Marcus Johnson springs from the pyre with "The Phoenix"
Jazz man turns in his best album yet, draws inspiration from his 10-year musical career
Popular in various cultures, the ancient myth of "The Phoenix" has long been associated with triumph over adversity. With the impending July 17th release of his 10th album, musician mogul Marcus Johnson - the accomplished pianist, live performer and ambitious businessman - springs forth from the pyre with his latest triumph: more great music for those with fine taste.
Johnson's long-awaited studio album, titled "The Phoenix", celebrates his spirit of love, faith and making it happen. His 11 new, urban grooves of contemporary jazz and R&B are dedicated to his decade-long musical foray.
The Phoenix, his first major recording since 2004, features collaborations with former Columbia Records vocalist Frank McComb, Mohemm's Tony Hemmings and features Three Keys Music recording artist and "New Sax Sensation" Phillip Martin. The album has features a cover of Jive Recording artist Raheem DeVaughn's smash hit 'Believe'. Currently one of smooth jazz radio's most popular new discs "The Phoenix" is Johnson's best work to date; critics and fans alike are applauding.
Carol Archer of Radio and Records says the CD's first captivating release "The Road to Los Suenos" is "intoxicating and sure to invigorate smooth jazz play lists. Man, can he play."
"It definitely has his urban sound," says Bonnie Schendell of the Internet music magazine Smoothviews.
"The Road to Los Suenos" was inspired by Johnson trip to the Costa Rican resort of the same name. Its infectious beat, soaring sax and lush keyboard melodies reflect his exhilaration while on the long, winding road where he witnessed grand mountain ravines, tropical jungle foyers and the rhythmic sing-song of native toucans.
In the past two weeks, the single has been the most added new song on smooth jazz stations across the country including Washington D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, Baltimore, Hartford, Birmingham, Little Rock and Salt Lake City and on satellite radio heavyweights XM and Siruis.
Other highlighted tracks on the album reflect experiences related to Johnson's personal and career growth learned during his 10 years in the recording industry: "Side Stepping", "Believe", "Urban Trust" and "Making It Happen" feature Johnson's signature keyboard riffs, some long and inundating, others short but enthusiastic. The listener is lulled into "neck factor, Johnson's term for how listeners start swaying their necks to his beats once his music connects with their souls.
Johnson's music encourages you to close your eyes and fully appreciate his seductive siren.
