Johann Helton
Songs Without Words
© 2003 Johann Helton (783707719627)
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Instrumental and jazzy, with blue and rock overtones, 'Songs Without Words' is Johann Helton's strongest and most varied album to date. The emphasis is on melody and texture, all created by Helton's mastery of fretted instruments and musical imagery.
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This album was named in 'Wind and Wire' as Number 6 on the Top Ten Guitar albums of 2003! The following review, written by Bernard Richter, recently appeared in the online music magazine 'Minor7th.com', a magazine devoted to guitar-oriented music. "Songs Without Words" 2003 Veteran solo guitarist Johann Helton has just released a wonderful selection of homegrown acoustic guitar pieces. Helton's musical influences seem to come from classical, pop, and jazz. Many of the tracks offer impressive improvisational work, most recognizable on the Jazzy "There's A Reason". All eleven pieces feature strong melodic integrity. Also very noticeable is Helton's ability to achieve unique textures on many of these selections. "Songs Without Words" marks a turning point for the artist: the album has only two solo guitar tracks as opposed to Helton's 2001 release of "Where Mountains End and Clouds Begin" which was all solo work. "Going Home", the opening track, begins with catchy set of progressions and then bridges into Helton's improvisations. The rest of the tunes showcase a host of different guitars and basses, all played by Helton himself. On "Moroccan Roll" we find a fine mix of percussions, bass, and nylon-string guitar to produce a seductive, silky ethos. Helton's commitment to articulate every note and the fidelity of the engineering achieved on this album make for a very enjoyable listening experience. The album ends with Helton on steel-string. This acoustic/bass duo reflects Helton's appreciation for melody and his ability to create imaginative compositions." © Bernard Richter
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"An acoustical treasure celebrating the human experience."
author: JazzReview/Cheryl HugheyJohann Helton in 'Songs Without Words' is an acoustical treasure that celebrates the diversity of the human experience. Helton plays layers of acoustic and bass guitars throughout the CD with Lawson Hill on percussion. Each recording is an individual soundscape of emotion. The CD kicks off with an earthy “Going Home.” The rich vibrations are organically rhythmic. “There’s A Reason” possesses a memorably happy melody. By contrast, “Dangerous Considerations” is an upbeat stroll. Finger snaps and a walking bass line add a slightly mysterious café vibe. A mood of meditation is painted in “Garden Mist.” By removing the percussion, the tension is released and you can let yourself go. Taking an emotional turn, “Song for the Sorrows” is deeply resonating. “Nocturne (song for my father)” is a partnership of bass and guitar. A flowing rapport is created by marrying tone and rhythm. Intimately alluring, “Quiet Room, Gentle Rain” is a celebration of the reflective soul in all of us.