Mature Cd

Musician Dax Johnson got his start in as low-tech a way as possible: playing his piano on the streets of Spokane.

A few CDs later, and he’s on the front lines of the technological revolution.

With $50,000 in backing from Spokane high-tech firm Media Design, Johnson will debut his new multimedia CD Friday at The Met.

“Dax is the ideal musical client for a company like this,” says Media Design technical officer Dave McClave. “Our technology and his talent pretty much go hand-in-hand.”

Pop the new CD, “The Random and the Purpose,” into a computer and you’ll get an animated introduction with a stylized picture of Johnson and a listing of tracks. With a click, listeners can zoom to the Dax Johnson or Media Design Web sites.

An advance copy of the album simply allows listeners to click on each song, but designers say later versions of the CD will have interviews, video clips, tour information and liner notes.

For now, Johnson’s Web site is under construction as well, but crews have filmed him performing at NorthTown Mall and on Spokane’s Cliff Drive. Once edited, that footage will go on the Web site to view while listening to the CD.

Johnson, known for his instrumentals, is also working on a vocal CD with Media Design. He says his vocal tunes are more pop-infused, a departure from his classically influenced piano compositions.

One of the new vocal songs has gotten some radio play, and the CD is expected to be completed in a couple of weeks.

Johnson’s Met show will be as original as the CD itself.

While Johnson plays two pianos at once, painter Marcus Bausch and sculptor Josh Duckworth will create art that fits the mood of the music. The artwork will be auctioned at the end of the show.

Two helpers in the wings will operate the “fourth” piano pedal Johnson invented a little more than a year ago. The pedal dampens the piano’s sound, giving it a slightly hollow tone.

By now, Johnson’s musical journey has become the stuff of Spokane legend: the completely self-taught pianist who started playing at age 2; the long-haired guy who hauled his piano around city streets for spare change; the gifted musician who can’t read music; the two CDs and performances in bigger venues around the country.

“Most people play the guitar like I play the piano,” Johnson says of the instrument more often associated with youthful rebellion.

Now 25 and married with two kids, Johnson has found new sources of inspiration for his music. He plays one song for his son and another for his daughter on the new CD.

His piano songs are lush and evocative, and can set a mood better than most people could express in words.

Johnson’s still not sure, though, what to call his creative style of music.

“Neo-classical,” he says, sounding not quite satisfied.

“Experimental classical,” he says, a bit happier. “New Age is out of the picture.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: ON STAGE Dax Johnson

Friday, 8 p.m., at The Met. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students, available through G&B (325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT).