aijai Jackson of The Jazz Network Worldwide -
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Featured This Week on The Jazz Network
Worldwide: Guitarist Wayne Wesley Johnson
launches website and his new single
“Ticklestick”.
Wayne Wesley Johnson launches innovative
website sharing his internationally recognized
award winning world-class artistry showcasing
his new single “Ticklestick” off his upcoming
remastered “Jazzmenco” recording.
This charismatic performer has shared the
stage with some of the world's finest guitarists.
Formerly a drummer and touring companion
with legendary guitarists 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), Jon Paris, and more.
His current single,”Ticklestick" is a tune written
many years ago but only recorded recently.
Wayne is joined by guitarists, Edgar Cruz & Lou
Pallo (Les Paul Trio), bassist, Jon Gagan (Ottmar
Liebert's Luna Negra Band), and drummer KC
Morris on this track. "Ticklestick" represents a
fusion of guitar stylings by Wayne, a fusion of
driving rhythm guitar (Lou Pallo), and a
memorable melodic theme performed by
Wayne and harmonized by his friend, Edgar
Cruz of Oklahoma. "Ticklestick" has already
enjoyed several months a #1 on the charts at
KJazzRadioUK.com and was a finalist in Best
Jazz and Best Instrumental Categories at the
New Mexico Music Awards. Wayne invites you
to enjoy this newly remastered version of
"Ticklestick" available at CDBaby.com and from
digital music providers.
Though initially released as a single, the tune
is one of the bonus tracks in the upcoming
Wayne Wesley Johnson and friends
"Jazzamenco" double album a compilation of
Wayne's finest and recently remastered
recordings to date which features his guitar
mastery and pioneering jazz/nuevo flamenco
fusion stylings supported by various guest
artists including the late classical/flamenco
guitarist, Ruben Romero. "Ticklestick" will also
be on the soon to follow "Summertime in
Santa Fe" Project produced by Wayne, which
also includes in addition to WWJ, Edgar Cruz
and Lou Pallo, performances by other guitar
greats, Thom Bresh (Son of the late Merle
Travis), Tom Doyle (Les Paul), Tim Farrell and
Anthony "Guitar St" Smith.
“The Jazz Network Worldwide is a great place
to meet other professional musicians,
producers, djs, radio personalities and music
industry executives. I see many old friends at
TJNW as well as having made many new
friends. Some have discovered me here and
now air my music regularly on their radio
stations. Jaijai, thank you for providing this
great meeting place and opportunities for
musicians." ~ 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
“I have had the pleasure to work with many
artists throughout the years by way of The Jazz
Network Worldwide. I pride myself on finding
artistry that deserves to be heard, recognized
and honored for the artistry they possess.
Wayne Wesley Johnson is a focused hard-
working musician who finds another layer of
his musicianship each time he plays, such a
vast musical landscape he encompasses. His
business acumen is top draw and his vision is
endless. I so much enjoyed not only listening
to his music and designing his website for him,
but listening to the story of his life. This man
tells his story through his fingertips directly to
your hearts”, Jaijai Jackson, The Jazz Network
Worldwide.
In addition to his concert, corporate and
private performances, Wayne is New Mexico's
Premier Wedding Guitarist, in high demand for
both ceremonies and receptions, as well as
special events around the city. Branching out,
Johnson is seeking worldwide stages that
compliment his style of performance from
smooth jazz, jazzmenco, and jazz standards. He
is currently serving as a Member of the Board
of Directors - New Mexico Jazz Workshop.
Wayne now spends his time touring,
performing, songwriting, recording and
producing music for his own artist owned
Wannadu record label.
‘Be sure to check out his new website at
http://www.waynewesleyjohnson.com and his
feature at
http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com.
“Ticklestick” is available through
cdbaby.com/cd/waynewesleyjohnson3
as well as his new website. www.wannadu.com
*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
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