*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, with both men soloing nicely and throwing together some nice harmony parts. The cover of the classic pop tune "Venus" oozes prettiness. both from Nokie''s electric and Johnson''s acoustic. And the classic "Pipeline" cooks with just the right amount of fire. Other tunes, like "The River Suite" let Johnson show his fingerpicking prowess. "Pharoah''s Journey" has a mideastern feel that lets Johnson play a moving bass line while he''s soloing. Very Nice. -- John Heidt --Vintage Guitar Magazine Review Bismark, North Dakota 

*Canciones del alma by Wayne Wesley Johnson "conjures the musical spirits of Carlos Santana, The Ventures, and Paco DeLucia...Wayne Wesley Johnson is essential listening for guitar enthusiasts" --20th Century Guitar Magazine Hauppauge, NY 

*As a freelance reviewer, most of the time I determine what I want to review, however in rare instances I get the opportunity to review something that I didn't choose. In this case it was certainly my pleasure to have the chance to hear some of the best music I have heard in a long time. There is no doubt as to the unbelievable gift and talent that Wayne Wesley Johnson has and his ability to share this with everyone in nothing short of amazing. Throughout this album, there is a collection of 14 tracks; each one has its own unique sound and a blend of musical flavor that makes this collection one to have. I found a mix of Rumba, Spanish guitar, jazz, fusion, classical and R & B sounds mixed together and blended in delicate, yet sharp edged sound. The set takes you through a wide range of musical emotion, from the slow and smooth to quick and fast paced. Overall, this album is for anyone looking for the sounds that make a rainy day seem easier to handle or for those looking to take a leisurely drive or even those who just want to sit around a warm fire on a cold winter's day. My highest recommendation - you certainly won't be disappointed with this purchase! Reviewer Name: Mike Woznicki 

Reveiwer Certifications: A+, NET+, INET+, SERVER+, CCNA, CCDA, MSP, CNX-A, CIWA, CIWP, AWP, IWA, BCIP rating: A Full Five Stars Rating 

*"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 jazz, world, new age, flamenco, finger-style & thumb-style playing in the Atkins/Travis style. His unique compositions combine the worlds of jazz and nuevo flamenco (Jazzamenco tm). I hope you have an opportunity soon to invite Wayne Wesley Johnson to perform his music for you." Dr. Mark Pritcher, CAAS President 

*I Really enjoyed this Album. I was Fortunate to hear this Album. Wayne Wesley Johnson has a top notch tone & quality with His Guitar Player & feeling in his Playing. I enjoy all the Styles that were covered on this set also the music reached across time & eras. the arrangements were nice. This is the kind of Album that I can listen to on a mellow Sunday day or afternoon. A very Good Album. Reviewer: mistermaxxx from usa 

*"Guitarist Wayne Wesley Johnson brings together a diverse group of musicians for his 2003 solo release Canciones Del Alma, meaning 'songs from the soul'. On several tracks, Johnson integrates Chinese pentatonic melodies perfomed on guitar, guitar synthesizer and pipa (Gao Hong) blended with Spanish and Latin rumba flamenco rhythms and further complimented with Bolivian pan flutes and charango (Mario Reynolds). A good example of Johnson's mixing of musical cultures is the blending of the Chinese guitar with the Brazilian Bossa Nova or Samba as evidenced by the Vic Cenicola tune "Segovia's Dream". Another highlight is Johnson's collaboration with Ventures guitarist Nokie Edwards on remakes in the Nuevo flamenco style of the classics "Walk, Don't Run", "Venus" and "Pipeline". Guitar Nine Records