Mandolin, Yamaha WX-5, Hammond 44 Melodion, Accordion and Vocals
Vocals, Guitar and Keys
Drums, Percussion and Vocals
This is our first album blending our love of rock and roll, eclectic pop with a bit of world music. Features the songs "Leavened Heart ( I Tumble Down)" "Wake Of The Sun" "Oil On My Head" and "Temple Of My Body"
Our second full length album. This album has more of a "live vibe." After touring extensively with "World that Surrounds you" - we entered the studio and started tracking this album. Features the songs "Shine Halo" and "Incandescent"
Our third offering. After taking a hiatus in late 2004 we realized how much we missed writing and recording. In the fall of 2006 we stepped back into the studio and started creating again. Features the songs "Peripheral Life" "Dim Sum" and God's Magnificent Mind Trip"
This is our fourth album. We continue to experiment with our blend of rock and roll and just the right amount of world fusion. Featuring the songs "Levitate" and "Bohemian Love Song"
On our fifth and latest album, always following wherever the muse leads us, we focussed a bit more on our rock and roll roots. Featuring the songs "Good Green Earth" "Last Day Of Spring" "Roll Spirit Roll" and "Between The Lines"
JANAH from Atlanta, GA, was born of founder Keith Johnston's world travels and an idea to expand musical boundaries. From the deserts of Egypt, to the CD shelves of his local library, Johnston explored different genres of music from all over the world. Instruments, tones, rhythms and melodies all fascinate me, says Johnston. I have a strong passion to take silence and blank spaces and turn them into something. My mind is always searching for the music in life. It never, ever stops for me.
After recording some demos from songs written during his journeys, Johnston entered a songwriting contest in the winter of 1997 under the name “Jiva” and became a finalist. The finalist had to perform a live set. Having no band, Johnston called on some good friends and former bandmates to accompany him for the finalist’s gig and though they didn’t win, a new course had been set for the lot. In the spring of 1998 Steve Atwell, Brad Chestnut, Ron Cochran, Bill Douglass, Keith Johnston and Rick Shoemaker changed the name to JANAH and began to record and start performing regularly.
JANAH continued to perform live and build their audience and released their first album “World That Surrounds You” in 2000. In 2002 JANAH signed with Rattlesby Records and re-released “World That Surrounds You” nationally and toured extensively throughout the U.S. opening for several artists including Johnny Winters, Alanis Moresette, the Radiators and the B-52’s. With their eclectic mix of world, rock and pop music, JANAH performed at many festivals ranging from the west coast at High Sierra Fest to the east coast at Atlanta’s Music Midtown.The band did have a bit of radio success with their song “Leavened Heart (I Tumble Down)” in many cities including Chicago and Memphis.
Since the releases of “World That Surrounds You – 2000/2002” “Swan In The Monsoon - 2003” “Our Star Candle Minds - 2009” “ Iris, Oak And Jasmine - 2011” and the soon to be released “SunLashes - 2019” JANAH has continued to try and push the boundaries of music and to give thanks to those who inspired them: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Who, Ravi Shankar, Cheap Trick, Adam And The Ants, Hedningarna, Simon & Garfunkel, Big Country, U2 & The Cult to name just a few. JANAH has been able to endure all of these years because we are friends first…….we are music fans…………. and we are ALL consumed by music. Keep spreading the melody!
Steve Atwell, Bill Douglass, Keith Johnston, Rick Shoemaker.
Many Thanks!!
