Jun. 25, 2008 - Issue #662: Eamon McGrath Releases the Wild Dogs
Molly Johnson
Johnson keeps busy
“I plan to do a lot of cooking ahead of time. I was just making a shopping list earlier today so that I can feed my children while I’m away,” she says in her low, smoky voice, indicating that her six-day tour will be a long absence. “Strange how that happens once you have children.”
Additionally, citing “Mommy guilt,” Johnson threw an end-of-year park party last Friday for her son and his pals, who finish school this week.
“In and around that, I’m trying to squeeze in a rehearsal with the guys, and figure out what dresses don’t wrinkle,” Johnson laughs.
Having described the culinary whirlwind that precedes her tour, she switches gears to discuss how she approaches the creating and recording of music at home.
“I like to surround my endeavours with stuff I really admire. I think it’s fun to put something on a record—like a Prince tune—out of the blue, with a strange arrangement, just to show what kind of bag I’ve come out of, and what kinds of things influenced me,” Johnson says of her love to record covers of other artists’ music.
Her recently completed album, for instance, primarily contains her own renditions of standards from American jazz artists, including George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter.
“Great songs are unkillable. ‘Summertime’ is a classic example—many, many musicians have tried to beat the crap out of that; it still manages to survive,” she says with a laugh, underscoring her passion for good songs and lyrics.
In addition to being a musician, Johnson’s also a philanthropist; among her many charitable involvements is the Kumbaya Foundation and Festival (which Johnson founded), an organization that raises funds and awareness for people with HIV and AIDS. For recognition of her achievements and contributions, in 2007 Johnson became an Officer of the Order of Canada; this is considered the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a Canadian civilian. Yet Johnson views this distinction with humility, believing that it indicates what’s ahead for her.
“I feel that it’s a marker of what I have to do. I feel like it’s something I still have to earn. I don’t think I’m there yet. I think it was premature in the one way, but definitely a motivator and a focuser on the other hand,” she says seriously, mentioning that she’ll spend the rest of her days trying to earn it.
For the immediate future, though, Johnson’s plans are clear.
“I’m running out the door, because of course I now have to grocery shop.” V
Fri, Jun 27 (7:30 pm)
Molly Johnson
With Andrew Glover Trio
Maclab Theatre, Citadel Theatre, $35
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