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

The Top 5 Reasons Why People Don't Make It In The Music Business

I've seen it happen over and over again.  Somebody who wants to make it in the music business, become the next singer or musician, who makes a career change or decides that the world of music just "isn't for them."  The truth is that it's really not for very many people at all, most of us just don't realize that.  Admittedly, my reasons for becoming a musician were completely different than the reasons that I am a musician today.  But I had to learn the hard lessons, and in keeping with it, saw a completely different picture than I had painted myself even less than a decade ago. 

I've watched people fall by the wayside for many reasons, but here are the top five, in my opinion, which have people choosing to opt out and find another path in life.

1)  They Lack The Talent
      Now, I'm not a stickler where it comes to being "the best" at what you do, and having to "rise to the top."  That isn't necessary today.  If you have a decent amount of talent and are willing to work hard, you have a fighting chance.  However, there are those who just don't have what it takes.  In their minds, they're much better than they actually are at their craft.  Often, these people aren't willing to practice and study their art well enough to get to a proficient level, and therein lies the problem.  People don't want to hear mediocre talent, and they're not going to remember it when they do. 

2)  They Don't Know What Today's Music Business Is
      The music business has changed dramatically since the birth of the internet.  It's no longer a world in which you must sign on to a major label to survive (In fact, the many who strive to this end and, in my opinion, are usually wasting their time).  This has a been a tremendous help to many up and coming musicians, but it also has it's back draws.  There is much more talent out there to contend with due to the accessibility of the musician in today's world.  That means getting creative and upping your game that much more is essential to stay ahead of your competitors.

3)  They Have Exaggerated Expectations
Some people have what I call a delusion of grandeur, thinking that they're going to make a ton of money as a musician when they "make it big."  They strive for fame, and recognition.  Sorry to say it, but keep dreaming folks.  This is not the life of 99% of the active, working musicians in the world.  To gain recognition, you have to put yourself out there.  And that takes a ton of hard work, something that anyone who is striving to become a musician for the wrong reasons isn't willing to do.  Which brings me to my next point...

4)  They Don't Have The Discipline Or The Motivation
Being a musician takes an intense amount of work, with very little payoff in the beginning.   It's typical for a musician to work every day of the week for hours and hours on end and make nothing.  In addition, because you're self employed, plan to struggle with the cost of carrying your own health care and dealing the the IRS come tax time.  Who doesn't want to wake up and be a rock star?  Sorry, but it takes a lot more blood, sweat and tears than that to make it in this business.

5)  They Aren't Able To Work Under Pressure
It's an intense business.  Deadlines that must be met, marketing, scheduling, practicing, recording and so much more go into the daily life of the working musician.  Many people simply aren't able to hack it.  Instead, they go for the sure bet, and wind up working for someone else.  At a store, or an office.  Which may be a lot less stressful and compensate you immediately, but clearly the passion to be a musician, and to do whatever it takes to succeed,  just wasn't there to begin with.

Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available  through many websites and radio stations.  To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!

Solo Piano Music In The Year 2012

When I talk about solo piano music, I'm talking about modern solo piano music.  To be clear, this is not a discussion about classical piano music written by the "great masters."  But rather, the "great masters" of today in the world of solo piano.  At least I would call them "great masters."

Solo piano today, stylistically, is a combination of many different influences.  And, just like any other genre, each composer has his or her own "flavor" of composition.  The genre goes by many different names; "New Age" piano, "Contemporary" piano, and so on.  Often those who don't listen much to the "solo piano" genre, haven't done their research, or are classical piano purists will dismiss this style of music, saying that it lacks technique and artistry.  They couldn't be more wrong.  It's different from what they're used to, and the scope of technique and artistry is vast, varying from pianist to pianist.  It's an unfair and unjust assumption, and it's based purely on uneducated opinion in regard to "New Age" piano.

There is a very large market for New Age piano in today's world, and there is a very strong network of composers whose efforts have pushed this genre forward and into the public eye.  Of course there are the pioneers, who include David Lanz and Will Ackerman.  And there are those who've been around for a while like David Nevue, who with his "Whisperings" radio show and "Music Biz Academy" website have made invaluable contributions to the world of New Age music.  And there are newcomers on the scene who are helping to shape solo piano music and further it's evolution into something fresh and new.  Scott Davis comes to mind.

