It seems hard to believe but it is 20 years since the ageless Greg Johnson hit the New Zealand charts with his first catchy single, Isabelle.
To celebrate those two decades of producing beautifully written and clever pop songs, Johnson is coming home to play nine gigs and will hit the outstanding outdoor venue at Brewers Bar, Mount Maunganui, on Friday, November 23.
The tour will also promote his 10th album, Exits, which was recorded at his own studio in Santa Monica, where the enigmatic singer and piano player has been based for 10 years. The record oozes class and features collaborations with some of Los Angeles' finest, including famous soul producer Richard Rudolph on the super smooth McCartney-ish You Are Meant To Be Mine.
Johnson is looking forward to the tour, which kicks off in Hamilton on November 14, and says he can't wait to get back to the Mount, which he is reminded of daily in California. "People ask me what LA is like and I tell them it is kind of like a giant Mount Maunganui," he says. "It has the same vibe, with beaches and low rises and good food. It has that summery feel to it so I can't wait to get back there."