This week the July issue of the A Journal was published with the main focus on career possibilities. For me and certainly also for others Jack Johnson has had an amazing and also fairly successful music career. That is why I volunteered to write the culture article in this issue and suggested some music for those hot summer days coming up. In 2006 I had the opportunity to see Jack Johnson live in concert and it was amazing. So I can just call out to all of you to buy his new live record coming up in October. Enough said – here’s my article:

Not a single summer without Jack
“And as my mind begins to spread its wings, there’s no stopping curiosity.”

Sunshine, beach, palm trees, one or two drinks, the soft sound of an ocean and maybe a hammock – the ultimate relaxation place. Unfortunately, only a few people have the chance to experience Times Like These. And the others? Well, they try everything to get as close as possible to the scenery: Laying on the grass, a few sunbeams touching your skin, warming you hardly noticeable. A tickling light summer breeze and simply Wasting Time. And what better music can there be to emphasize this than the music of Jack Johnson.

Born on the island of Hawaii, Johnson did not start out with music immediately. From being a professional surfer and a film student, playing the guitar was at first only a regular hobby. But due to the fact that he needed music to add to his movies, he started to write music himself in order to save money. It was then that a friend of his, a member of an R&B band, discovered his talent and made him record a song (Rodeo Clowns) for their new album. Afterwards, Johnson drew attention to his works and soon his debut album “Brushfire Fairytales” was finished. Since then, Johnson has released four albums and various songs on soundtracks. This October, he is coming out with his first live Album “En Concert” – and everyone who had the pleasure of experiencing him live knows that it is definitely worth the money.

Johnson himself says that his music is influenced by artists like Bob Dylan, Neil yound, and The Beatles and this is striking. Not only the soft guitar sounds and melody attract many people, but also the carefully chosen words in his lyrics make Johnson’s music special. Describing every day Situations in a wonderful, creative way makes people all over the globe identify with various songs of his. Put together with the general mellow mood that can be found in all his pieces, each album creates an imaginary Bubble (toes), where everything seems possible and All Is Understood.

All in all, there are three reasons to simply adore Jack Johnson: Firstly – He’s from Hawaii. He’s a sunnyboy. Do I have to say anything else? Secondly – He plays guitar AND composes lyrics! Thirdly – He’s authentic; without a big hype around him.