Joe Johnson

"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 1800 national recordings, commercial, and jingle dates working for major clients such as Target, Ford Motor Company, Budwiser Beers, Taco Bell, Coke, ABC Television Networks ,and Mattel Toys just to name a few. He has performed on National concerts with, shared the stage, toured and recorded with a "Who's Who" of musical mega stars such as: Jamie Foxx, KEM , Kirk Franklin , Yolanda Adams , Donnie McClurkin , Roy Ayers , Phil Perry , Al Jarreau ,Glen Jones, Miles Jaye, Kirk & Kevin Whalum , Me'lisa Morgan , Jean Carne, Tom Browne ,Angela Bofill , Boney James, Gerald Levert, Byron Cage, Rance Allen , Aretha Franklin, Karen Briggs ,Angela Winbush, Urban Mystic, Stephine Mills,The Clark Sisters ,Chuck Loeb , Alex Bugnon, Doc Powell, Issac Hayes, Norman Conners, Kim Waters , Barbara Mandell , Jeffery Osborne , Loose Ends, Bishop Paul Morton, American Idols Kimberly Locke and Melinda Doolittle, Kindred ,Gerarld Veasely, Donald Lawrance and the Tri City Singers , Kevon Edmonds & After 7, Smokie Norful, Jessie Powell, Dr. Bobby Jones and a host of others. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ ********Johnsons latest release "Life of the Party" (2005) had 3 singles to reach the number 1 spot in various Smooth Jazz Radio markets across the USA and the lead off single "U Know What's Up" climbed to the top of the Radio and Records Smooth Jazz Indicator Charts during the spring and summer of 2005. Joe is currently putting the finishing touches on his eagerly awaited next CD due in stores Nationwide during the 2nd quarter of 2008.******************************************************* ************************************************************ *************Most recently Johnson was included in gospel music videos , Cd's and Dvd's for top selling artist Smokie Norful , Donald Lawrence (The Finale : Act 1 &2 ) The Clark Sisters (2007) and Rance Allen (2007) Dr. Bobby Jones (2007) and Kirk Franklin (The Fight of My Life , 2007). In 2004 Joe completed a cross country arena tour playing for sold out audiences nationwide with Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Yolanda Adams on the gospel extravaganza "Hopeville". During the summer of 2006 Joe served as Musical Director for the highly successful "Urban Soul Fest Tour" featuring After 7 , Angela Winbush , Urban Mystic, Case and Jessie Powell. Johnson is currently serving as Musical Director for Angela Winbush.************************************************John son 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 "Sumthing Sumthing", "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. ******************************************************* Visit Joe at his website http://www.joejohnsonmusic.com and you can purchase "Life of the Party" at any National Music Retailer ( Tower Records , Borders, Best Buy , Virgin Music, etc.) any Major Online Retailer ( CDNow , Amazon.com, etc) or download "Life of the Party" at "iTUNES" or http://www.burnlounge.com/joejohnsonlifeoftheparty