This is an article in the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper about me, and some of the artistic people in my family. Written by Dudley McLean
February 11, 2024
February 11, 2024
Working with a new group. The Bone Yard. This is an unusual and great sounding ensemble consisting of 5, yes 5 Trombones with rhythm section.
Dave DeWitt, Greg Nielson, Gary Shutes, Mike Treni, Don Parker - trombone
Norman Johnson, guitar
Cameron Kayne, bass
Rich MacDonald, drums
Dave DeWitt, Greg Nielson, Gary Shutes, Mike Treni, Don Parker - trombone
Norman Johnson, guitar
Cameron Kayne, bass
Rich MacDonald, drums
We are honoring Dave Brubeck's wife Iola Brubeck—the lyrical genius behind the Brubeck songs on the new album “Easy As You Go.” This new record features previously unheard arrangements of Dave Brubeck songs performed by two of the couple’s sons, Dan Brubeck and Chris Brubeck, velvet songstress Dianne Mower, and jazz guitar legend Norman Johnson. While Brubeck’s music is predominantly piano oriented, this record unveils his songs as you have never heard them before—through the virtuosity of Norman’s playing, the stellar vocals of Dianne Mower, the phenomenal musicianship of Dan Brubeck and Chris Brubeck and the genius lyricism of Iola Brubeck.
Frameworks Records
Frameworks Records
3/2021
Time moves ahead and there have been many changes in my life. I certainly hope you and your loved ones are weathering this pandemic safely. My wife and I have relocated from Connecticut to sunny Florida. It was time for both of us to make a change and the warm weather is indeed a strong incentive. I hope to get back to making music and finding new friends in the south of the US. Things are slowly getting back to normal. My hope is to also bring some more content to my YouTube channel. I haven't posted much there because of my schedule but now is the time.
4/2021
Unfortunately, because of Covid-19, my concert at the Palace Theater, Poli Club, scheduled for May 22, 2020 is cancelled. Please stay safe and I hope to play for you again soon.
Unfortunately, because of Covid-19, my concert at the Palace Theater, Poli Club, scheduled for May 22, 2020 is cancelled. Please stay safe and I hope to play for you again soon.
My song "Slide" from "The Art Of Life" has hit #1 on the Radio Guitar One charts.
Musicians:
Norman Johnson - guitar - bass - piano - vocal, Chris Herbert, John Mastroianni - Sax, Bill Holloman - horns, Jeff Holmes - trumpet,
Steve Davis - trombone, Matt Dwonszyk - bass, Grayson Hugh, June Bisantz, Atla DeChamplain, Polly Messer, Lisa Marien - vocal, Mitch Chakour -piano and organ, Alex Nakhimovsky - piano
Art and music, sight and sound, The Art of Life is for all of your senses. This recording brings a variety of sounds to your aural palette and like a good painting, can make you think, imagine, and maybe, smile.
Pacific Coast Jazz presents, Norman Johnson
The Art Of Life
Norman Johnson’s “The Art of Life” is a beautifully crafted recording. Featuring five songs penned by Johnson and one written by his longtime friends and music companions, Alex Nakhimovsky and June Bisantz. We are given groove, beauty, and a message. Changing directions from projects of the past, Johnson has included in this recording, two vocal songs which show a different side of his writing and playing. Johnson always keeps it smooth and this recording is no exception.
“Slide” is a slick, groove oriented song which features Chris Herbert on alto sax. Moving to a different sound for Johnson is his song “Sing On”, which features the wonderful vocals of Grayson Hugh. In what has always been a troubled world, this song is Johnson’s message of hopefulness for all of us. “Old Skool” brings a 70’s vibe with a modern sound. It’s totally guitar driven swing.