People who love New Age piano music are fiercely loyal.  Often they become fans of numerous artists, enmeshing themselves in the beauty of these compositions.   These are people who, typically, have a very open minded view where their tastes are concerned, ever expanding their palate to embrace more new and different material.  These people really "hear" the differences from song to song, album to album, artist to artist.  It's baffling to me how many highly educated pianists dismiss New Age music for reasons already stated, while many who can't play or sing a note embrace it.  And in discussion, the uneducated are much more engaging and less opinionated.  They have valid, creative things to say on the subject of solo piano, where the former group have critical words and a demeaning spirit.  One doesn't have to wonder who's really more open, honest and receptive in their listening.

Solo piano music is certainly an enigma in and of itself in the year 2012.  Its own style with it's own following.  When I compose, I always begin with piano, and nothing else.  Sometimes the piece stays that way, and there's nothing to be added.  Sometimes, in my mind, there needs to be more.  Strings, pads, percussions, the possibilities are endless.  And what a journey it is to explore all of those possibilities.  "Piano driven" music is my specialty, and I'm finding more artists who compose this way all the time.  It just may be the next hottest thing in the piano world!

To listen to fresh, new, "piano driven" music, check out my online radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com.  I know most of the artists personally, and I can tell you that they're great people with even greater dreams and visions for our world, both socially and musically.  Keep searching, and keep listening!

Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available  through many websites and radio stations.  To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!

A Connection Between Music and Baby?

I recently had a son.  He's five months old today, and I'm very proud of my boy.  Last November when he was born, I couldn't help but look immediately at his hands as he came into the world.  Being a full time pianist, my eyes immediately looked in that general direction (And btw, he's got very big hands and very long fingers : ).  I asked myself some questions about him, and what his experience in this world would be like.  Some of those questions, of course, pertained to the world of music.

I've learned that my son, whose name is Leif, already has an appreciation for music.  And he recognizes certain pieces.  He's comforted by it, and as a newborn, music was often the only thing that would calm him as he was having a bout of colic.  Where the vacuum cleaners, car rides, and pacifiers all failed, music was able to come through for us.  And not just any genre of music either. 

I made an interesting discovery after Leif was born.  What he heard in the womb was familiar to him, clearly.  He recognized my voice, and of course my wife Barbara's voice  as well.  But he also recognized my music.  During the last two trimesters of Barbara's pregnancy, I had hit my peak work season.  I was preparing for my "October" CD release, and finishing up in the studio.  I was also preparing for my annual "Sounds Of The Night" concert in October, my "Vince Guaraldi And The Peanuts" concert weekend in November, and my "Winter Solstice IV" concert at Witherspoon Hall here in Omaha.  Any of these events on their own were a huge undertaking, and I was swamped like never before.  As a result, I was practicing night and day for months in addition to the marketing of the shows, securing of details, CD production, and daily lessons.  Needless to say, I was a busy guy. 

Barbara was used to listening to me practice at home.  There was no way to get away from it, really, as it was almost constant.  She used to tell me that when I played, Leif would stop kicking, and I was skeptical.  Skeptical that is, until he was born.

Leif was a very colicky child for several months.  He would scream at the top of his lungs and stay on pitch for hours.  He'd turn red and purple.  Nothing we did would end the incessant screaming.  Except when I played the piano.  And particularly, when I played my pieces.  It was fascinating to watch!  He would instantly stop, look at me, look around, and sit for a few minutes before finally falling gently asleep.  I'd never seen anything like it.

Admittedly I was a little embarrassed to have been skeptical in the first place.  After all, I'm a musician, shouldn't I have had a little more faith in the power of music?  But over the last five months what I've come to discover is that through this experience, I hold music at an even higher level than I did before.  I've always believed music to be extremely powerful.  But now, I know that it's an unstoppable force when it's crafted as such.  I believe that music has the power to move people to go places they could only imagine before, and heal people in ways that no medicine can.  I may even go so far as to say that it has the power to move mountains.  After all, it did stop my son's colic.

