by Sam McDonald for the Daily Press, Friday, August 17, 2007
Another notable local release comes from rocker Annie Johnson, a Newport News native who has been making original music independently for years.
Black and Blue" is her best work yet, an artful, accomplished recording that delivers snarling hard rock (the title tune), right along with delicate, moody acoustic songs such as "Beer and Cigarettes" and "Summer."
A bit of world music crops up, too, on tunes including the instrumental "Anoushka."
I've spent a lot of time listening to music from India, Spain, Russia, and Egypt," Johnson wrote. "I've also gotten to see Anoushka Shankar perform live twice and was so moved by her music that I titled a song for her."
The CD features some of Johnson's best lyrics. She's found a way to convey deep emotion with a few graceful strokes. "Let It Go" and "Damned If I Do" are effective because they say so much with so little.
It's great to hear Johnson continue her artistic growth.
Annie's World by Bill Bass, Portfolio Weekly, Thursday, September 11, 2007
Annie Johnson’s new CD, Black and Blue, is now out and includes songs Johnson wrote between 2001 and 2006. I previewed a number of the tracks. Among my favorites are the opening track, "What I Want," which is very reminiscent of Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. It is a rocker and a great introduction to the CD. But the disc also explores other musical styles. Among the surprises is the track, "Anoushka," which explores world music.
"During the last few years I’ve listened to a lot of music from Europe and the Far East," said Johnson in a letter. "I also got to see Anoushka Shankar perform live twice at the American Theatre in Phoebus. She’s an amazing musician, and I was so inspired by her that I titled a song on the CD for her." Written by Jeff Maisey for Portfolio Weekly 3/11/08
Guitarist/singer Annie Johnson is something of a legend on the Peninsula. Seems like she's been bringing blues-rock to Newport News for almost two decades.
On Black and Blue's opening track, "What I Want," Johnson comes out swinging with a big 70's sounding guitar ala Joan Jett and Nancy Wilson from Heart. She quickly shifts gears on the slow burning atmospheric "Let It Go" and largely rides the acoustic, singer/songwriter horse the rest of the way through the 11-song album to highlight her vocal and writing talents. Joni Mitchell would be proud.
Best tracks: "What I Want," "Let It Go," and "Summer."
Homegrown Talent by Sam McDonald, The Daily Press, December 1, 2002
Newport News rocker Annie Johnson has never lacked ambition. Her previous discs tapped some of the top players and producers in the area with solid results. Those discs featured Johnson's softer acoustic side as well as her more raucous, electric material. "Here We Are" is a mixture of those elements - but with better results. Again, she employs top-notch performers and a skilled production team. Working at Windmark Studios in Virginia Beach, she's created a sound that's rich and full. In pure audio quality, Johnson's disc can match most anything heard on the radio. But the compositions are what make "Here We Are" a step forward for Johnson.
Tunes including the brooding "Self-Medication" and the excellent "Green" reveal a new level of sophistication -- melodically and lyrically. The standout track "Jimmy Stewart" is about disillusionment and broken dreams, "Jimmy Stewart made you believe in angels," Johnson sings. "Jimmy Stewart made you believe in honest politicians. Now you feel you don't belong here."
A big fan of 1970s rock bands like Heart and Aerosmith, Johnson has always combined some of the bombast of that era with the modern spunk of songwriters like Tori Amos and Alanis Morissette. On "Here We Are," the marriage sounds natural, even exciting.
Grade A
