Press/EPK
Photo credits: Harrison Judd
With over 30 recording as a sideman with the likes of Bill Mays, Harvie S., and Steve Gadd, along with performances with Dave Brubeck, Phil Wilson, Jerry Bergonzi, guitarist Norman Johnson earned his chops among some of the very best.
Guitar and voice, an artistic marriage made in heaven. 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, beautiful color, 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.
Guitar and voice, an artistic marriage made in heaven. 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, beautiful color, 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.
The list of musicians include, Norman Johnson — guitar/bass/piano/vocals/programming, Alex Nakhimovsky/Mitch Chakour - piano, Grayson Hugh/June Bisantz - vocals, Atla DeChamplain/Lisa Marien/Polly Messer - background vocals, Bill Holloman - horns, Chris Herbert/John Mastroianni - sax, Steve Davis - trombone, Jeffrey Holmes- trumpet, Matt Dwonszyk - bass, Ed Fast - drums
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.
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.
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.
The J W Vibe, Jonathan Widran
While certain tracks on his latest EP The Art of Life draw powerfully from the Benson influence – most notably, the crisp, horn fired mid-tempo funk jam “Old Skool” – Johnson complements that trademark electric style by leaning equally on his on his coming of age nylon string passions for Earl Klugh and Segovia on engaging, celebratory tunes like “Summer Dance.” Johnson employs both approaches brilliantly on the brisk and balmy tropical romp “It’s You,” which features dreamy, soulful vocals by June Bisantz.
In addition to giving listeners the opportunity to hear both sides of his musical personality, Johnson also showcases his skills on piano and bass while giving saxophonists Chris Herbert and Bill Holloman ample moments to shine.
- Press Quotes
Robert Cunningham, Lexington Jazz Music ExaminerListening 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 ‘That’s the Way of the World,’ and ‘Got to Get You into My Life,’ as well as, Aretha Franklin ‘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.’ - 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.comThere 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.