The Band
A melting pot of eclectic sound projects from the stage where they perform; Shawn Johnson and the Foundation's enthusiasts describe their sound as an original blend of incomparable music. From the very first notes, their listeners surround the floor in front of them; awed by the harmony that emanates from Shawn's vocals. They manage to blend musical styles consisting of pop/rock, alternative rock, acoustic rock, jazz, and hip-hop. This integration of musical style has provided 'SJF' the opportunity to appeal to a number of different fans. SJF is composed of four eclectic musicians whose collaboration emit a vibe of high-energy electric rock. The emotional songwriting and intense musicianship keeps the audience mesmerized and always coming back for more.
Shawn Johnson, raised in Boston, Massachusetts, is a soulful singer/songwriter whose life experiences provide him the opportunity to create music with a passion that can be heard in his lyrics and felt in his stage presence. Musical influences include Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco, Dave Matthews, Public Enemy and Richie Havens. His music is designed for live performances that release a sense of energy, creativity and enthusiasm you have to see to believe.
Fans are entertained as SJF lead guitarist, Jayson Johnson, plays behind his head or uses a shot glass for a slide. During his 18 years of playing, Jayson has delivered a combination of funky rhythms similar to that of the Red Hot Chili Peppers with outlandish solos and textural guitar parts that keep his fans daunted. Jayson's main influences include Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
On drums and percussion, Arizona native Jaron Mossman symbolizes the backbone of music. When asked what the highlight of playing with the guys of SJF, he responds, "What isn't [the highlight]." He describes his experience as one with no creative restrictions and no boundaries; he has the ability to change the dynamic and groove characteristics of a song at any time, and the band will follow.
Former recording studio owner, Jim Hornaday, holds down the bass for SJF, complementing the group with his own enthusiastic style. The SJF album, Strength, was recorded, in fact, by Jim at his former studio, Dream Catcher Recording. Although guitar was Jim's first instrument, he insists he approaches bass as a bassist, playing with fingers instead of a pick and tapping his years of experience as a producer to understand how the bass as an instrument fits inside a composition.
Most recent shows and venues include: McDowell Mountain Music Festival featuring David Crosby, Little Feet, and Taj Mahal, Durango Mountain Music Festival in Durango, Colorado, Phoenix Sun's post game party in the Platinum Club, Nita's Hideaway with The Samples, The Phoenix Rock 'n Roll Marathon with the Goo Goo Dolls, and a 101.5 KZON sponsored performance with Fuel and Ed Kowalczyk (of Live) at the Library in Tempe.
Shawn Johnson and the Foundation have established a thick following in Arizona, Colorado and Massachusetts. They are in the process of recording their fifth album. With the release of this CD, the band plans to tour California, the Northwest, and the Mid-west.
Music stirred with 'the stick of rock and roll', Shawn Johnson and the Foundation will continue to expand their fan base and do what they do best; ROCK THE STAGE
The Players
Shawn Johnson
Vocals & Guitar
Jayson Johnson
Guitar
Jim Hornaday
Bass
Jaron Mossman
Drums