The title cut, “The Art of Life”, was inspired by Stewart Stephenson’s painting “Sassy Wildflowers”. It is amazing how visual art and music can elicit the same emotions. The song is a picture in sound and includes the beautiful background vocals of Atla DeChamplain. “It’s You” is sung by Johnson’s longtime friend, June Bisantz. When Johnson first heard the song, he knew that it had to be included on his next recording. It’s infectious. This song offers so much - a latin groove with Bisantz’s lush vocal and Johnson’s sweet guitar. “Summer Dance” is what the title says, a song that just makes you think of warmth and movement. Johnson says “I wrote this song in the summer of 2016 while on vacation in Florida. Driving along the coast in Sarasota and heading over the bridge to St. Armands Island, the view was so beautiful. This melody came to me that day.”
The Art Of Life
Norman Johnson’s “The Art of Life” is a beautifully crafted recording. Featuring five songs penned by Johnson and one written by his longtime friends and music companions, Alex Nakhimovsky and June Bisantz. We are given groove, beauty, and a message. Changing directions from projects of the past, Johnson has included in this recording, two vocal songs which show a different side of his writing and playing. Johnson always keeps it smooth and this recording is no exception.
“Slide” is a slick, groove oriented song which features Chris Herbert on alto sax. Moving to a different sound for Johnson is his song “Sing On”, which features the wonderful vocals of Grayson Hugh. In what has always been a troubled world, this song is Johnson’s message of hopefulness for all of us. “Old Skool” brings a 70’s vibe with a modern sound. It’s totally guitar driven swing.
The title cut, “The Art of Life”, was inspired by Stewart Stephenson’s painting “Sassy Wildflowers”. It is amazing how visual art and music can elicit the same emotions. The song is a picture in sound and includes the beautiful background vocals of Atla DeChamplain. “It’s You” is sung by Johnson’s longtime friend, June Bisantz. When Johnson first heard the song, he knew that it had to be included on his next recording. It’s infectious. This song offers so much - a latin groove with Bisantz’s lush vocal and Johnson’s sweet guitar. “Summer Dance” is what the title says, a song that just makes you think of warmth and movement. Johnson says “I wrote this song in the summer of 2016 while on vacation in Florida. Driving along the coast in Sarasota and heading over the bridge to St. Armands Island, the view was so beautiful. This melody came to me that day.”
Reviews
Contemporary Fusion Reviews: Rotcod Zzaj
Distinctive guitar jazz wonders Norman Johnson – THE ART OF LIFE: Norman’s splendid and soulful jazz guitar work first came to my attention many moons ago, when I reviewed him in issue # 105, so it’s been a bit… he got good marks there, to be sure.
His new January, 2019 release features his guitar, of course, and he also does bass, piano and vocal on this one… you’ll also hear Chris Herbert and John Mastroianni on Sax; Bill Holloman doing horns; Jeff Holmes’ trumpet; Steve Davis doing trombone; Matt Dwonszyk on bass; Grayson Hugh, June Bisantz, Atla DeChamplain, Poller Messer, Lisa Marien performing vocals; Mitch Chakour on piano and organ and Alex Nakhimovsky’s piano… since the album isn’t up until later in January, the samples aren’t up yet (I’ll come back and add them in once I’m told the album has gone HOT), but I can tell you (without qualification) that tunes like the 3:59 opener, “Slide”, will have YOU up & slidin’ ’round the room…
If you enjoy “old soul style” singing, you’ll totally fall in love with “Sing On”; this tune will definitely be added to my “GTO queue”; very listenable, & dance-able even!
There was no doubt in my mind after my first listen through the six songs Norman offers up for this sonic adventure… “It’s You” is definitely my favorite on the album… superb vocals that just shimmer with the essence of life.
I give Norman and all his players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this excellent album.
