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| Creative Vocalist KELLEY JOHNSON'S "Something Good" on OA2/Origin Records There are many vocalists with lovely voices who mine the Great American Songbook for material; however, very few have the depth and jazz chops of KELLEY JOHNSON. A vocalist and arranger, Johnson doesn't rehash familiar standards. She understands the music from the inside out, and with her spot-on phrasing and silky, rich timbre, she is certainly one of the finest purveyors of sophisticated lyrics on the scene today. Johnson's newest album is SOMETHING GOOD, a program of 10 mostly familiar songs that she re-imagines with fresh and personal interpretations. Her voice is warm and sexy with a subtle sense of swing that never overwhelms the material with faux hipness. There is an ease to her delivery that makes it sound as effortless as breathing. The musicianship on SOMETHING GOOD is top-notch. Kendrick Scott's Houston sound rounds out the rhythm section that comprises some of the best musicians from the Pacific Northwest. Johnson chose the songs on SOMETHING GOOD not just because they're great songs, but because they resonate with her on a deeper level. "These songs are about being an artist, being a partner, and being a daughter, " says Johnson. "Like most people, I'm trying to maintain meaningful relationships and continue pursuing love and music with all the glory and humility that we need to keep our balance in an ever-changing world. Whether a song is about art or love or spiritual pursuit, it's really all the same path to acceptance." Kelley Johnson is endlessly creative. She plays with time and melody like a horn player, while her voice has a luminous quality. She and Hansen are also inventive arrangers, and their takes on these classics make them fresh and new. " Wisps of Carmen McRae's ginger snap, Betty Carter's yawning reach, Anita O'Day's feline purr and Nancy Wilson's crystalline enunciation...just tune in to her sailing, buoyant rhythm section and her bright, eminently convincing musicianship." – Downbeat Tracks 1. ANYONE CAN WHISTLE 6:14 2. GOODBYE TO LOVE 6:47 3. YOU DO DOMETHING TO ME 4:48 4. LULLABY OF BIRDLAND 5:25 5. LET'S DO IT 4:56 6. SOME OTHER TIME 5:05 7. TIP TOE GENTLY 5:28 8. UNFORGETTABLE 5:05 9. YOU FOR ME 2:32 10. SOMETHING GOOD 4:17 Personnel KELLEY JOHNSON vocals, whistle (1) JOHN HANSEN piano MICHAEL GLYNN bass KENDRICK SCOTT drums JAY THOMAS soprano sax (4), tenor sax (5), trumpet (8) Arranged by KELLEY JOHNSON & JOHN HANSEN Produced by KELLEY JOHNSON & FLOYD REITSMA write your comments about the article :: © 2019 Jazz News :: home page |