“I have just finished a review of a heavy progressive rock instrumental album. This album by Diana Johnstone could not be more different. The compositions are melodic, folky, acoustic and their major strength is the lyrical content.
The album appears to be a journey through a life describing the pain of leaving one partner and the intrigue of finding another. I think that ‘Tired of your blues’ will hit home with many people:
I’m growing tired of you
Oh yes it’s true,
From Monday through to Sunday, I’m tired of you….
‘Beloved Child’ is about the parental grief caused by a grown child leaving home and many parents will understand the feelings that this song evokes.
I have an idea that these musical poems may highlight Diana’s intimate emotions from both happy and sad life experiences and if you take the time to listen to the lyrical content then you will either learn something, or perhaps empathise and understand exactly what she is getting at. Either way you will be touched by the content.
If you like melodic acoustic music then this album is recommended. If you appreciate emotional lyrical poetry from the troubled heart then this album is highly recommended.”
Bristol Rocks
“A fine singer/songwriter with a relaxing stage performance. Definitely one to watch out for.”
Johnny Coppin BBC Radio Gloucestershire
“A voice of startling clarity and a heck of a back story.”
Venue Magazine
“Honest, delicate, ethereal songs.”
Wells Journal
“Learning to Walk is a beautiful CD, showcasing her pure as cut glass vocals.”
Cornish Guardian
“A warm, engaging performance.”
Western Morning News
Some places Diana has performed at:
- St Georges, Bristol
- Half Moon Putney
- Twickfolk Twickenham
- Croydon Folk Club
- The David Hall South Petherton
- The Arc Theatre Trowbridge
- The Cause Chippenham
- The Rondo Theatre Bath
- Chapel Arts Bath
- Quay Arts Isle of Wight
- Under the Edge Arts Stroud
- South Bank Club Bristol
- Grub Café East Grinstead
- Taunton Brewhouse
- Brizzel Fest Bristol
- The Daphne Du Maurier Festival
- Port Eliot Lit Fest
- Ashton Court Festival
- Priddy Folk Festival
- Wimborne Folk Festival
- Towersey Folk Festival
- Trowbridge Festival
- Weyfest
- Saul Canal Festival
- Burnham on Sea Festival
- Lymm Festival
- Wookey Hole Festival
- Bath Fringe
- Bradford on Avon Arts Festival
- East Devon Folk Seaton
- The Village Pump Folk Club
- Sunray Folk Club
- Catweazle Club Oxford
- St James Wine Vaults Bath
- St Nicholas Church East Chaldon
- The Beehive Swindon
- Acoustic Lounge Cwmaman
- The Doghouse Loughborough
- Kontra Roots Club Northants
- Trades Club Hebden Bridge
- Red Shed Wakefield
- Farncombe Music Club
- Tidetables Café Richmond
- Jazz at Future Inns Bristol
- Porter Cellar Bar Bath
- The Folkhouse Bristol
- Nunney Acoustic Café
- Folk at the Oak Corsham
- Bradford on Avon Folk Club
- BRSLI Bath
- The Griffin Frome
- The Old Bath Arms Frome
- The George Bradford on Avon
- The Riverside Bradford on Avon
- The Assembly Rooms Glastonbury
- Eldon House Bristol