The Favorite Songs of Michael Johnathon – MyCovers – Volume One
This interesting release recorded in Kentucky is prolific folk musician Michael Johnathon’s 10 favorite covers. It’s amusing to listen to how established songs are interpreted or reinterpreted by a skilled musician. Michael produced/arranged this set & played 3 different Martin acoustic guitars & added percussion/Hammond B3 organ. And so, on this brave excursion, The Favorite Songs of Michael Johnathon – MyCovers – Volume One (Drops Oct. 2024/PoetMan Records/38:59) is this veteran folksinger’s tightrope walk.
The music begins with a ballad version of the old Rodgers-Hart melody “Blue Moon.” It was covered strangely by Elvis Presley (1956) who added quite a bit of atmosphere to his take & one of the great last doo-wop hits by The Marcels (1961). But Johnathon gives his version renewed life as a wonderful troubadour-type standard.
Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” is an attitude song & here it misses the mark a bit. It’s too much an entertaining easy listening standard with studio orchestration. It’s not as bad as a William Shatner cover because Michael does it respectfully. It’s just the wrong song for this performance. A wise producer would have said to try another.
The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” is a misfire. This was never designed to be sung slow. It loses its edge when it’s well articulated. The original slow-burn Elvis arrangement of “That’s Alright Mama,” in the 50s was alright but much better when he injected nitro into the Big Boy Arthur Crudup song. That became his opening tune live at Madison Square Garden.
Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s In the Cradle” & Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind” are two classics that are jewels in this Michael Johnathon set. Ideal voice & style with Michael not trying to replicate the originals. While “Love Hurts” (the old Everly Brothers hit) is a beautiful song Michael goes a little Pat Boone-ish here. He plays & sings with lots of sincerity & the backup vocals wonderfully stand out. The Dylan ballad “Make You Feel My Love,” however, is another ideal tune. It was covered excellently by Billy Joel (he was in the studio when Dylan recorded the original). Michael’s is equal to Joel’s cover. He has warmth in his voice & is poignant.
Finally, this is an easy listening effort that is satisfying. Michael’s voice & guitar are first class. A more careful choice of covers would benefit him next time.
Highlights – “Blue Moon,” “Cat’s In the Cradle,” “If You Could Read Mind,” “Make You Feel My Love” & “Legacy.”
Musicians – Ronn Crowder (harmonica), Ruth McLain (vocals/upright bass), JP Pennington (vocals/guitar), Jason Coleman (piano), Steve Rankin (strings), Sharon Ohler (flute), John Johnson (drums), Melissa Deaton (vocals), Jeff Myers (bass), Bob Bryant (bass/fretless bass), John Johnson (drums), Scott Miller (hammer dulcimer), Jeff Yurkowski (accordion), Jason Coleman (piano/percussion) & Steve Rankin (violin/violas).
Color image courtesy of WoodSongs. CD @ https://www.michaeljohnathon.com/mycovers/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Michael Johnathon “Garden of Silence”
