Artist: David Johnson
Title: Soothing Traveler
Genre: Jazz-Soul-R & B
Label: Independent
Website
David Johnson has paid his dues and now he can call himself the Soothing Traveler for a reason. What has this man accomplished besides putting out this outstanding solo album? Well, do you have a half hour to discuss it? His resume is awesome, including stints as a bass player with the O' Jays in the 60's, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Dionne Warwick, the list is long and impressive. Now he plays guitar, and very well, on his latest addition to his resume.
With the exception of "Love's A Friend," the only vocal on the album, which is not a memorable performance, the CD is a superb instrumental fusion workout of jazz, soul and R & B. Although it does fit into the contemporary/smooth jazz category nicely, it is still difficult to generalize this recording because so much spice and variety is offered up for your able ears. I found it difficult not to listen several times before I really could honestly "hear" everything being presented here.
"Nightlife" was my favorite track on the album. I loved the way Johnson emulated the Hammond B-3 with the synthesizer. I must hand it to Mr. Johnson; he really works out this album smartly. Even the use of programmed drums provided by Fred Jordan, are better than what you would expect. Studio tricks or not, this man has his chops down, make no mistake about that. Keep on playing David, your birthright was to play the six-string.
June 29, 2004
Rating-7/10
Credits:
Dave Johnson: Guitar and Synthesizers
Gerry Miller: Saxophone
Fred Jordan: Drum Programmer
01. Pam De Janeiro (5:01)
02. Love's A Friend (4:59)
03. NightLife (5:07)
04. Tina's 9 To 5: The Happy Song (5:32)
05. Finnett's Law Part I (3:56)
06. Finnett's Law Part II (4:51)
07. Something To Think About (3:15)
08. Yo-R (4:49)
09. Soothing Traveler (5:09)
10. Bop Daddy (4:59)
11. Abstract Art (5:14)
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