The J Blog

Brand New Song, This Could Be the Day

2011-11-17T07:31:00.001-08:00

My latest, This Could Be the Day, has a personal story behind it

http://www.jaredjohnson.com/sounds/This_Could_Be_the_Day.mp3

This song means a great deal to me because it came during a time of great anxiety in my life. I was seeking specific answers and assurances from the Lord regarding a possible cross-country move for my family and me. During this time, I was also invited to give a "morningside" performance for over 100 high school seminary students in Allen, Texas. Just three days before the morningside, I felt strongly that I ought to write a new song that put the feelings of my heart to music. I wanted to express how it made me feel to put my full faith and trust in the Lord. I pleaded for guidance, and a melody soon came to my mind. By the end of the day, I had composed the entire song and knew the Lord had His hand in it.

In the weeks since then, I sought further assurance from the Lord that we were making the right choice. This song soon came to take on a deeper meaning for me that represented a very personal faith in God. To me, it means that each day could be the day that we receive our answers, and that we shouldn't wait to take the actions that we know we need to take to make our lives better. It's a message of hope when answers may not be obvious. I hope this song likewise represents perseverance and hope for each of you.

All Sheet Music Now Free

2011-11-17T07:29:00.000-08:00

All sheet music is now available for free, including 6 titles from Christmas in the Key of J. Each song is available separately in PDF. Click the link below to begin downloading.

Find free sheet music:

jaredjohnson.com

Titles:

Canon in D / Forever Young
Joy to the World
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful
That First Christmas Night (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing)
Snow Angels
Do You Hear What I Hear?

Song by Song Guide to Wedding Bells in the Key of J, Part 4

2011-07-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

(Over the next 12 days the blog will spotlight one song each day from Wedding Bells in the Key of J.)

Why did I include an arrangement of this song?

The Cure were one of my favorite bands growing up. They are known for their wild mood swings (that’s even the title of one of their albums). When Robert Smith (lead singer) is happy, he’s really happy. This song was apparently written in one of his happier moods, describing a blissful moment between a couple when they realize nothing but their feelings for each other.

How did I compose the arrangement?

My arrangement is based on Katie Melua’s cover from the Just Like Heaven soundtrack (2005). Her version slows it down and turns it acoustic without losing the feeling of the original. I tried to do the same and it seemed to fit the album just right.

Any interesting facts about the song?

This arrangement might not seem as recognizable until you’ve heard Katie Melua’s version.

Song by Song Guide to Wedding Bells in the Key of J, Part 3

2011-06-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

(Over the next 12 days the blog will spotlight one song each day from Wedding Bells in the Key of J.)

Why did I include an arrangement of this song?

I don’t know if this will be considered a traditional wedding song years down the road, but the lyrics are so expressive that I had to include it. Plus, it’s another one of my recent favorites.

How did I compose the arrangement?

It was tough to capture Hayley Williams’ original melody, but I stayed as true as possible. Playing this one by ear required changing the rhythm ever so slightly.

Any interesting facts about the song?

The Only Exception wasn’t even on my original list of about 16-17 songs that I had when I first began putting the album together.

Song By Song Guide to Wedding Bells in the Key of J, Part 2

2011-06-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

(Over the next 12 days the blog will spotlight one song each day from Wedding Bells in the Key of J.)

Why did I include an arrangement of this song?

You may be one of the millions who instantly recognize this song but don’t necessarily know the title or artist. Truly Madly Deeply came out in 1997 and was an instant hit, landing at #1 barely a monthly after its release. It remains a staple at weddings, gatherings and on radio for its elegant pronouncements of affection.

Also, a good friend of mine said this is the most romantic song ever, and I’d certainly agree that it belongs in the discussion.

How did I compose the arrangement?

This song was among the most difficult to fit within a piano arrangement because I had to fill in a lot of spots where the vocals and accompaniment don’t have anything going on. The chorus is probably the most recognizable part – “I want to stand with you on a mountain” – but I felt like I had to take the verses somewhere they don’t normally go. So there are a lot of hidden melody lines that take the song’s simple beat and spread it out.

Any interesting facts about the song?

This song took by far the longest to record. Just a guess, but it probably took upwards of 30 takes to get it right. Consequently, it was the last one to get on the album and I considered leaving it off so the project wouldn’t be delayed.

Song by Song Guide to Wedding Bells in the Key of J, Part 1

2011-06-28T21:26:00.001-07:00

(Over the next 12 days the blog will spotlight one song each day from Wedding Bells in the Key of J.)

Why did I include an arrangement of this song?

"Marry Me" is one of the most romantic new songs I’ve heard in the last year by one of my favorite groups.

How did I compose the arrangement?

I based the arrangement on Train’s simple but memorable melody and guitar accompaniment. I tried to capture the emotion of the chorus without distracting from the rhythmic guitar line. I’m very pleased with how it turned out.

