CLEAR is a fusion of jazz and pop, it's poignant lyrics, it's a powerful on-stage performance. It's something you don't want to miss... You can find us here: clearmusic@rogers.com THE MUSICIANS Vocalist Sue Johnson's expressive melodies and addictive on-stage appeal deliver a powerful performance. Steve Baylin of the Ottawa XPress says, "Johnson's robust performance is the straw that stirs the CLEAR drink, her smooth voice digs deep into the tunes..." And, Lynn Saxberg of the Ottawa Citizen says, "Johnson is a charming performer with a natural voice that seems to come effortlessly, while Patterson provides her with smartly-worded pop songs to have fun with." Songwriter Christian Patterson has spent the last twelve years crafting a unique fusion of jazz and pop with masterful hooks and poignant lyrics. He has performed at some of the most prestigious festivals in Canada, including the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Ottawa Folk Festival, Dawson City Festival (Yukon), Harbour Front (Toronto), Africa Fete (Montreal) and Festival of Friends (Hamilton). The Sidemen: Fred Guignon, guitar/lap steel: Ian Tamblyn, Fat Man Waving, Kathleen Edwards Patrick Giunta, bass: Mighty Popo, Melwood Cutlery Brian Magner, alto and soprano sax: Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo, Cheza Rob Milicevic, drums: Kobo Town THE PERFORMANCES CLEAR has appeared at some of Canada's finest venues including: Ottawa Folk Festival, Canadian Tulip Festival, Cisco Systems Bluesfest, National Arts Centre 4th Stage, National Library of Canada, The Black Sheep Inn, Rasputin's Café, Zaphod's Beeblebrox, CBC Radio, CKCU's Canadian Spaces, The New RO, Rogers Television. THE ALBUMS Look for our latest album, to be released in 2006. Stay tuned for details. Hard Love (2003) This eight-song collection captures the raw energy of performance and the mastery of production. Long-time collaborators Fred Guignon on lap steel and slide guitar, Brian Magner on alto and soprano sax - along with Ross Murray, Pat Guinta, Lorenzo Catroneo and Sean Burke - add their unique styles and textures to the album. Perfect Fit Jean Pool Project (2000) CLEAR's first self-produced six-song recording includes Ottawa and Toronto, Canada musicians Fred Guignon on lap steel guitar, Chris Bartos on fiddle and upright bass, and Brian Magner on alto sax. THE REVIEWS "One of the best local albums released this year." - Chopper McKinnon, Host of CKCU's Canadian Spaces "Johnson is a charming performer with a natural voice that seems to come effortlessly, while Patterson provides her with smartly-worded pop songs to have fun with. And judging by the big smile on Johnson's face, she seems to have a ball with them." - Lynn Saxberg, The Ottawa Citizen "CLEAR's songwriter/guitarist Christian Patterson and vocalist Sue Johnson exhibit a soft touch on Hard Love, their debut full-length CD. They balance folk, pop, jazz and joyous African rhythms: think Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark sprinkled with world beat spice. Johnson's robust performance is the straw that stirs the CLEAR drink, her smooth voice digs deep into the tunes and holds everything together. Euphoric tracks like Grace Land and Listen to the Radio leave a lasting impression, indeed." - Steve Baylin, The Ottawa XPress "On CLEAR's debut album, Hard Love, Johnson and Patterson harmonize their way through rootsy songs that range from the second-line shuffle of Grace Land to the country-influenced title track. (The songs) talk of love and life dealing our heroes a fair share of blows, though they emerge smiling with the album's jubilant closer, Listen to the Radio." - Allan Wigney, The Ottawa Sun