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| John Redmon & The Thomas J. Dawson, Jr. iOrchestra, Reaching Records A Monumental Orchestrated Project Paying Tribute to Louis Armstrong John Redmon & The Thomas J. Dawson, Jr. iOrchestra Label: Reaching Records Release date: January 8, 2021 John Paul Redmon is an American recording artist, a Louis Armstrong impressionist, pianist, singer, composer, arranger, motivational speaker, and humanitarian. In 1994 he became founder, president, and CEO of Reaching Records — a Christian, independent record label whose purpose and motto were "to reach and touch hearts around the world". He was 18 years old. Over the next 26 years, Redmon produced and released multiple projects on his label that gained national attention and recognition, including: John Redmon & Friends: Faith, Love and Unity, Vol 1 featuring BeBe & CeCe Winans, Crystal Lewis and Patti Labelle and A Woman's Journey featuring Vickie Winans, Brenda Nicholas and an enlightening testimonial from his mother Cynthia Redmon. In 2017, in a desperate attempt to come up with a captivating stage routine for his new gig at The Broadmoor's Golden Bee, Redmon created then sharpened a Louis Armstrong impression. He highlighted the Armstrong classic "What a Wonderful World." During each of his performances, he started noticing a trend, a hushed crowd, a silent tear, glistening eyes, gigantic smiles, loud cries, explosive cheers, then emotional, sporadic hugs and testimonials of what Louis or his songs meant to them. "I knew I was on to something" Redmon smiles. In 2018 Redmon and Thomas J. Dawson, Jr. teamed up to record a fresh and new jazzy version of "What a Wonderful World" arranged by Dawson. Next, the two went on to shoot a visually stimulating, black and white short-form music video with director Kevin Hu and Moonshine Media. The video received over 1200 views the first week of airing. Redmon has had a passionate calling and ministry to the senior citizen community. This love was instilled in him by his mother at the tender age of 5. So, in 2020 with the help of manager Cynthia Hunt and Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus, he planned an Honoring Louis Armstrong pre-album release tour to visit as many senior facilities within the southern Colorado area presenting this nostalgic album material. He wanted to musically transport the residents to a place in time when they were invigorated with vibrant hopes and restless dreams. Now Redmon is excited to release to the world his first full-length tribute album Honoring Louis Armstrong on his record label, playing a dual role as a Louis Armstrong impressionist and executive producer. Thomas J. Dawson, Jr. is a rare blend of raw talent, musical genius, and humility. An accomplished musician, producer, composer, mentor, and friend. Dawson has been the gold, platinum and Grammy-award winning Commodores' music director and lead keyboardist for over 30 years. He has co-produced many of their songs and CD's. He has performed on stage with internationally renowned artists such as Kelly Rowland, Eric Benet, Howard Hewitt and The Winans. His credits include projects with music icon Beyonce and J-Lo. Thomas has produced several projects of his own with the jazz group Finger Roll. The first of these projects won the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Jazz Discovery competition. Thomas has a passion for sharing his knowledge with others. He is currently a Professor of Audio Recording at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and also tours nationally as a guest lecturer. Dawson never ceases to amaze the world by his next move…or some call it divine appointment. In 2019, Dawson became Senior Vice President and Postproduction Supervisor for Manns Mackie Studios. This Christian film company based in Atlanta, GA is responsible for the upcoming films My Brother's Keeper, Rescue Me and Redeemed. Mr. Dawson's touch of musical mastery is applied to each of these films as the films' music supervisor and editor. Between the Isaac Gregg's Jazz Sextet (music ambassadors for the state of Louisiana) and the Commodores, Thomas has performed in every country in the world. Thomas is the producer, orchestrator, arranger, and the genius behind the Honoring Louis Armstrong tribute album. John Redmon & The Thomas J. Dawson, Jr. iOrchestra honor the legacy of a man of inescapable influence. Honoring Louis Armstrong is a fantastic musical tribute to jazz legend and Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Inductee. Ten definitive songs with a voice that transcends generations including some of Armstrong's strongest hits. Track Names, Times, Composers 1.Overture 2:05 2.Blessed Assurance 3:22 3.Just A Closer Walk with Thee (Medley) 4:04 4.Summertime 4:34 5.When the Saints (Medley) 4:02 6.O Danny Boy 5:17 7.Smile 4:01 8.Precious Lord 5:02 9.What A Wonderful World 3:32 10.Imagine 5:04 Players, and Instruments: All Instruments and Orchestrations by Thomas J. Dawson, Jr. except Guitars on "Precious Lord" by Darrell Crooks Special Guest Artists include: Linda Purl Charles Buie Committed Phil & Brenda Nicholas Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus write your comments about the article :: © 2020 Jazz News :: home page |