Musical Memoirs: Dee Dee McNeil
From the very first strains of Norman Johnson’s guitar magic, I am under his spell. His music is full of joy for life. Johnson’s melodies are infectuous. On the first tune, “Slide” he makes me want to skip across the room. There is something light and carefree about this production of Johnson’s compositions. “Sing On” is another original composition by Norman Johnson that encourages us to come together as a people and features Grayson Hugh on vocals. This song is a blend of R&B, Pop and jazz. The repeatable ‘hook’ of the song reminds me a small bit of a Curtis Mayfield production. Johnson has written five of the six songs showcased on this recording. He offers very ‘smooth jazz’ arrangements with beautiful melodies. His use of vocal background singers is tasty on the title tune, “the Art of Life.” It is obvious that he has been inspired by Earl Klugh and George Benson, but Norman Johnson is a strong player in his own right and his composing skills are admirable. On the Latin tinged, “It’s You” he introduces us to the pretty voice of June Bisantz and Johnson takes a stellar guitar solo, followed by a short, but rich saxophone solo. Ms. Bisantz is also co-writer of this happy piece of music along with pianist, Alex Nakhimovsky. “Summer Dance” closes this album out with a bang. Johnson knows how to put the groove into his productions and he has a love for the nylon-string guitar sound.
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Get It While You Can. A fantastic collection of great songs from the 70's, and original compositions penned by Norman Johnson, Grayson Hugh, and Don Wallace. This collection of songs gives guitarist Norman Johnson the perfect background for his warm and melodic style of playing. Classics like That's The Way Of The World, Got To Get You Into My Life, and Until You Come Back To Me, take on a new life with Johnson's contemporary jazz treatment, all the time keeping true to the essence of the songs. You'll recognize them, but they will feel fresh. The title cut "Get It While You Can" is a perfect example of groove and fun. With a popping horn section, it is the statement feel for the cd. Danza Dance is a latin infused gem enhanced by Ali Ryerson on flute. Grayson Hugh's mysterious "Saudade" is a soundscape that wraps his superb vocals with Johnson's guitar. Killer Jane is a humorous takeoff on Benny Golson's Killer Joe. It features a swinging funky feel and Steve Davis on trombone. Johnson uses electric, nylon and steel string acoustic guitars, to create a wide variety of sound on this recording.
The list of musicians include, Grayson Hugh - piano and vocals, Ali Ryerson - flute, Steve Davis - trombone, Arti Dixson and Anthony Cusano - drums, Ken Fischer, Alex Nakhimovsky and Matt DeChamplain - piano, Don Wallace and Dave Stoltz - bass, Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng, Eric Galm, and Ed Fast - percussion, Chris Herbert - sax and flute, Ricky Alfonso - trumpet. This is instrumental music that will make you sing. Smooth, warm sounds, infectious beats, and great compositions. The title, Get It While You Can, says it all.
1. Get It While you Can
2. Danza Dance
8. Saudade
9. Calle Verde
10. Pack It Up
11. Nagoya Nights
3. Way Of The World
4. Killer Jane
5. Cloud 99
6. Got To Get You Into My Life
7. Until You Come Back To Me
Get It While You Can, Is available at:
Reviews
Robert Cunningham, Lexington Jazz Music Examiner
Listening to the newest release from Norman Johnson ‘Get it While You Can,’ a new genre would properly classify this collection. For consideration, adding the genre ‘soothe-smooth jazz’ for any collection that transcends beyond and elevates above the capacity of smooth jazz. This genre will only be designated to collections that effectively evaporate all the worries of the day while soothing frayed nerves with smooth peaceful thoughts of tranquility; thus the term ‘Soothe-smooth jazz,’ or perhaps simply ‘soothe jazz.’
Some clever interpretations to well –known songs from Earth Wind and Fire's ‘That’s the Way of the World,’ and ‘Got to Get You into My Life,’ as well as, Aretha Franklin's ‘Until You Come Back to Me,’ provide fun new versions to these familiar songs. A few Latin songs anchor this collection and provide a well-rounded cornucopia of musical selections. Pay particular attention to song ‘Nagoya Nights.’ This song epitomizes the concept of ‘soothe jazz.’
Enjoy the song, ‘Get it While You Can’ on many great jazz stations including NewporterJazz. Norman Johnson’s collection, “Get It While You Can’ is the ideal collection to begin one’s 2013 library of great music. For those that categorize their collections by genre, make some extra space for the ‘soothe-jazz’ genre and place Norman Johnson’s collection in its appropriate category.
