“Absolutely stunning. Restlessly innovative, aggressive in the exploration of new sonic possibilities, and always anchored by strong melodic backbones. The musicianship on this album is out of this world, and the songwriting is top notch. Fluid open arrangements give everyone a chance to shine.”

Fred Beaulieu about Qitara – Facebook

“They don’t make albums like this anymore.”

Paul Rijkens about TFSG – iO Pages

“Tales from Sheepfather’s Grove greatly rewards those who have the time to spare just to listen to the music as an end in itself. This is one of the most beautiful prog albums I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.”

Kev Rowland about TFSG – ProgArchives

“‘Vier’ leaves this listener completely floored. It’s a vast and exciting new soundscape.”

Friedrich Kunzmann about “Vier” – The Progressive Aspect

ABOUT Johannes

Early Years

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Johannes grew up inspired by his jazz-loving father, who took him to see Miles Davis, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report and many other greats. At age 13 he became the youngest student at “Jazz Schule Darmstadt”, where he studied guitar with Eddy Marron (Dzyan, Missus Beastly, Giger-Lenz-Marron).

The Studio

Still in his late teens and early 20’s, Johannes began a career as a session guitarist and landed a few high profile engagements with artists such as Camouflage, Ina Deter and Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues. He adapted to various styles of music, but developed his own sound right from the start. During this time, he had the great opportunity to work with top producers Edo Zanki, Tommy Schmidt-Zijnen and Ken Taylor, which led him to embark on an engineering and producing career of his own.

America

In the 90s, he moved to San Francisco and joined Elton John protégé Ryan Downe as a touring guitarist, opening for The Who and Iggy Pop. He had opened a recording studio and began producing albums for other artists. To date, he has worked on over 120 albums and counting. His own trip-hop group “Hopscotch” released their first full-length album, “Cinema” in 2003. 2006 brought a move to Los Angeles, where he released a critically acclaimed progressive rock album titled “Moth Vellum”, with his San Francisco band of the same name.

Perfect Beings

Johannes’ next band project was formed in LA in 2013. The collaboration with singer and songwriter Ryan Hurtgen and keyboardist Jesse Nason would last for three albums, culminating in a major label record deal with InsideOut/Sony Music and the release of the groundbreaking album “Vier” in 2019. Beginning in 2012, Johannes has also produced and released his solo work in the form “Tales from Sheepfather’s Grove” (2013), “Qitara” (2017) and “Follow Your Heart” (2021).

Back to Jazz

On “Qitara”, Johannes had already experimented with some jazz-oriented material. Now was the time to go back to his roots and to fully commit to a true jazz recording. The result is this gorgeously produced collection of tunes, aptly titled “Follow Your Heart”, showcasing compositions by ECM artists John Abercrombie, Kenny Wheeler, Eberhard Weber and Ralph Towner, as well as tracks by John McLaughlin and Miles Davis.

August

As a natural progression to “Follow Your Heart”, Johannes’ upcoming album “August” features 7 of his original compositions. He is supported by David Hughes, who was also playing upright bass on “Follow Your Heart”, Perfect Beings drummer Ben Levin and Flugelhorn player Chris Lawrence. The magic created by this fabulous quartet is undeniable, and underscored by Johannes’ trademark production sound.

Johannes Luley Quartet features David Hughes on upright bass, Ben Levin on drums and Michael Hunter on Flugelhorn. Stay tuned for shows in your area coming this spring. Sign up on our mailing list for updates and alerts.