Two live Jack Johnson DVDs will be released together Nov. 22 via his own Brushfire Records label. “Live in Japan” was shot in August 2004, while “A Weekend at the Greek Theatre” was lensed during an Aug. 19-20, 2005, stand at the Berkeley, Calif., venue. Both DVDs were directed by Brendan and Emmett Malloy.
“Live in Japan” spotlights Johnson’s band in a trio setting, with bassist Merlo Podlewski and drummer Adam Topol focusing on songs from the albums “Brushfire Fairytales” and “On and On.” Also featured is an early version of “Banana Pancakes,” which turned up on this year’s album “In Between Dreams,” plus guest shots from Donavon Frankenreiter and Money Mark.
“A Weekend at the Greek Theatre” finds Johnson’s band expanded to a quartet with pianist/accordionist Zach Gill of the Animal Liberation Orchestra. The group is joined again by Money Mark and fellow Brushfire signees G. Love, Animal Liberation Orchestra and Matt Costa.
Beyond an Oct. 29 appearance at Las Vegas’ Vegoose Festival and a Nov. 20 show in Kahului, Hawaii, Johnson has begun lining up 2006 tour dates, beginning Feb. 22 in Dublin.
He is also at work on new music for the upcoming animated film “Curious George,” the soundtrack for which is due in February via Brushfire. The movie will boast the voice talents of Will Ferrell, David Cross, Drew Barrymore, Eugene Levy and Dick Van Dyke.
Source billboard.com.