Ed Tankus, Blue Plate Radio
I have listened to this CD several times. Norman Johnson has successfully made some very familiar songs his own and avoided the cookie-cutter approach to recording some old favorites. As one who listens to thousands of tracks on a regular basis, "Get It While You Can" is fresh and exciting from beginning to end. Kudos, too, to Johnson for using gifted musicians known for their straight-ahead chops in an original smooth-jazz way. " Get It While You Can" and get it while it's HOT!
Abyssjazz.com
Get It While You Can is Johnson’s sophomore release with an agenda – enjoy life and have big fun doing it. Johnson combines personal favorites like, That’s The Way Of The World, Got To Get You Into My Life, and Until You Come Back To Me, with his own composition(s), Get It While You Can, Danza Dance, Saudade, and my personal favorite Killer Jane – a humorous take off on Quincy Jones classic version of Benny Golson’s Killer Joe from the female perspective – the end result, a simmering sauce of conversations that groove.
There is a joyous vibe flowing through Get It While You Can that resonated within me. Perhaps it’s the interplay of his music, their music, and the guitar; can’t say for sure. What I can say with certainty is that the CD works for me. And Norman says, “Music is a lot like love; no matter how much time you think you have left, you have to Get It While You Can” … Go. Go on. Go get it.
Owen McNally, The Hartford Courant
Relaxed and bathed in contemporary jazz rhythms, featuring a horn section and guest appearances by the likes of flutist Ali Ryerson, trombonist Steve Davis and pianist/vocalist Grayson Hugh, the new CD is a sunny blend of fun and funk, custom-made, wrinkle-free material expertly tailored by Johnson for discerning smooth jazz fans.
Robert Cunningham, Lexington Jazz Music Examiner
Listening to the newest release from Norman Johnson ‘Get it While You Can,’ a new genre would properly classify this collection. For consideration, adding the genre ‘soothe-smooth jazz’ for any collection that transcends beyond and elevates above the capacity of smooth jazz. This genre will only be designated to collections that effectively evaporate all the worries of the day while soothing frayed nerves with smooth peaceful thoughts of tranquility; thus the term ‘Soothe-smooth jazz,’ or perhaps simply ‘soothe jazz.’
Some clever interpretations to well –known songs from Earth Wind and Fire's ‘That’s the Way of the World,’ and ‘Got to Get You into My Life,’ as well as, Aretha Franklin's ‘Until You Come Back to Me,’ provide fun new versions to these familiar songs. A few Latin songs anchor this collection and provide a well-rounded cornucopia of musical selections. Pay particular attention to song ‘Nagoya Nights.’ This song epitomizes the concept of ‘soothe jazz.’
Enjoy the song, ‘Get it While You Can’ on many great jazz stations including NewporterJazz. Norman Johnson’s collection, “Get It While You Can’ is the ideal collection to begin one’s 2013 library of great music. For those that categorize their collections by genre, make some extra space for the ‘soothe-jazz’ genre and place Norman Johnson’s collection in its appropriate category.
Ed Tankus, Blue Plate Radio
I have listened to this CD several times. Norman Johnson has successfully made some very familiar songs his own and avoided the cookie-cutter approach to recording some old favorites. As one who listens to thousands of tracks on a regular basis, "Get It While You Can" is fresh and exciting from beginning to end. Kudos, too, to Johnson for using gifted musicians known for their straight-ahead chops in an original smooth-jazz way. " Get It While You Can" and get it while it's HOT!
Abyssjazz.com
Get It While You Can is Johnson’s sophomore release with an agenda – enjoy life and have big fun doing it. Johnson combines personal favorites like, That’s The Way Of The World, Got To Get You Into My Life, and Until You Come Back To Me, with his own composition(s), Get It While You Can, Danza Dance, Saudade, and my personal favorite Killer Jane – a humorous take off on Quincy Jones classic version of Benny Golson’s Killer Joe from the female perspective – the end result, a simmering sauce of conversations that groove.
