"There
should be some type of bridge built between contemporary jazz
lovers and fans of Hip-Hop and R&B music" says international
jazz saxophone sensation Joe Johnson and nowhere is that belief
more evident than on "Life of the Party" his latest
smooth jazz release from YASNY Labels Group. It is an amazing
CD overflowing with hard -hitting urban grooves ,soulful slow
jams, and funky smooth jazz interpretations of some of Hip -Hop
and R&B's greatest hits.
Joe started on the road that would lead him to jazz distinction
at an early age in Memphis,Tn where he played in his high schools
music program and his family's church choir. Raised on R&B,
Gospel Music and Memphis Blues , Johnson attributes his high school
band director Emerson Able, for steering him in the right musical
direction. "Mr. Able made sure that I was well prepared musically
to face the world and never let me suffer from any delusions of
grandeur". Joe's early musical influences were Charlie Parker
, Hank Crawford, David Sanborn, Grover Washington, and Kirk Whalum.
After receiving a music scholarship and attending Tennessee State
University, he soon realized that some of the "world's best
music was being made right at his doorsteps." There was no
reason to leave Nashville because everyone was coming here to
record," says Joe.
Johnson's mastery of the saxophone continued to evolve in Nashville
where he worked as a studio session player during the day and
at night played R&B and smooth jazz in some of the U.S.A.'s
must illustrious nightspots. Even though Johnson is only in his
mid thirties he has amassed an extremely impressive resume and
list of musical accomplishments that combine both commercial and
jingle work with recording sessions and live concert dates. Joe
has played on more than 400 commercial and jingle dates working
for major clients such as Target, Ford Motor Company, Budwiser
Beers, Taco Bell, Coke, and Mattel Toys just to name a few. He
has opened national concerts for or shared the stage with a "Who's
Who" of musical mega stars such as: Areatha Franklin, Anita
Baker, Sade, Vanessa Williams, Gerald Levert, Jamie Foxx, KEM,
Roy Ayers, Boney James, Phil Perry, Melissa Morgan, Doc Powell,
Will Downing, Take 6, Donald Byrd, Cameo, Kim Waters, Phil Perry,
Miles Jaye, Alex Bugnon, Kirk and Kevin Whalum, Peabo Bryson,
Gearld Veasely, Angela Bowfill, the O'Jays, Barbara Mandrell,
Howard Hewitt, Kindred, Karen Briggs, American Idols Kimberly
Locke, Dr. Bobby Jones, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and a host of
others. Most recently Johnson was included in gospel music videos
for top selling artist Smokie Norful and Donald Lawrence and just
completed a cross country arena tour playing for sold out audiences
nation wide with Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Yolanda
Adams on the gospel extravaganza "Hopeville".
Johnson demonstrates a dazzling facility with both Jazz and R&B
idioms on "Life of the Party". "I think that the
listener can appreciate that this release has a little something
for everyone on it". From the funky head bobbing opening
piece "Juke Joints and Jams" , to that satin like sound
of "My Life" ( Everybody Loves the Sunshine), or the
laid back Neo Soul lounge vibe of "Didn't Ya Know",
"Life of the Party" captures some of Johnson's most
evocative and resonate musical moods. It is a "must have"
for any music lovers collection.
