After the success of the Billboard charting Poetically Justified, Marcus Johnson, releases his latest CD This Is How I Rock on July 27, 2010. The album boldly delves into the pop/rock genre with a jazz spin as Johnson captures some of the industry’s most notable songs that influenced him earlier in his career. This CD exemplifies Johnson’s versatility and brilliant interpretive skills and will engage listeners with his signature jazz funk sound.

I CAN’T GO FOR THAT (SINGLE) – Johnson adds a sophisticated piano sheen on the Hall & Oates’ R&B/Pop hit, I Can’t Go For That, the lead single on This Is How I Rock. This single produced by Robert McDonald, is riveting, in the groove, fun, and drives Marcus Johnson on piano to a high-level of funk and jazz.

VIRTUAL INSANITY – Jamiroquai’s hit, Virtual Insanity, also produced by Robert McDonald, is another fun track allowing Marcus to have freedom to play with the track. Virtual Insanity showcases the luscious string arrangement supported by featured violinist Bobby Yang.

RISE – Marcus Johnson's approach to Herb Alpert's chart topping single Rise features trumpeter Greg Adams of Tower of Power. The track seductively blends Johnson’s intricate and hypnotic piano accompaniment with Adams’ smoky trumpet.

THANK YOU – For his interpretation of Sly and the Family Stone’s, Thank You (For Letting Me Be Myself), Johnson teams up again with Najee, giving this classic a new twist with the shimmering ethereal sound from Johnson’s Fender Rhodes and the funky swagger of Najee’s sax.

MAS QUE NADA – Made popular by Sergio Mendes, Johnson maintains the Mendes’ uniquely Brazilian flavor while adding the exotic background vocals of jazz/R&B hit-maker Maysa.

Come Together

After the success of the Billboard charting Poetically Justified, Marcus Johnson, releases his latest CD This Is How I Rock on July 27, 2010. The album boldly delves into the pop/rock genre with a jazz spin as Johnson captures some of the industry’s most notable songs that influenced him earlier in his career. This CD exemplifies Johnson’s versatility and brilliant interpretive skills and will engage listeners with his signature jazz funk sound.

I CAN’T GO FOR THAT (SINGLE) – Johnson adds a sophisticated piano sheen on the Hall & Oates’ R&B/Pop hit, I Can’t Go For That, the lead single on This Is How I Rock. This single produced by Robert McDonald, is riveting, in the groove, fun, and drives Marcus Johnson on piano to a high-level of funk and jazz.

VIRTUAL INSANITY – Jamiroquai’s hit, Virtual Insanity, also produced by Robert McDonald, is another fun track allowing Marcus to have freedom to play with the track. Virtual Insanity showcases the luscious string arrangement supported by featured violinist Bobby Yang.

RISE – Marcus Johnson's approach to Herb Alpert's chart topping single Rise features trumpeter Greg Adams of Tower of Power. The track seductively blends Johnson’s intricate and hypnotic piano accompaniment with Adams’ smoky trumpet.

THANK YOU – For his interpretation of Sly and the Family Stone’s, Thank You (For Letting Me Be Myself), Johnson teams up again with Najee, giving this classic a new twist with the shimmering ethereal sound from Johnson’s Fender Rhodes and the funky swagger of Najee’s sax.

MAS QUE NADA – Made popular by Sergio Mendes, Johnson maintains the Mendes’ uniquely Brazilian flavor while adding the exotic background vocals of jazz/R&B hit-maker Maysa.

Fly Like An Eagle

I Can't Go For That

Mas Que Nada

Rise

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Thank You (For Letting Me Be Myself)

Virtual Insanity

Contemporary Jazz Pianist, Marcus Johnson’s eagerly anticipated new release titled Poetically Justified is in stores and online on June 2, 2009.  This album delivers 14 unique tracks that each feature a taste of Johnson’s signature sound, combining acoustic and electronic sets giving listeners a soaring musical journey of contemporary smooth jazz with a funky urban groove.   

Poetically Justified showcases several guest appearances from some of Johnson’s musician friends.  R&B vocalist Miles Jaye lends his soulful voice to “Capice” and “Heaven”, and R&B siren Maysa (of Incognito fame) is featured on two tracks, one of which, “Master of My Heart”, is currently in heavy rotation on adult-contemporary radio station WHUR-FM in Washington, DC.  Jazz heavy-hitter Najee adds his sultry sax sounds to the upbeat and rhythmic “I See You”.  Johnson also collaborates with writer-producer, Robbie McDonald, (responsible for background tracks for Raheem Davaughn) on several stand-out tracks. These powerful tracks combined with Johnson’s masterful cover of Michael Jackson’s “This Place Hotel” (first single off CD) and his funky turn on the CD opener, “Chillaxin”, will no doubt wow Johnson’s loyal fans and earn Johnson yet another appearance on the Billboard charts.


CAPICE

CHERISH THE JOURNEY

CHILLAXIN

DANNI SONG

ELLICOTT CITY

HOLD ON

I SEE YOU

IN THE MOMENT

MASTER OF MY HEART

SAY YES

STAND BY ME

THIS PLACE HOTEL

USED TO LOVE YOU

ust as the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so shall the music industry from its latest state.  This is how Marcus Johnson feels and is why he has titled his latest release on his Three Keys Music label, The Phoenix.  On this CD, this Washington, DC-area native continues with his urban grooves that have become his signature sound. 

The CD opens with “Side-Steppin,” a very heavy beat-driven tune.  Sax is provided by Phillip Martin and is quite soulful playing almost note for note with the piano.  It’s a great way to open up the album.  “Potomac Ridge” is another great piano/sax pairing with a fun melody.

The CDs first released single is “Road to Los Suenos.”  With the background vocals from Nikki Gonzalez and guitar from Stanley Cooper adding to the depth and groove, Marcus’ fingers just fly across the keys, making this the most energetic tune on the CD.  The samba feel makes you want to dance the whole way through.  “Believe” is all piano, which truly showcases the talent of Marcus Johnson.  “Love” features vocalist Frank McComb in a Stevie Wonder-like song.

Next up is “Table For 2.”  Again Marcus’ piano is accompanied by Phillip Martin on sax.  This is a great smooth jazz track and very radio friendly.  I could see this as the next single.  “My Caddy,” titled so from Marcus’ love of the game, is a fun piano piece with a great beat that keeps the heads bopping!  “Urban Trust” contains one of the truest forms of Marcus’ sound.  It’s a gentle piano piece, surrounded by some great guitar work of Stanley Cooper, but has that edge to it that Marcus is known for.  “You and I” is a song that Marcus takes great pride in.  His message is that no one is ever alone; that you always have someone to mentor you and build you up.  It’s an inspirational piece.

“The Journey” is just that…a musical journey between piano and sax.  It’s a blend of funky grooves, old time jazz, and a smoky piano bar with an underground beat.  Lastly, “Make It Happen” is a powerful song with strong bass lines provided by David Dyson, and heavy guitar.  It’s a strong ending to a CD full of groove.

Marcus Johnson has shown his fans over and over that nothing can keep a musician from just doing what he loves to do.  This CD is no exception. 

- Bonnie Schendell

Marcus Johnson

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