Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Enlightened Piano Radio Presents Donovan Johnson and Richard Carr's 2012 Tour of the Deep South

Two of the midwests best known New Age pianists hit the road this July,
with a show that is sure to inspire and refresh you!

This July, Donovan Johnson of Omaha NE and Richard Carr of St. Louis MO will be travelling to the deep south, to perform in the gulf areas of the United States.  They'll begin their journey in San Antonio TX, continuing straight across the southern gulf, coming up through Memphis and ending their trip in St. Louis MO. 

The two perform as solo artists and as a duo often throughout the year.  Donovan hosts a local concert series in Omaha annually which includes his "Sounds Of The Night" concert in October, his "Vince Guaraldi and the Peanuts" concerts in November, and his Winter Solstice" concerts in December, along with many others.  Richard has a year long program called "The Year Of Music" series, which he hosts locally in St. Louis.  Both Donovan and Richard are very excited to be taking their performances to the southern regions of the United States.

Donovan Johnson is the owner and operator of Enlightened Piano Radio, an online New Age radio station.  The radio station features the work of many contemporary piano artists around the globe, and Richard Carr is one of those artists.  "Richard is known for his improvisational approach to composing."  States Donovan.  "The way he explains it to me, is that he'll sit at the piano during a recording session, start the recording, and simply start playing.  He allows the piece to shape itself, and become what it will."  And while Richard composes mostly improvisational pieces, there are a handful that he plays the same way every time.  "I think Richard understands that people love the familiar, and that having some recognizable songs to play for your fans is very important.  I know that some of those pieces are very dear to Richard as well."

Donovan's approach is almost the opposite, as he writes music in a very structured way.  "Sometimes I write entire passages and a week later, throw them out completely so I can re-write them.  I've got to be completely satisfied with my writing before I'll allow myself to play it in front of an audience."  And while Donovan composes with concentration, and clear intention on his compositions, he does occasionally improvise pieces for his audiences as well.  At Donovan's concerts, his fans receive a slip of paper.  They're then instructed to write a "musical idea" for Donovan to improvise a piece upon, whether it be a powerful waterfall or a beautiful sunset.

Because the two piano players share some common ground, they're able to meet in the middle to create a diverse show, that is great fun for those who attend.  "There's never a dull moment" says Donovan.  "Meditative at times, but always full of inspiration and beauty."

The two currently have shows lined up in San Antonio TX, Houston TX, Baton Rouge LA, New Orleans LA, Natchez MS, Mobile AL, Memphis TN, and St. Louis MO.  They're working on several more locations as well.  Donovan expresses his excitement; "I'm thrilled.  I think these concerts are going to be very well received, and with any luck, we'll be fortunate enough to visit this area again in the future.  What Richard and I have to offer is truly a service to others.  An experience that they'll be able to take with them, to keep in their memories for years to come."

For more information on the tour, please visit Donovan Johnson's website at www.donovanjohnson.net.

For information on Richard Carr, visit his website at www.richardcarr.com

And to tune into Donovan's online, New Age radio station, visit www.enlightenedpiano.com