2000

A Full Five Stars Rating For This Flamenco Guitar CD !!, November 8, 2000 Reviewer: Irvin Goodman (see more about me) from U.S.A. (irvin@prodigy.net) When I received this CD I sat on it for awhile, because I had several others I wanted to listen to first. I should have played this one FIRST. Hypnotic Safari is an exceptional work by some very talented musicians. I always liked flamenco guitar music, but this is the best I've ever heard. I truly enjoyed each track on the CD. Every song is super, and worth listening to over and over. If you're relaxing, reading the paper or working around the house, you can still enjoy this effort. If you've never tried flamenco guitar, try this CD. Believe me, it's infectious. Add it to your collection, you'll enjoy it!

A real winner!, November 3, 2000 Reviewer: Michael Woznicki (see more about me) from Holland, MA USA I have reviewed music before and the artist were of my choosing. When I was asked to review this album I wasn't sure of what to expect. After listening to the cd I must admit that there is real undiscovered talent in Wayne Wesley Johnson.This easy listening music extravaganza is simply some of the best music ever recorded and my only regret is that I did not get a chance to listen to it before. There is 60 minutes on 11 tracks that will both entertain and relax you at the same time.Simply amazing is all I can say about the way the music blend a Spanish mix with jazz and a little r&b. Johnson makes the music flow and before you know the 60 minutes is up and you'll find yourself replaying the cd over and over again.With a sound that is sure to please all lovers of music this album is first rate and loaded with the sounds that sooth. A sure fire winner and you have to hear it to believe it.

Truly hypnotic, Reviewer: Carolann Kapuscinski from Philadelphia, PA New age, jazz,and flamenco guitar - what a combination. It goes right to my soul. This type of music was new to me and an incredible surprise. I was captivated by it when I heard it playing in a retail store. I HAD to have it. It IS hypnotic. I play it when I need to unwind and escape my everyday frantic pace. It does mentally transport me elsewhere. I hope to find other music by this duo.

20th Century Guitar Magazine October 2000 by Robert Silverstein

WAYNE WESLEY JOHNSON & RUBEN ROMERO Hypnotic Safari (Wannadu)

Fans of acoustic-electric jazz, World music and the currently hot Nuevo Flamenco guitar craze should definitely check out the debut duo album from the guitarists Wayne Wesley Johnson & Ruben Romero. Merging the finger-style performance and jazz guitar expertise of Johnson with the ultra-hot Flamenco guitar wizardry of Romero, Johnson & Romero have come up with an intriguing new sound they appropriately dub "Jazzamenco." Recorded last year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Hypnotic Safari goes the distance with a musical palette of breezy instrumental guitar-based jazz and engaging World Music-inspired forays. Johnson and Romero employ multiple acoustic and electric guitars adding numerous shadings and timbres to their flawless performance. Reinforcing the full-bodied studio sound of the album are several gifted musical co-stars including Josef Martinez (Latin percussion), Ben Lucero (bass) and esteemed New Age composer Rusty Crutcher (sax). (editor.-Crutcher's many fine albums are also worth checking out). Additionally, Hypnotic Safari features gorgeous cover art and graphics, extensive technical track-by-track descriptions and bios of both Johnson and Romero. A rare meeting of two guitarists who, together reach a pinnacle of sound perfection, the 11 track CD flows effortlessly from beginning to end. Among the many highlights is the title track, a Johnson/Romero co-composition which opens the CD and which is revived again in a 19 minute extended play version. Spanning a wealth of guitar styles and musical genres, Hypnotic Safari is time well spent for guitar lovers of all persuasions.

This review appears in issue # 54 of IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION...

Wayne Wesley Johnson & Ruben Romero - HYPNOTIC SAFARI: This is a beautiful (guitar oriented) CD that holds true to the title... very laid-back (but high energy) musical journeys... Wayne & Ruben are clearly in love with the playing, & completely in tune with the rhythms they are exploring. Both acoustic & electric (& some guitar synthworks) from Wayne, with Ruben furnishing flamenco style guitars and keyboard synths. They are aided by bass from Ben Lucero, latin percussion by Joel Martinez & sax from Rusty Crutcher. Listeners who are looking for "out" music won't be attracted to this, as it stays pretty much within the patterns. That is NOT a bad thing for listeners who enjoy quality music with great energy... this is very satisfying music! It is very easy to (mentally) add the dancer with the castanets c licking as you listen to this. The flavor that is achieved is definitely Latino & their music easily inspires passion! I enjoyed this a great deal & give it a HIGHLY RECOMMEN ED for those who want a listening adventure that doesn't stray too far to the "outside". Contact at Wannadu Productions, POB 212, Oldwick, NJ 08858-0212, on the site at http://wannadu.com or via email to wjguitar@aol.com

Rotcod Zzaj

Guitar Nine Records

Guitarist Wayne Wesley Johnson created the "Nuevo Jazzamenco" sound with fellow guitarist Ruben Romero, and their newest collaboration, Hypnotic Safari, is a relaxing blend of smooth jazz melodies and Spanish Rumba Flamenca rhythms. The CD features an eclectic mix of acoustic and electric steel and nylon string guitars and guitar synthesizer recorded by the two outstanding guitarists. Listening to the eleven tracks on Hypnotic Safari you'll hear joy, excitement and soulfulness delivered with spirited performances. As New Age Voice Magazine remarked, "This is an album for guitar lovers, by guitar lovers..." Take a musical safari with Johnson and Romero - highly recommended.

