Greg Johnson with full orchestra

Media Release
for immediate release
7 October 2005

Greg Johnson with full orchestra

Johnson’s songs remain catchy, full of memorable music lines, with lyrics that suit the tunes. He has a flair for melody in much the same way as Neil Finn… Greg Johnson is on top of his game." [Dominion Post, 2004]

Everywhere he goes, Greg Johnson touches audiences with his captivating pop style and smooth lyrical voice. For the first time in his career, Greg joins forces with the 70 piece Auckland Philharmonia for one concert only on Saturday 5 November. The concert features well known hits from Greg’s earlier albums as well as a sampling from his latest release, Here Comes the Caviar. All arrangements are by Tom Rainey.

Greg Johnson’s shows have become legendary in New Zealand for their blend of cabaret styling, catchy pop songs and quirky storytelling. In 2004 he was the first artist to sell-out at the New Zealand International Arts Festival in Wellington, followed by three sold out performances in Auckland. He hosted a season of sold out shows called “Greg Johnson’s Thursday Night Cocktail Club” in Los Angeles and East Timor, and during a tour of London and Ireland, he had the opportunity to perform at the famous Harcourt Hotel.

Greg first discovered his zeal for music while growing up in Auckland on an eclectic blend of punk rock, Simon and Garfunkel and classical music. He spent his early youth kicking around in various post-punk bands before accepting a job at local radio station, bFM. With a passion for performance and music in his heart, Greg joined the late night band Bluespeak, singing and playing the trumpet for a living. He was soon recognised as an unusually gifted songwriter and started recording under his own name. Vine Street Stories (1996) was his first breakthrough featuring four Top 20 singles. The next two solo albums Chinese Whispers (1998) and Sea Breeze Motel (2001) introduced numerous gems including Liberty which garnered the distinguished APRA Silver Scroll Award. (Greg has had five songs in the finals since 1995.)

In February 2002 Greg re-located to Los Angeles where he joined forces with renowned record producer Clark Stiles (Dandy Warhols, Phunk Junkees) to complete his first US album, Here Comes the Caviar. His band includes guitarist Ted Brown, Minibar members Malcolm Cross and Sid Jordan, and guests Jeff Young (Sting/Jackson Browne) and Rami Jaffee (Wallflowers). The band regularly performs in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Greg Johnson in concert with the Auckland Philharmonia
Saturday 5 November – 7.30pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
Adult tickets from $38 to $75; concessions available (service fees may apply)
Bookings: phone the Ticketek Orchestra Hotline on (09) 307 5139 or visit www.ticketek.co.nz

“Greg Johnson in concert with the Auckland Philharmonia” is sponsored by Telecom with support from The RadioNetwork. The Auckland Philharmonia receives major funding from Creative New Zealand and a major grant from Auckland City.

ENDS

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