I have to admit that words like “beautiful” and “soothing” don’t immediately come to mind when someone brings up the subject of clawhammer banjo playing. However, Mark Johnson makes all of those words applicable with a style that takes the subject to a new level. This is especially true on Marks original tunes, “Mosby’s Rangers”, “Heartbroken”, “Mother Banjo” as well as Vince Gill’s “Hey God”. Simply put, he is a master of the art and deserving of that recognition.  Together with Emory Lester, who plays every other instrument heard on the CD with skill and beauty, these guys make for an  unbeatable combination. 
CARL JACKSON – Nashville

What a killer new project this is!  Mark Johnson’s banjo playing is full of grace and stateliness and together with master musician, Emory Lester, they play some of the prettiest melodies on record. There is a real sprightliness and elegance to this entire CD. Plus, Mark and Emory breathe new life into some old standards by just changing the melody a bit here and there. “Acoustic Campaign” is a terrific walk on the melodic side of bluegrass filled with gorgeous picking, some stellar vocals … and a whole slew of musical surprises.
DAVE HIGGS, Bluegrass Breakdown, Syndicated Radio Program

Acoustic Campaign!! Mark Johnson & Emory Lester, WE LOVE THIS CD!! Mark Johnson is about the best banjo player around. His left hand is solid bluegrass and his right hand is solid clawhammer, but that is not what makes his playing special.  He’s got incredible technique, but even that doesn’t make his playing stand out. What makes his playing notable is that he plays from the heart. Mark knows what he wants to say in a tune, and he has the technique and touch to convey this to the listener. Master musician and multi-instrumentalist, Emory Lester makes up the other half of this team and together they are defining this new sound.
BANJO NEWSLETTER

This is the CD for those who like their bluegrass played in a true, clear acoustic style. Mark Johnson masterfully takes the clawhammer banjo to new levels while his partner, Emory Lester, plays all the other instruments and vocals on these tunes.. WHAT A COMBINATION! – creating lovely, true sounds of bluegrass.
BLUEGRASS AMERICANA.COM

Mark Johnson and Emory Lester are two severely talented guys … no matter how much you practice your instruments, you’ll NEVER be that good!!  If you haven’t heard, or don’t own, a copy of the new disc by Mark Johnson & Emory Lester called “Acoustic Campaign” ….. you are missing out.  Radio DJ’s out there, make sure you give this one airplay!! 
KIM GLUCKLER, Music Director, WFDU, 89.1 FM, Teaneck NJ

Mark Johnson & Emory Lester are wonderful innovators as individual artists; as a duo their combined creativity is tremendous! Acoustic Campaign is a rich and mature recording; HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
BLUEGRASS NOW MAGAZINE

Jim & Jesse, Flatt & Scruggs, Sonny & Bobby Osborne. Let us now add to the list, Johnson & Lester! Mark Johnson has created a completely new banjo art form called “Clawgrass."  Emory Lester, a master mandolin player and multi-instrumentalist, is a perfect, equal, counterpart and together they are absolutely bleeding with talent. We can assure you that you have never heard a duet like this before!
ACOUSTICA MAGAZINE