"METAPHYSICAL REVIEWS" July 2000

The first time I heard Hypnotic Safari I jotted down the feelings it aroused. Energy, rhythm, flamenco style with a jazz beat, virtuosity and heart. Here is ambient music that lifts, elates, gratifies and satisfies.

Wayne Wesley Johnson has been playing guitar since he was nine, inspired by such notables as Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy and Wes Montgomery...to name a few. Originally trained as a jazz style, flatpicking guitarist, Wayne then expanded to include classical and then, thumb and finger style techniques. That was followed by Spanish and New Mexico flamenco which, when combined with his other disciplines, Wayne calls jazzamenco.

Santa Fe native Ruben Romero began studying flamenco guitar in Spain, at age eleven. He has over 17 albums recorded, and plays much of the music he writes himself. He is internationally regarded as a virtuoso, innovator, arranger, and composer.

Together, Johnson & Romero mesh like Gilbert and Sullivan, Les Paul and Mary Ford, and Rogers and Hammerstein. Each brings special talents to the duo which serve to emphasize, not detract from, the glory that is Hypnotic Safari. Indeed, it is my wish, that they record many more albums...and I am given the opportunity to review them.

Johnson & Romero have given us excitement, joy, merriment and heart gift wrapped in a package called Hypnotic Safari. Here is Spanish-New Mexican-rumba-flamenco music that is, all-at-once, toe-tapping and meditative. This reviewer says to Johnson and Romero...Do More!!

Richard Fuller, Senior Editor

New Age Voice Magazine NAV Review July 2000

When two guitarists collaborate on a set of tunes, you can get a very lively interplay between the rhythm and melody, with one musician usually holding the basic rhythm steady while the other solos. In the case of Johnson and Romero, they seem equally adept at playing either part. Both have played since childhood, Romero specializing in the Spanish and flamenco styles, Johnson jazz and pop, recently leading the Yellow Jackets before he became enamored of new flamenco styles. As a result, this album is definitely in the new flamenco camp. As is typical of this style, we hear percussion taking the place of castanets and footstomping, and an occasional sax accenting the proceedings. This is an album for guitar lovers, by guitar lovers, and there is a reltationship you get between two guitars that you just don't get between, say the guitar and sax or guitar and piano or bass. There is a tightness when you have two of the same that perhaps is only matched if you have two drummers. The feel of the whole album is bright, sunny, upbeat, the sort of mood lifter that has a high energy, summertime feel.-DL

Note: artist comment / correction ...Wayne Wesley Johnson wants to clarify that the Yellow Jackets is not the same Yellow Jackets as the current jazz group. Wayne's original band which performed between 1960-1969 was called the Yellow Jackets and later was changed to "Sons & Lovers" between 1969-1972, before Wayne began performing as a solo artist.

Review: Johnson & Romero Hypnotic Safari (Wannadu Records)

By Erik Deckers Indie-Music.com Intro/general thoughts: After a hectic day at work, or after being overloaded with a lot of loud, heavy music, I like to kick back with and relax with music that calms my jangled nerves, and doesn't require a lot of concentration to enjoy. Wayne Wesley Johnson and Ruben Romero's new album, "Hypnotic Safari," certainly fits the bill. These two extremely talented guitarists have produced nearly an hour of smooth, flamenco-style jazz they refer to as "nuevo flamenco" or "rumba flamenca." If you like smooth jazz, great guitar work, or are a fan of Spanish guitar music, "Hypnotic Safari" is a CD you need to listen to.

Type of Music: Smooth Jazz/Nuevo Flamenco/New Age

Hometown: Oldwick, New Jersey

Notable: Wayne Wesley Johnson has played guitar for several notable jazz artists, like Sandy DeVito and Eddie Berg, and even played drums for Les Paul (Les Paul said Johnson is "a fine guitarist. . . and fine drummer too." Johnson was even the leader of The Yellow Jackets, who I remember listening to back in high school.

Ruben Romero has been playing guitar since age 11. He has released over 17 albums, and played with other international musical stars, including Jesse Cook, Oscar Lopez, and Ottmar Liebert. And New Age label Narada has released two volumes that feature Romero's work, along with other guitar artists like Paco de Lucia and Al Di Meola.

Highs: "La Gloria" was one of my favorite tracks on the whole album, and one that really makes flamenco music accessible to casual or even new fans. The piece was originally written and recorded by Romero, and was recorded again for this album. The piece showcases the two different techniques of Johnson and Romero. However, my absolute favorite was "Caricias para la princesa" (Caresses for Princess Diana), a hauntingly beautiful and sad tune that was written by, and featured, Ruben Romero.

Lows: No joke, there really were no low points on the whole album. When you get musicians as experienced and talented as the...

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