There is a joyous vibe flowing through Get It While You Can that resonated within me. Perhaps it’s the interplay of his music, their music, and the guitar; can’t say for sure. What I can say with certainty is that the CD works for me. And Norman says, “Music is a lot like love; no matter how much time you think you have left, you have to Get It While You Can” … Go. Go on. Go get it.
Owen McNally, The Hartford Courant
Relaxed and bathed in contemporary jazz rhythms, featuring a horn section and guest appearances by the likes of flutist Ali Ryerson, trombonist Steve Davis and pianist/vocalist Grayson Hugh, the new CD is a sunny blend of fun and funk, custom-made, wrinkle-free material expertly tailored by Johnson for discerning smooth jazz fans.
If Time Stood Still, the debut solo release from guitarist Norman Johnson on the Pacific Coast Jazz label, is an exquisite expression of music that has been waiting to happen. From sonic grooves reminiscent of Wes Montgomery and George Benson to the mysterious, sultry melodies that frame Johnson’s distinctive sound this recording integrates the best of contemporary and traditional jazz. With over twenty recordings as a sideman, playing with highly respected musicians (Dave Brubeck, Bill Mays, Harvie S., Phil Wilson and Steve Gadd) along with composing and recording music for corporate clients, this release puts Norman Johnson in the spotlight he truly deserves.
Musicians:
Tyler VanOstrand, bass - Chris Herbert, sax - Ken Fischer, piano - Bob Forte,
Arti Dixson, Anthony Cusano, and Chris Lemp, drums - Steve Davis, trombone
Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng, Greg Allan, Eric Galm, percussion - Josh Bruneau, trumpet
Tyler VanOstrand, bass - Chris Herbert, sax - Ken Fischer, piano - Bob Forte,
Arti Dixson, Anthony Cusano, and Chris Lemp, drums - Steve Davis, trombone
Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng, Greg Allan, Eric Galm, percussion - Josh Bruneau, trumpet
1. It's Time To Fly
2. Acoustic Groove
3. Always And Forever
4. As It Is
5. Starting Tomorrow
6. Can I Get An Amen
7. If Time Stood Still
8. Unforgiven
9. All In Time
10. Midnight Sun
3. Always And Forever
4. As It Is
5. Starting Tomorrow
6. Can I Get An Amen
7. If Time Stood Still
8. Unforgiven
9. All In Time
10. Midnight Sun
#2-Jack Prybylski
#4-Shilts
#9-Will Donato
#18-Eumir Deodato
#20-Blake Aaron
#32-Shawn Brock
#35-Norman Johnson
Happy holidays and New Year to all and thanks for such a wonderful 2011! Looking forward to a great 2012!
Brad Walseth, Jazz Chicago.net
“The use of so many different sounds - Johnson moves from acoustic to electric and back, Fischer switches from acoustic to electric piano throughout, Herbert pulls out his soprano sax on "Unforgiven," and Davis' trombone is featured on "All in Time" - creates a truly colorful presentation on this well-balanced and attractive recording. Johnson has been on the scene for many years, but with his fine debut he makes the case that it may be time that he be considered one of the bright new stars on the contemporary jazz guitar scene.”
Books Music
“The album is a mixture of polished jazz skill and smooth jazz, with an emphasis on the smooth. Johnson has a healthy band backing him, and when Johnson plays there is a brilliance that works superbly...”
Doug Morissey, MuzikReviews.com
When Norman Johnson was a freshman in high school a friend lent him the George Benson album “The Other Side of Abbey Road” and it changed Norman’s life forever. Like the saying goes, a butterfly flaps its wings and Norman Johnson finds his path in life and then a tornado blows through a small town in Oklahoma and flattens everything except the music store, coincidence? Probably, but things happen for a reason my Jazz loving friends! Norman Johnson was born to play the guitar like Miles Davis was born to be a real son of a bitch and also play the trumpet occasionally.
One listen to If Time Stood Still is all the proof you need of the statements I made above. If smooth jazz guitar is all Norman Johnson knows than he knows more than most ever will. If Time Stood Still will leave you wishing it actually would stand still so you could enjoy the moment that this album creates.