Jack Johnson

Living, breathing pop

A former pro surfer before a collision with a reef led him to reconsider his options, Jack Johnson got a great jump-start penning "Rodeo Clowns" with G. Love on a beach one weekend in 1999. Like Love, Johnson favors simmering acoustic-folk with a jazzy R&B undercurrent. The Hawaii native's honeyed vocals are preternaturally sweet, as if Van Morrison were reborn into the body of Dave Matthews, like Warren Beatty in Heaven Can Wait. Unlike his more jam-driven bluesy brethren, Johnson is more drawn to the pop element and the singer-songwriter vein. It's suited to his über-charismatic, ultra-laid-back style. Call it his surfer's legacy, but don't underestimate Johnson's ability to put all the elements together in insidiously catchy, kindhearted music. With that astoundingly clear and warm voice, it's actually a bit surprising he's not already topping the charts. This year's In Between Dreams is his best yet (though the changes have been incremental, and largely confined to improved songwriting), and recalls the rustic blues-pop of onetime tourmate Mason Jennings.

 
My Voice Nation Help
 

Concert Calendar

  • June
  • Wed
    19
  • Thu
    20
  • Fri
    21
  • Sat
    22
  • Sun
    23
  • Mon
    24
  • Tue
    25
Phoenix Event Tickets
©2013 Phoenix New Times, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Phoenix

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city