The genesis for Blue Light, and the revisit to Johnstone’s jazz/blues/torch roots was the passing of legendary engineer/producer Henry Lewy (Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young) in 2006. Johnstone and manager Bob Burton had worked with Lewy in 1983 when they recorded a project at A&M studios. During those sessions the song “Over and Done,” was recorded with Chuck Damonico (Tom Waits) on standup bass and Mark Hatch (Ray Charles, Bette Midler) on trumpet. The song was a highlight from the sessions and when revisiting the recordings after Lewy’s death it became a source of inspiration for Blue Light. The CD includes a bonus track of Lewy’s original recording of “Over and Done,” as a special tribute. Johnstone added, “Henry’s death prompted me to finally put this project together and “come home” as he had beckoned me to do for so long…and this is the result. We did it live in the studio---the old fashioned way—over 3 days, then added the strings.”

Blue Light conveys the emotional depth of Johnstone’s songwriting delivered in her passionate voice supported by sophisticated, spacious arrangements. It was recorded at Mad Dog Studios in Burbank, Ca with musicians Danny Frankel (Rickie Lee Jones, Beck) on drums; David Piltch (K.D. Lang, Madeleine Peyroux) bass; Matt Margucci, trumpet; Marc Macisso, sax, and Freddy Koella (Bob Dylan) on guitar. Recording engineer was Ken Allardyce (Stevie Nicks, Green Day), Charles Duncan mixing engineer and mastering with Gavin Lurssen at Lurssen Mastering. Johnstone was the producer, played keyboards and wrote all the songs except a rare co-write on “Best Friend.”

The 2002 BoJak Records release of Jude Johnstone’s debut CD “Coming of Age,” included her songs covered by Bonnie Raitt (Wounded Heart), Stevie Nicks (Cry Wolf), Johnny Cash (Unchained), Jennifer Warnes (The Nightingale), and Trisha Yearwood (Hearts in Armor). It was featured on NPR’s Morning Edition and reached #6 on Amazon’s Best Seller’s List. Johnstone’s 2005 CD “On a Good Day,” generated impressive media buzz leading to Johnstone’s national television debut where she performed the title track on CBS’s The Early Show. “On a Good Day” attracted guest vocal performances by Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Rodney Crowell and Julie Miller.
 

-Reviews & Quotes-

"...great jazzy blues album, which combines the classic and stylish voice of one amazing songwriter..." Maverick Magazine, UK

“…Blue Light is an excellent mix of bluesy and folksy jazz…Johnstone’s writing, as well as her way of revealing a lyric, is filled with a reflective heart. Blue Light is worthy of repeated investigation.” All About Jazz Magazine

“The ace songwriter goes deep into her emotional back pages for a personal set of new songs that strays from her pop work in content but not in spirit. You can almost feel the music pouring from her heartstrings as the soulful expression in the music and the singing can’t help but touch you. Sort of a classic singer/songwriter set and part catharsis you are over hearing, Johnstone hits it out of the park in a grand fashion that solid songwriting fans will resonate with. A can’t miss effort throughout.” Midwest Records

“Johnstone’s torch songs evokes images of smoky clubs and late-night lounges…soulful and sentimental…” Performing Songwriter Magazine

"Jude Johnstone has done it again. This time the girl takes a jazzy stroll through downtown Coolsville. Great songs, intelligently written and sung like tomorrow may be called off.".... Rodney Crowell

“…Jude sings intimate secrets, her voice is very wise and knowing.” Chet Flippo

“Jude is one of my favorite singers and songwriters...Blue Light is as deep as it is soulful, she nails it again.” Bonnie Raitt

"Blue Light explores Jude's jazzier side, which covers territory from torch ballads in 1920's Harlem to blues in a bar in Texas. She moves confidently in the world of late-night jazz and blues. Her writing is smart and her sultry vocals complement a perfectly sparse and spot-on band. This is an honest musical ride with surprising depth and personality." Artie Traum