Michael Johnston releases debut solo CD: Curious Heart

This Valentine�s Day will mark two years since singer-songwriter and multi-keyboardist Michael Johnston moved to Winnipeg on a VIA rail train. Now, after living through two-and-a-half of the harshest winters in recorded history, it�s no wonder Johnston decided to call his new CD Curious Heart.

Johnston will celebrate the official release of Curious Heart on Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club at 9 p.m. Special guests include: Nathan�s Keri McTighe, and guitar-based virtuoso Andy Sheppard.

A passionate performer and gifted keyboardist, Johnston writes timeless and affecting songs.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MICHAEL JOHNSTON:

"Hot young multi-keyboardist"
- the Toronto Star

"I was hooked from the very first song"
- Claudia Garcia de la Heurta (CBC Radio)

"Imagine Danny Michel playing with the Rheostatics while wiggling around the stage like Pee Wee Herman� sweet, uplifting, fresh and original."
- Michael Wycraft (5-time Juno nominee)

Built around the piano, Curious Heart is a collection of 14 songs about love, longing, and Canada. Recorded and produced at the Gas Station studios on Toronto Island with Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith), it features Juno-nominee Oh Susanna performing two original ballads. Andy Maize (Skydiggers), Maury Lafoy (Sarah Harmer), Don Rooke (Mary Margaret O�Hara), Reid Jamieson, and Lewis Melville also appear on the CD.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CURIOUS HEART:

"A new Canadian classic"
- Dave Ullrich (the Inbreds)

"Delicately beautiful"
- the Toronto Sun

"A treasure trove of time-defying tunes"
- Metro Magazine

"One seriously impressive debut"
- EXCLAIM

Find out for yourself. Check out these MP3 samples:

"Off Guard" ;, "Stars" (featuring Don Kerr on cello)
;,
"Apology" (featuring Oh Susanna on lead vocals)
;,
and "When You�re in Love"
;.

Curious Heart can also be purchased in digital format
from Zunior.com ; or mail-order from Maple Music ;.

Or come to the show, which may or may not include:

dark beer. gin. tonic. cream soda.
little toy pianos. homemade quilts.
leisure suits. comfortable shoes. bare feet.
late night radio hosts. ESL teachers.
rubber chickens. cinnamon hearts. conversation hearts. thoughtful conversation. true romance.
high adventure. questions. answers.
curiosity.

W5:
Michael Johnston
CD RELEASE PARTY for Curious Heart
with special guests: Keri McTighe and Andy Sheppard
@ the Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club
(245 Main Street)
Thursday, February 10, 2005
9 p.m. show
$5 at the door

Mark your calendars.