Any interesting facts about the song?

"Marry Me" was the very first song I recorded in my home studio.

CD Cover for Wedding Bells in the Key of J

2011-06-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

The new CD is almost here; in fact, here's the proof! Today the cover for the new CD was revealed!

Preview and pre-order Wedding Bells in the Key of J here. Free shipping on all pre-orders through June 28!

Switchfoot Meets The Fray

2010-09-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

My latest video is probably my favorite arrangement I've ever done. It's a mash-up of Dare You to Move (Switchfoot) and You Found Me (The Fray). Please watch and share!

Story Behind the Music: New Hymns

2010-05-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight I posted a brand new video "Story Behind the Music" to share the background for my three new hymn arrangements. In it, I explain why How Firm a Foundation in particular has special meaning. I also realized that while I have been arranging hymns for well over a decade now, I have only recorded one up until now: an original arrangement of High On a Mountain Top, which was a tribute to my late brother-in-law James Chapple. It was his favorite hymn, and I was honored to share it at his funeral service three years ago.

This video explains why I chose to record the three new hymns (The Spirit of God, All Creatures of Our God and King, and How Firm a Foundation) and how sacred music in general shows who I am.

What do you think? Did you like the video?

New Hymn Arrangements Coming Soon

2010-05-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

I announced on Facebook earlier this week that I will be releasing 3 new hymn arrangements: The Spirit of God, All Creatures of Our God and King, and How Firm a Foundation. They will be posted here on the Web site as free downloads.

Tree Lighting video

2009-02-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported me this holiday season! It means so much to me.

I just posted this video montage from the Tree Lighting. For those of you who weren't able to make it there, I did a little bit of playing upside down. This was an outdoor event, and it was 30 degrees! My hands were frigid. So some of the looks on my face during this video are priceless! Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOx4S23SkOY

Dallas Morning News Neighbors article

2008-11-18T20:46:00.000-08:00

This article just posted to NeighborsGo.com, sponsored by the Dallas Morning News. It is a feature about Jared’s music and the upcoming Nativity and Tree Lighting events where he will be performing!

http://www.neighborsgo.com/links/1227052771.html

Tree Lighting details

2008-11-18T20:32:00.001-08:00

The City of Allen has just released this flyer for the Tree Lighting on December 5. Come early for a good spot and listen to Jared as he welcomes guests with holiday selections.

The park opens for visitors at 6:30 p.m., and the program begins at 7:00. Mayor Steve Terrell will officially light the Christmas tree moments before Jared’s second segment of the program. Come for free hot chocolate, a showing of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and watch as Santa Claus comes to town. It’s all at the Allen Civic Plaza, and it’s all free!

Books N Things ad

2008-11-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

Check out Christmas in the Key of J in Books N Things magazine! This feature is running in the current Christmas issue.

FOX 4 Good Day Christmas morning

2008-11-18T19:19:00.000-08:00

Jared will once again be one of the featured performers on FOX 4 Good Day’s Christmas morning musical program. We will let you know when we find out what time Jared’s segment will be showing. Good Day airs in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metro area.

Quick Update

2008-08-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

I tried to spend some "quality time" relaxing after last Christmas, but there has been too much to do...starting a blog, joining Facebook, joining the Neighborhood Jukebox, and...yes...BUNGEE JUMPING! That's me dangling from the bungee cord last March:

There's a lot more to come this year. I am excited to give my Web site a new look later this summer. There are also some really cool marketing things going on with the Christmas CD later this fall.

Pearl Award nomination

2008-08-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

We thought this was really cool news; maybe you will, too! Christmas in the Key of J has been nominated for a Pearl Award for Holiday Album of the Year! The Pearl Awards are granted by the Faith-Centered Music Association in recognition of excellence in recorded music.

Final voting will take place in September. Read more about the Pearl Awards and their celebrated history at www.pearlawards.org.

Visit the Neighborhood Jukebox

2008-07-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

There is an exciting new way to share my music online called the Neighborhood Jukebox. It is a free online music player where you can listen to full-length songs for free. A lot of artists are signing up for it because it is one of the easiest ways for people to check out new tunes!

There are a couple of cool things about the Jukebox:

For the first time, you can hear the full-length clip of my arrangement of Good Christian Men, Rejoice for free. This is my personal favorite on the CD, so I am excited to finally make it available online.

Just in time for the summer wedding season, you can also hear Canon in D/Forever Young!

The songs with the highest views and votes will be considered for a "Best of" compilation at the end of the year. You can help! Every time you check out my songs, it will bring me one step closer to being selected for the compilation! Right now, Canon in D/Forever Young is in the lead!

To check out the Jukebox, click the link below and select the "Holiday" channel in the lower right:

http://theneighborhoodjukebox.com/

The J Blog is Born

2008-07-19T20:50:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the J Blog. All of Jared's music news and announcements will be made here from now on. Check back often!