To you mothers who are reading this article and expecting, please don't take this lightly.  Those people who play Mozart to their babies who are still in the womb are not "weird" or "crazy."  The influence that music has in the mind and soul of an unborn baby (and a born baby for that matter) is valid and it's real.  Give it a try, you might learn something!  I did.  And I have my son Leif to thank for it.

Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available  through many websites and radio stations.  To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!

New Age Piano Reviews, by Enlightened Piano Radio

If you're familiar with pianist Donovan Johnson, you may be familiar with his online radio station "Enlightened Piano Radio."  And if you are a piano artist yourself, there is exciting news for you to consider!  Enlightened Piano Radio is  now conducting reviews for Contemporary/New Age recordings, free of charge. 

Founder Donovan Johnson explains:  "I just love modern piano music.  And there is so much of it being written and recorded today that it's impossible to keep up with it all.  One way for me to stay on top of things is to review the work of others!  And I'm happy to do it.  In addition, I'm always looking for new Enlightened Piano artists to add to the radio station."

"Enlightened Piano Radio" has been around for only a year now.  It's a growing radio station, and the music that Donovan selects is hand picked.  In fact, he works with most of the "Enlightened Piano" artists personally.  "I believe in working with people, to be of service to them and to the audience that they're trying to reach.  I know very well how hard it is to try to do everything on your own.  The composing, practicing, marketing, recording and producing, website maintenance, the list goes on.  That's why I'm here to help in any way I can.  That's why Enlightened Piano Radio exists at all.  And if I can find one more way to encourage and support the writers and composers of this great genre of music, I'll do it."

"Enlightened Piano" plays music by a few of the well known artists such as George Winston, and Yanni, but more of the music on it's airwaves comes from lesser known, nationally recognized artists.  David Nevue, Doug Hammer and Joseph Akins to name a few.  The station genre is more or less New Age, but branches out into the Contemporary and Neo-Classical categories as well.  Each month the radio station chooses an "artist of the month," and every year an "Enlightened Piano" concert is held in Omaha Nebraska, featuring Donovan and one of the station artists.

Donovan is excited about the new direction the station will be taking as the music review process unfolds.  "I see the album review portion of the Enlightened Radio project as just one more way for me to immerse myself in the music that I love, give someone else an outlet to be heard, and offer something meaningful to the public.  It's a privilege for me to be able to do what I do, and this is one more way for me to give back."

The first review has been posted on the Enlightened Piano Radio website.  You can view it at:  http://www.enlightenedpiano.com/Enlightened-Piano-Radio-CD-Reviews.html

If you're interested in a review, Donovan can be reached at:  donovanspiano@cox.net.  He asks that you let him know a bit about yourself, your style, and anything else relevant.  Once the album is reviewed (could take up to 4 weeks), the review will be posted on the Enlightened Piano website, along with Amazon.com and CDBaby. 

Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available  through many websites and radio stations.  To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!

German New Age Pianist Kai Miano Makes his U.S. Debut!

Kai Miano and Donovan Johnson will tour the Southeastern U.S. states

Kai Miano, a Contemporary pianist from Germany, is very excited to come to the United States.  While here, he'll be performing with internationally recognized New Age pianist Donovan Johnson on a tour of Nebraska, Missouri, Tennessee, and North Carolina.  Cities on the tour will include Lincoln, Omaha, Kansas City, St. Louis (with Richard Carr), Nashville, Chattanooga, Asheville, Greensboro, and Raleigh. 

Kai Miano has toured in Europe, and performed extensively in his home country, but has never been to the United States.  Coming to the US is something that he's wanted to do for a long time, and after talking with friend and colleague, American New Age pianist Donovan Johnson, the plans to bring him here became a reality.  Donovan owns and operates an online radio station called "Enlightened Piano Radio," of which Kai is a part.  Each year, "Enlightened Piano Radio" hosts a concert in Donovan's current city of residence, Omaha NE.  One of the radio station artists is featured at the event, and this year Kai Miano is that artist.   Guest artists in years past have included nationally recognized pianists David Nevue and Richard Carr. 

To make the trip worthwhile for Kai, Donovan has planned a tour that will take the two on a journey to the American southeast.  "It's a beautiful part of the country" states Donovan, "and there are lots of opportunities to play there.  The people in that part of the United States are very open to different styles of entertainment, and have a deep appreciation for music.  I think this trip is going to exceed Kai's expectations." 

