Dax Johnson

Dax Johnson, solo pianist/composer and inventor, has been wowing audiences in the solo piano world for the last 10 years. He has sold thousands of records and developed a devout following throughout the western United States. He is known as a neo classical composer, inventor, singer, and performer. Dax his music finds its roots in artists as diverse as The Eels, Mark Cohn, Cat Stevens, Mazzi Star, and Pixies. It is then stamped with Dax's innate drive to create something different and original. Traditional instruments like the piano, cello, and drums become instruments of experimentation and obscure tonality. Layering their natural acoustic sounds and his 4th Pedal invention (a method only Dax is known for), one can hear the voice of a harp mingled with a string section or hollow percussion sounds and the hum of a synthesizer pit against the impression that someone is reaching into the piano to pluck the strings. These richly textured arrangements leave space for Dax's soulful baritone vocals and introspective lyrics to take precedence, giving the music a distinct character that is at once progressive and eerily undeniable. His live set-up is also an aesthetic to behold. Using multimedia backdrops to set the mood, he plays two grand pianos at the same time, a cello player on top of one, and a drummer in between. On stage Dax is physically emotive and a dynamic performer, drawing in listeners at a mere glance. Combine this with the music and the result is an experience that is completely engaging and wholly entertaining. After only several public performances in 2003, Dax's new project was already turning industry heads. As he continued to tour the west and promote his 3rd solo piano record, he was already making plans for a record and tour with the new project later that year. As the project continues to develop and the hype surrounding it inevitably grows, Dax was making one thing abundantly clear- this solo pianist has found his true voice. Defying convention is a place where Dax has always thrived, whose kinship with the piano began at the age of six, when he began to teach himself to play. His musical influences, ranging from Bach and Mozart to Metallica and George Winston, mingle with the "music in his head" to create his lavish, distinct style. In the early 90's, Dax took his music to the streets - literally. Rolling his piano out of the back of his van and setting up shop on the street corners of Spokane, Washington, Dax established his own venue to share his music with a wide audience, and made his living on tips alone. The street musician was eventually invited to make appearances at bookstores and coffee houses, leading to concert performances in many areas of the Western states, and the release of two solo piano CDs. As a solo pianist, Dax has been featured in over fifty local, national and regional publications such as PBS Profile and the LA Times, and on over 20 different news stations, including CNN. He has appeared with a variety of other artists, including Stevie Nicks, The Long Beach Dub All-Stars, AJ Croce, Burlap to Cashmere, and David Nevue. Dax is especially proud that his music was played for the President's Cabinet during a ceremony honoring the fallen firefighters of 9-11. Unfortunately Dax died at the age of 30. Though, he will always be remembered as one of the best neo classical composers, inventors, singers, and performers of his time. Discography: Merciful Dwelling (1998) Christmas (2000) The Random and the Purpose (2002) Levity (2004) Live at the Big Easy: 25 March 2004 (2004)(DVD) Beauty of Human Error (2006) R.I.P. 1975-2005 Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.