Johannes: Put ‘em in your collection
It’s a memory indelibly etched in my mind: a group of boys huddled at one end of a 1950s-era cabin, gathered around a guitar player, and singing the “Donkey” song. The cabin is long and narrow, dimly lit. Joey Johnson of Johannes is leading the guys in a rousing chorus of “Donkey, where are you going? Donkey, where have you been?” It’s a camp favorite. Whenever the band leads worship or plays a show, campers from Mt. Hope Bible Camp in Forbestown, California, cry out, “Donkey! Donkey!”
In some ways, this mental picture defines Johannes, a three-part band from Oregon, dedicated to ministry, not just a career in rock and roll. But they can rock. Their style is grunge, their sound, deafening. Their message is Christ.
The band have released two EPs and one double CD. They’ve toured in 38 states. I met them first about a year ago at Mt. Hope Bible Camp. They’ve played several shows there, and also help — sometimes lead — the camp ministry. Joey Johnson plays guitar and sings vocals. Lu Hughes plays drums. Nick Olas sallies forth on bass. They are progressive and intense.
Johannes is the sort of band that ought to be promoted. In an age where popular culture speaks derisively of moral values, here’s a band with a righteous message. “Sins Death,” off their Redemption EP, speaks of the torment of turning from God. “Free,” off the same EP, rejoices in the grace of God and the goodness of our Savior. Their latest EP, Beautiful, is indeed beautiful. Mellower than Redemption in some places, the Beautiful EP captures a series of emotions as the band contemplates the Lord.
Their live performance is nothing short of remarkable. I saw them last at Rock on the Mount, a benefit concert sponsored by Mountain Bible Church, my home fellowship. Two-thousand watts filled the amphitheater, nestled serenely in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The set was rich, engaging, and Joey’s testimony, given somewhat near the end of the show moved every concert goer. Before long, the audience realized it was more than a concert; it was a message in rock form.
Photo: Joey and Lu at Rock on the Mount, 2009 (Stephen Abbas)
Their music can be found on iTunes (when you type “Johannes” just ignore the “Greatest Times” album — it’s not the same band). You can also purchase their music directly from their site: JohannesMusic.com. They have a MySpace page too: press here — and a Facebook page: press here.
Catalog:
Redemption — a six-song EP featuring the title track and “Free” — this album rocks
Fighting the Sin — a double-disc offering: one side is electric, the other rock; quite an expansive view of the band
Beautiful — their latest EP, featuring the title track, which is mellower and very thoughtful
Donkey — a one-song EP, featuring a camp favorite
Postscript:
Similar Posts:
- Johannes as pioneers
- Johannes releases new album
- The sweet sound of…
- Mt. Hope Madness
- Playing live this summer…
© 2009, Mark Adams. All rights reserved. For inquiries press here.
