Pink Flamingos

20,000 Miles From Home

Magpie

Inspiration for The Runner comes from when I used to go running through Nunhead Cemetery in south east London. The song deals with, in part, confronting our fears of mortality. 

Imagery evoked in the song, is also reflected in the original album art by my stepfather David Leeming. 

The Runner was recorded live (vocals and guitar simultaneously) with no click track and minimal overdubs, with the intention of capturing an intimacy and authenticity not often heard in many of today's recordings.

The Runner (single)

"..until now there have been few to rival the Irish band in New Year dittys." 
Music waffle 

Full review here: musicwaffle.org/2015/12/30/single-review-ady-johnson-new-years-day/

New Year's Day (Single Mix)

Performed live at Colchester Arts Centre with Toby Bull on trumpet - September 2015.
From Ady Johnson's debut album 'Tell the Worry Dolls'.

Maybe I'm a Blind Fool - Live, September 2015

iPhone recording from The Harrison, King's Cross - 20/08/16
Ady Johnson - Vocal and guitar
Mr Toby Bull - Trumpet and backing vocal
'Tuba Tom' Briers - Sousaphone
Pete 'Bellowhead' Flood - Drums

Problems of Your Own (iPhone recording) - Live @ The Harrison, Kings Cross - 20/08/16

Final song in my set, supporting Scott Matthews and his Band at Guildhall Winchester, on their UK Tour 2016.

Thank You for the Good Things

Whale Song

Whale Song - Live at Guildhall Winchester 5/11/16. Supporting Scott Matthews - UK Tour 2016

Inspired by the view of The Shard on London's skyline.

The Glass Tower (Single)

Bring You Back is written about my dear late Nan, who passed away on Christmas Day 2018, having suffered from Alzheimers disease for many years. Although a sad song and one which I wish I never had to write, there is a positive message in the last verse - how people with dementia can still very much engage with and enjoy music - bring them back, so to speak. 
Lyrics:

I hold you hand I and show you photos
Of people you should know
It breaks my heart when you then ask
For me to take you home
Oh if I could, you know I would
Oh if I could, you know I would

Last night he came to me 
In a lucid dream
We embraced for the first time
We never did when he was alive
Oh now if I could, you know I would 

And as those memories slowly slip and fade
My love for you, it just grows
And even though you can’t quite place my face
I’ll never, ever forget you

And as those memories slowly slip and fade
My love for you, it just grows
And even though you cant quite place my face
I hope I’ll never forget you, you, you
Forget you

But I know there are some things
That are sure to bring you back
A song, a rhyme from the old times
Or ‘Lagrima' on my guitar
You know that I will, yes I’ll play for you
You know that I will, yes I’ll play for you
You know that I will, yes I’ll play for you
You know that will,  yes I’ll play for you

Bring You Back

Dedicated to the memory of my dear friend Ciaran Brannigan who left us on 25th April 2015.

Irish Goodbye

Ady chats with Tom Robinson about his music career to date, antique furniture restoration, guitar technique, a Scott Matthews tour support and his new album London Songs produced by Gerry Diver.
London Songs is available on CD & digital here and elsewhere: https://adyjohnson.bandcamp.com/

Tom Robinson Interview ~ BBC Radio 6 Music ~ 10 March, 2018

Hear my song 'Put the World on Standby' and me sniffle my way through chat with Ian Wyatt, covering my move back to Colchester, forthcoming gigs, Hungarian nose flutes and severed tendons..!

Hear more songs from my album London Songs: https://adyjohnson.bandcamp.com/album/london-songs

BBC Essex Interview with Ian Wyatt ~ 27/03/19

“He’s damn good live!” Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music

“One of the UK’s most inventive songwriters.” Stephen Foster, BBC Radio Suffolk 

London based Ady Johnson is a seasoned musician, who’s infectious songs and engaging live performances, continue to win him plaudits from critics and audiences alike. Ady draws upon blues, folk, soul, Americana, pop and rock, to fuse a unique, classic but contemporary acoustic style.

Ady’s debut album 'Tell the Worry Dolls' received critical praise from R2, BluesMatters and Press Association. Tracks were chosen for two iTunes Essentials compilations. 'His Thank You for the Good Things EP' also received glowing reviews from Americana UK and other online reviewers. The EP made London’s Resonance FM’s Top 5 EP’s of 2015.

Since his first notable solo gig in 2010 at BBC 6 Music’s ‘6 Fest’, Ady has supported a wealth of artists; including Lisa Knapp, Ben Howard, Willy Mason, Matt Cardle and Adam Ant. Tours include his 2014 New York Tour and two UK tour supports for Ivor Novello Award winning Scott Matthews.

This year saw the release of Ady’s second album 'London Songs', which again received high praise from RnR, Americana UK and Record Collector. Tom Robinson, who has championed Ady’s music since his debut, invited Ady for an interview on his show BBC Radio 6 Music show in March.

Ady embarks on his third UK tour support with Scott Matthews this October.

“…might well be the first contender for album of the year…deserves to be massive.” 9/10 Press Association

“…an ebullient, life affirming collection with a touch of kitchen-sink romanticism worthy of Ray Davies and a bluesy sound filtered through the uniquely English lens of skiffle.” 8/10 Americana UK

“What a delight this album is!” ***** RnR

ady johnson

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