Search - Kjehl Johansen :: Pie & Isolation

After 22 years, the time had finally come for Kjehl to strike out on his own. The result was two releases on Kjehl's vanity label, Mustard Only. First was an EP, "Pieman vs. The Light Bulbmen" shows Kjehl's willingness to go it alone. He wrote all three original songs without a collaborator, and played all the instruments on two songs. Kjehl also did most of the producing, engineering and mixing. Lightly assisting Kjehl in the proceedings were drummers John Frank and Hunter Crowley (both Trotsky Icepick refugees) and bassist David Nolte. Next up was a long-form CD, "Tower of Isolation." Here, Kjehl is credited as writer, producer and mixer of the CD. He takes care of most of the vocal, guitar and bass duties. A few other musicians sneak onto the master tape, including Hunter, John and David from the EP, plus Steve Andrews (formerly of The Last), Henry Lu and Tom Watson. Avebury Records has combined the two CDs, with their original jewel box packaging by noted artist Felice Mataré, into a limited edition (100 only!), signed and numbered, budget-priced box set titled "Pie & Isolation". The box set is intended to serve as an appetizer for an all-new album from Kjehl, where he will return to his role of collaborator. The as-yet-untitled CD will feature different notable singers on each song, with Kjehl's very personal songwriting and innovative guitar playing gluing it all together.