DC-based Musician Formed Label With BET's Bob Johnson
Popular in various cultures, the ancient myth of The Phoenix has long been associated with triumph over adversity. With the impending July 17 release of his tenth album, musician mogul Marcus Johnson - the accomplished pianist, live performer and ambitious businessman - springs forth from the pyre with his latest triumph: more great music for those with fine taste.
Johnson's long-awaited studio album, titled The Phoenix, celebrates his spirit of love, faith and making it happen. His 11 new, urban grooves of contemporary jazz, R&B, and hip-hop are dedicated to his decade-long musical foray.
The Phoenix, his first major recording since 2004, features collaborations with former Columbia Records vocalist Frank McCombs, the "New Sax Sensation" Phillip Martin and Mohemm's Tony Hemmings as well as a cover of Jive Recording artist Raheem DeVaughn's smash hit 'Believe'. Currently one of smooth jazz radio's most popular new discs The Phoenix is Johnson's best work to date; critics and fans alike are applauding.
Carol Archer of Radio and Records says the CD's first captivating release "The Road to Los Suenos" is "intoxicating and sure to invigorate smooth jazz play lists. Man, can he play."
"It definitely has his urban sound," says Bonnie Schendell of the Internet music magazine Smoothviews.
In the past two weeks, the single has been the most added new song on smooth jazz stations across the country, including Washington D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, Baltimore, Hartford, Birmingham, Little Rock and Salt Lake City and on satellite radio heavyweights XM and Sirius.
Through a newly-inked deal with Koch Entertainment Distribution, the CD will be available domestically and internationally through traditional retail outlets and online sites including iTunes, Zune and Walmart.com.
In support of the CD's release, Johnson has scheduled 30 public and private performances in the next 30 days - nightclubs, festivals and conventions; he's truly ascended to the title of "hardest working man in show business."
Johnson's Washington D.C. metro area performances include:
* July 6 at the Gallery Lounge in Silver Spring, 1115 East West Highway, 7 p.m.
* July 12 at the Renaissance "M" Street Hotel, 1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 6:30 p.m.
* July 13 - 15 Blues Alley Jazz Club, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night
* July 14 at Barnes and Noble, 3040 M Street NW, 2 p.m.
* July 26 at the Gallery Lounge in Silver Spring, 1115 East West Highway, 7 p.m.
About Marcus Johnson
For the past ten years, the keyboard maestro has been a fixture on jazz and adult contemporary radio and a regular at the hottest jazz festivals and venues including The Capital Jazz Festival, St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Huntington Beach Jazz and Washington's famed Kennedy Center and Blues Alley, building a loyal following of smooth music connoisseurs around the world.
A graduate of Howard and Georgetown universities with an undergraduate degree in music, a Masters in Business Administration and Juris Doctor of Law, Johnson co-founded his Washington D.C.-based label, Three Keys Music, in 2002 with Robert Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.
Three Keys features several state-of-the-art recording studios and produces, distributes (with Koch) and promotes adult, urban, contemporary and jazz music.
"I've been blessed," Johnson says. "This is a tough, crazy business and despite the consolidation, setbacks and other obstacles, we've enjoyed a semblance of success and God's grace. I'm thankful, and will always be".
Johnson's fans are hoping to not block their blessing either: that is to enjoy the music while they watch the rise of The Phoenix.
blacknews.com
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