Dean Johnson

Dean's Animosity International compilation got a very positive 3 star (out of 5) review in the current issue (1-7 March) of The Big Issue In The North. The reviewer had the following to say:-

"The Birkenhead-based songwriter is something of a musical nearlyman but it’s part of his everyman appeal. Having made records for almost two decades and with 16 albums to his name, this collection of his best songs proves how versatile and prolific he is. The songs show his progression from bedsit songwriter to live performer. Big Night has a seductive, jazzy feel and there are some rousing drinking songs here in the form of Parrot Fashion and Everybody’s Got It. Throughout the 25 tracks accordions, saxophone and piano light up his acoustic guitar melodies."

Earlier in February, Dean sang the new revised version of Silence Is Its Own Reply with amended lyrics on 7Waves Radio's Wirral Tonight. The video of this is below.

As the highlight to a week of songwriting workshops organised by the Cascade Project, Dean was asked to compose a special song to celebrate the 5th birthday of the St James Centre in Birkenhead North.

Drawing on famous names from the area such as Dixie Dean, boxer Wally Thom and singer Charlie Landsborough, mixed with personal recollections such as the infamous Blood Tub Pub, the song, entitled Northend Of Dreams, was completed by Dean and members of the public in under two hours. It was performed for visitors, dignitaries and guest of honour Wirral-born actress and TV star Patricia Routledge (celebrating her own birthday this week), who originally opened the centre.

Patricia was captivated by the poignant lyrics of the song, which included a cheeky reference to her TV character Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”!):-

“This song is for your special day,
Wish I had a big bouquet
For Hyacinth is here to see us
She’s keeping up appearances.”

She has requested the first copy of the song, which will be recorded along with other songs from the Cascade workshops at 7Waves Radio at the celebrations for their second birthday on Saturday 27 February; and will then be made available at the St James Centre.

David Essex fans - cast your minds back to the David Essex 2008 Tour. Would you like a recording of Dean's full set from your fave gig? Each will cost £5 and be signed by Dean himself. Interested? Email us at reservationrecords@hotmail.co.uk stating which venue's recording you'd prefer. At the moment just trying to ascertain if there's interest. If we get enough requests, we will go ahead and get them out to you.

DAVID COURTNEY RADIO INTERVIEW TO FEATURE DEAN'S VERSION OF ONE OF HIS SONGS

Spencer Leigh will be speaking to David Courtney (writer of many Leo Sayer and Roger Daltrey hits) on his On The Beat show on BBC Radio Merseyside on Saturday 6 February. Dean's version of David's song I Survived (which can currently be heard on Dean's MySpace) is going to be played on the show, which begins at 5.30pm.

Dean, who is at the centre of a storm of publicity surrounding a lost lyric fragment written by the late George Harrison, will be sharing his songwriting skills in Valentine events being held throughout Wirral in the second week of February.

Just recently Dean found himself the subject of tabloid articles and hundreds of online postings and message boards after being asked to complete the long lost Beatle lyric for a BBC radio programme.

Dean has collaborated with some of the top names in the music industry, with over 25 years’ experience. His songs have been broadcast on national radio and television. His live performances have taken him from the Wirral folkscene to the Royal Albert Hall.

In the week before Valentine’s Day, he will be available to work with anyone who has that love song trapped inside. Dean will be holding songwriting workshops at Happy Hearts events organised by the Cascade Project for local residents to showcase their skills and talents to their friends and neighbours.

Dean says, “Over the years I have worked with many different musicians. These workshops will be a brilliant opportunity for me to work with people who have that raw desire to express themselves through song. There is so much talent out there. People have fallen into the trap of covering other people’s work but these workshops will help release the hidden songwriter that’s eager to get out. You don’t have to be a musician to take part, just a desire to put your feelings into words.”

The FREE Happy Hearts events will also feature activities such as cooking a romantic meal, designing and making Valentine’s cards, ceramic gifts and floral bouquets, and belly dancing. They will be held at the following community centres:

· The Allandale, Oakdale Road, Seacombe on Monday 8 February between 10am – 1pm.

· Woodchurch Methodist Centre, Pemberton Road on Wednesday 10 February between 1pm – 4pm

· Leasowe Learning and Wellbeing Centre in the Millennium Centre, Leasowe on Thursday 11 February between 10am – 2pm.

For further details and to book a place, please contact Martin or Jenny at the Cascade Project, St James Centre, 344 Laird Street, Birkenhead. Tel 0151 670 9974, or e-mail cascadewirral@btconnect.com

Dean is to play a very rare hometown gig when he opens for the legendary 70's band Stackridge at the Pacific Road Arts Centre on Friday 29 January.

The band's seminal melodic pop and Dean's confessianal acoustic ballads will be a great bill, and both artists share strong Beatle connections.

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