After returning from the tour, Kai will perform at this years "Enlightened Piano Radio" concert, which will be held Friday, September 28th at 7:30pm.  The event will be held at it's usual location, the beautiful and historic First Unitarian Church of Omaha NE.  "We're really looking forward to this," Says Donovan.  It's going to be a treat for everyone."

Kai Miano has performed in Zurich, parts of Italy, Budapest, Prague, Kiel, Frankfurt, Sao Paulo, LaRochelle, and London.  He currently has four releases in his diskography:  "Kai Miano Vol. 6(2006)", "Kai Miano Vol. 7 (2007)," "Smile While You Listen (2009)," and "Pure Piano (2010)."  His music is a blend of piano and instrumentation, much of it with an unmistakable European flare.  He can be heard on numerous internet radio stations around the globe, has recordings available on many websites and webpages,  and has quite a following in Europe. 

"This tour is going to give Kai an opportunity to build a following here, and get some exposure.  In addition, those who attend are going to have a great time.  It's a "win win" situation."  Donovan explains further, "Kai's music touches me in a way that's hard to describe.  It's so very different from anything I've been exposed to, and he puts his heart into every note that he plays.  It really feels good to be able to help him to establish himself here in this great country, even in these small ways.  Together, we're helping each other to create something that will be truly memorable to all who are a part.  It's an honor and a privilege to be able to work with him, and to help create this experience."

To stay up to date on tour information, visit Donovan's website at www.donovanjohnson.net.  To "demand" this concert in your town, visit Donovan's "Eventful" page and click "demand."  Then, leave him a message about your demand.  http://eventful.com/performers/donovan-johnson-/P0-001-003610352-7

For more information on Kai Miano, visit his website at www.kaimiano.com.
Both artists have songs available for listening and for download on youtube, CDBaby, myspace, and more!

October

Donovan Johnson

2011 / Boxhouse Music Co.

58.9 minutes

October is pianist/composer Donovan Johnson’s fourth release, but is a first for me. I love finding artists who have something a little different to say through the medium of music, and Donovan is just such an artist. Often more energetic than many recordings that fall into the new age/contemporary piano genre, I like the way Donovan has alternated the faster tracks with those that are quieter and more peaceful. Some of the pieces are solo piano and some are more orchestrated with percussion and strong rhythms backing the piano. The eleven tracks include the three-part “Islands of October Suite,” which effectively combines pop, classical, and new age elements. In addition to composing, teaching, and performing, Donovan Johnson owns and operates EnlightenedPiano.com, an internet radio station that features an international roster of new age pianists. He has been playing the piano since the age of two, and started formal lessons shortly after that, continuing into college where studied performance and composition.

October begins with “Summerland,” a joyful and energetic piece that swirls and dances to a lively beat - an enticing opening piece! “Forward In Time” starts out mysteriously with a single repeated note setting the tempo. This theme weaves in and out of the 6 1/2 minute piece, alternating with a contrasting second theme that features a smooth and graceful piano with strings. I really like this one! “Andromeda” picks up the tempo again with a driving percussion track behind the effervescent piano. The title track is more on the wistful, dreamy side with light percussion and atmospheric synth sounds behind the piano. “Forgiveness” is another favorite - a slow, graceful piano solo that comes from the heart. “Resilience” is a beautiful ballad, this time accompanied by flute and strings. The more classical “Islands of October Suite” begins with “The Island of Japan,” a dramatic piano solo with themes that range from very dark and spare to a lively and sparkling flow. The second movement is “Castaway Island,” again a piano solo. Donovan demonstrates some very impressive playing chops in this one! “Isle Du Massacre” sounds pretty grim, but the piece is anything but. In the first theme, the left hand plays a driving rhythm while the right dances all over the piano. The second theme is slower and less structured, and then the first theme returns, taking the album to a joyful and breathless ending.

October is a great find if you like spirited pieces mixed in with the more contemplative music (I do!). It is available from www.donovanjohnson.net, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Recommended!

Kathy Parsons

MainlyPiano.com

3/7/12

Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available  through many websites and radio stations.  To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!