Review: Dean Johnson @ The Sinclair 1/29
Photo Credit: Coco Aramaki
Review by Jonny Malyon
Dean Johnson is a singer/songwriter based out of Seattle who is currently on tour for his recently released album, “I Hope We Can Still Be Friends.” Johnson has one of those voices that is immediately captivating. Ever since I discovered his music, I have been anxious to experience it live. As Johnson took the stage, my anticipation mounted, but he made me wait. Rather than immediately launch into the opening song, Johnson started chatting with the audience as if we had all just met for a dinner party that might end in him playing a few tunes if we got lucky.
He introduced himself and his band, giving each of them individual praise as he went. To Johnson’s right was Sam Peterson on electric guitar, to his immediate left was Sera Cahoone on a sparse drum kit and providing backing vocals, and to his far left was Aaron Khawaja on bass. Johnson told us about their various solo music endeavors, a little bit about their tour so far, the inclement weather, and how he was feeling. As it seemed like the chatting was getting a little long-winded for the audience, Johnson started to introduce the first song, which will be included in a forthcoming deluxe version of “I Hope We Can Still Be Friends.”
As soon as Johnson started singing, any feelings of awkwardness or uncertainty immediately melted away. The piercingly mournful quality of Johnson’s gorgeous tenor captured the ears and hearts of the audience completely. The first couple songs were ballads that really showcased his vocal range and control. I have previously been more drawn to Johnson’s more up-tempo and bouncy folk tunes. While I loved when his consistent but understated double-knee bounce sped up for those numbers, I couldn’t get enough of his down-tempo crooning live. Cahoone’s harmonies really helped bring those slower songs to life. Johnson’s voice soars above the clouds with a clear, almost nasal tone. In impactful moments, Cahoone’s deeper and more full-bodied vocals grounded it in the most beautiful way. They paired perfectly, and the combination was a true highlight of the show for me. Khawaja and Peterson were equally effective in artfully supporting Johnson without threatening to overpower him.
It quickly became apparent that the long-winded introduction to the first song was not an anomaly. Johnson talked extensively throughout the set. He even shared his self-critiques with the crowd as he went, saying, “I think I played that one too slow.”
He shared stories and the inspiration behind different songs as he introduced them, which really made “Shake Me” and “The Man in the Booth” come to life for me. These introductions often included anecdotes about the current state of the world and how we might find some more unity or common ground. It wasn’t all hopeful futures, though, as Johnson explained that the new album bears its title because a lot of the content was him “being mean.” “Death of the Party” is about wishing an acquaintance would learn how to stop talking and self-reflect a bit more, while another song on the forthcoming deluxe includes lyrics about hoping some of the country’s religious zealots would, in fact, get raptured away to the heaven they yearn for.
As the set continued, I settled into Johnson’s chatting in between songs. His debut album was released a few days after his 50th birthday, and it’s clear that Dean Johnson isn’t some weathered musician just doing his job. He is an incredibly sweet man who oozes the energy of the Pacific Northwest with his fisherman’s beanie, scarf tightly wound around his neck, and bushy mustache. He’s here to share his stories through his carefully written songs and beautiful voice, but also through sharing his thoughts, fears, and dreams with the new people he meets across the country. Johnson felt genuinely grateful that we were there, that he was there, and that we had this evening to connect. I left Johnson’s thoroughly gorgeous show feeling edified by his angelic voice and determined to continuously find new passions, excitement, and friendships as the wheels of time ceaselessly roll on.