A Baker's Dozen: The Handbell Works of Matt Johnson

As a 12-year old, Matt joined the Youth Handbell choir at church. While piano remained his primary instrument of study, he continued ringing bells throughout high school and college. Eventually employed as the Director of Music within the church world, Matt led many handbell choirs during his 30+ year career and often composed and arranged for the groups he directed.

The album’s title refers to the 13 handbell works Matt’s created thus far. While each track was released as a “single” upon completion, they are all finally united in this compilation album.

Of course, handbells are always featured, but some arrangements include accompaniment from piano, cello, rhythm section, brass ensembles…and more.

In addition to writing, arranging, engraving the scores and recording the music, Matt created the cover art for each sound recording. His visually playful sense of humor is abundantly evident and includes:
• Chopsticks used to eat noodles from a handbell for “Chopstix;”
• A “knight” chess piece is featured for “Night in a Manger;”
• A carton of eggs proclaims, “We Gather Together;”
• In a roomful of NOEL robots, only the first NOEL wears a distinguishing hat.

A companion songbook is available using the link below, or from online partners.

https://www.mattjohnsonmusic.com/bakers-dozen