Norman Johnson: If Time Stood Still (2010)

Jerry D'Souza

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2001

From Bombay, India to Indianapolis, Indiana via Toronto!

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Published: October 3, 2010

Norman Johnson was in high school in Jamaica when he heard George Benson George Benson
b.1943
guitar and became interested in the guitar. He says that he was mesmerized by Benson, and though he figured that he was too old at 16 to begin playing an instrument he went ahead. Later studying at the Hartt School of Music with Jackie McLean Jackie McLean
1932 - 2006
sax, alto and Brian Keane, his influences grew to include Wes Montgomery Wes Montgomery
1925 - 1968
guitar , Earl Klugh Earl Klugh
b.1953
guitar, acoustic , and Andres Segovia. Segovia fostered his love for classical music and, along with Klugh, the nylon-string guitar.

Johnson is comfortable in several styles. He realizes them through different lineups, with the underlying factor being his enunciation. He is a clean and nimble player who imbues a lyrical sonority to his textures.

"All In Time" is crafted on a nylon-string guitar. The melody is gracious and flows smoothly. Johnson gives it pith with his emphatic notes that cavort when he is upfront and form counterpoint with the ensemble lines. The hue gets deeper as the arrangement opens up to trombonist Steve Davis Steve Davis
b.1967
trombone and the jumpy rhythms of percussionist Martin Obeng and drummer Arti Dixon.

A trio version of the soothing "Midnight Sun" finds Johnson creating a liquid groove that makes the tune shimmer; his pace deliberate and the dynamic gentle. He gets some good support from Obeng and bassist Tyler VanOstrand, who adds muscle with tensile, symmetrical lines.

Johnson finds a funky "Acoustic Groove," a solo outing that is abetted by overdubbed bass and programming. This has an endearing melody as well. He could have well let it play out prettily, but he adds bite and fleshes out the body to make it tantalizing.

Johnson balances themes and tempos well enough through his playing and arrangements. It certainly augurs well for the future which, hopefully, will produce more fine music.

Track Listing: It's Time To Fly; Acoustic Groove; Always and Forever; As It Is; Starting Tomorrow; Can I Get An Amen; If Time Stood Still; Unforgiven; All In Time; Midnight Sun.

Personnel: Norman Johnson: guitars; Tyler VanOstrand: bass; Ken Fischer: piano; Chris Herbert: sax, flute; Bob forte: drums; Arti Dixson: drums; Anthony Cusano: drums; Chris Lemp: drums; Steve Davis: trombone; Josh Bruneau: trumpet; Martin Obeng: percussion; Greg Allan: percussion; Eric Galm: percussion.

Record Label: Pacific Coast Jazz