Vision

Quote from Kimball J. Meyer a.k.a. Kim Berly, Drummer and Singer with The Stampeders, Recipient for SOCAN classic awards Oh My Lady and Minstrel Gypsy -- Penny Buhr Johnson sings from the heart. She sings and engages the listener, in an easy down to earth fashion, telling the story of her songs, and the story of her life. The voice is open and relaxed, capable of soaring up and up and up with no hint of strain. Her songs are lyrically honest and melodically memorable and stand up well... She's the real thing. A lifetime of not being a performer has allowed her to be who she is. She's an absolutely competent pianist, but it's the voice you'll come to hear. Soulful and sweet, clear and controlled, it is the perfect medium for her message. Her songs are touched by spirit, and the joy she takes in them, makes it all irresistible.-- ...so, you're sitting right next to her on the piano bench as she sings and plays to you... 2008 CGMA Award Winner of Canadian New Female Artist of the Year 2008 GMA Instrumental Semi-Finalist, Music in the Rockies, Colorado, USA Penny Buhr Johnson has a voice that's silky and fluid, ranging nearly 4 octaves. Her style's been compared to Diana Krall, Ricki Lee Jones and Sandi Patti, and Olivia Newton John. Get comfy, curl up with a close friend, and do some soul searching. You will smile, you'll cry, you'll cherish what you get. Feel her jazz side on a few tunes, taste some orchestral flavours on others, and listen to her heartbeat in a trio of Aboriginal influenced songs. Let her take you on a spiritual and sentimental journey. This music teacher of 20 years, steps out onto the stage, revealing another side of her, only occasionally seen while she raised her family. Music has always been a passion in her life. Penny has been dealing with gradual vision loss, leading to blindness, due to a genetic disorder called retinitis pigmentosa. This has played a definite part in Penny's decision to leave teaching and try the stage. Lately, there have been some very encouraging discoveries regarding RP. You can read more about this on the website link to the Foundation Fighting blindness (FFB.com) Thru' this life experience, penny's motto has become 'Do all you can, while you can!...you might have to try harder, but don't give up on your dreams' The producers' goal in recording the Vision album, was to capture the intimacy Penny brings to each of her audiences, as she shares the vision of her heart. A few tunes lend themselves to a jazz quartet, a couple others enriched with orchestral flavours, and a trio of Aboriginal influenced folk songs. Nursery Rhyme Blues and Mr. Man in the Moon show her fun jazzy side. In contrast, the majestic Be Thou My Vision, a 1,700 year old hymn, shares the deeply-rooted faith she holds dear. Her music has been said to have a movie theme quality, including ballads, blues, soft jazz, New Orleans flavoured jazz, with a base in classical training. Her lyrics have been inspired by life experiences with family and friends. One song is dedicated to her life-long friend, her dear old piano. The Scriptures have also been a most profound source for lyrics in many of her songs.