In the fall of 2002 singer/songwriter Johanna recorded a collection of her heartfelt original songs with Oyaya, the eclectic world-beat band from Corvallis, Oregon. The resulting CD, Stolen Grace, crosses boundaries of culture, gender, and generation.

Oyaya’s pulsating polyrhythms and hypnotic harmonies provide a rich backdrop for songs like Bone Collector, What You Want, and Nightmare. Other songs, including the title track, are presented with more intimate acoustic settings that showcase Johanna’s poetic lyrics and haunting melodies. This collection also includes Johanna’s first a capella recording: Bad Night. Taken together, the songs in Stolen Grace speak directly to the heart, making the CD a favorite of many Johanna fans.

Stolen Grace is now out of print, but re-recordings of Johanna’s timeless song Stolen Grace and Diana Hull’s classic Back to the Sea are included on Johanna’s third CD, The Edge of Divine.)

The Songs

Bone Collector (words and music by Johanna, arrangement by Johanna and Oyaya).

Stolen Grace (words and music by Johanna). (Re-recorded with a new arrangement on The Edge of Divine)

Nightmare (words and music by Johanna, arrangement by Johanna and Oyaya).

Bad Night (words and music by Johanna). Johanna, vocals.

On My Own (words and music by Johanna, arrangement by Johanna and Oyaya).

Medea’s Lament (words by Johanna and Euripedes; music by Johanna). Based on Medea, a classic Greek tragedy by Euripedes.

What You Want (words and music by Johanna, arrangement by Johanna and Oyaya).

Cloak of Fire (words and music by Johanna, arrangement by Johanna and Oyaya)

Thin Ice (words and music by Johanna, arrangement by Johanna and Oyaya)

Dear Cathy (words and music by Johanna). In loving memory of Cathy (1951–1994).

Goddess (words and music by Johanna, arrangement by Johanna and Oyaya)

Back to the Sea (words and music by Dianna Hull, arrangement by Oyaya). (Re-recorded with a new arrangement on The Edge of Divine)

All songs ©2003 Iconfluence. All rights reserved.

Credits

Musicians: Johanna, vocals and acoustic guitar; Sid Rosen, acoustic and electric guitar; John Houston, bass; Joe Casprowiak, tenor saxophone and flute; George Beekman, electronic drums and percussion, congas, ashiko, djembe; Michael Smith, dunduns and percussion; Dave Trenkel, keyboard and electronics, Matt Putnam, electric guitar.

Producers: Dave Trenkel and George Beekman