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Henry Johnson with Nancy Wilson: Organic
Organic
presents a brand of slick and sophisticated guitar-organ jazz that is closer to the mainstream when compared to similar recent recordings made by similar combo formats. This should be no surprise, as guitarist (and vocalist) Henry Johnson is at the helm of a seamless rhythm section. The recording was made with no overdubs and was solely recorded in complete takes. Arriving only 20 minutes before the sessions, Nancy Wilson lends her considerable vocal skills to the recording on four cuts. Johnson duets with Wilson on three of these four songs, with Wilson turning in a solo "If It’s the Last Thing I Do." Ms. Wilson sings with an easy air and superb character, and the two vocalists duet capably.The grooves here are smooth and transparent. Henry Johnson’s guitar tone sounds round and glossy, seomthing like a cross between Joe Pass and George Benson. His instrumental takes on "It Could Happen To You" and "My Foolish Heart" are fleshed out as plush ballads—low fat, with no greasy ingredients. This is not Jimmy Smith chicken shake music. If the Modern Jazz Quartet had been an organ-guitar trio, it would have sounded a lot like this.
For more information, visit A440 Records on the web.
This and all pieces published in December 2003 are dedicated to my late father, Norman L. Bailey (1915-2003).
Track Listing
1. It Could Happen to You 2. Know It All 3. If It's The Last Thing I Do 4. Cascavelo 5. Hello Like Before 6. It's About Time 7. A Man Ain't Supposed To Cry 8. My Foolish Heart 9. The More I See You 10. Third Rail 11. It's Alright With Me 12. Blues For James and Dave 13. The Scorcher 14. If It's The Last Thing I Do
Personnel
Henry Johnson:Guitar & Vocals; Peter Roothaan: Tenor & Alto Sax; Greg Rockingham: Drums; Chris Foreman: Hammond B-3 Organ; Nancy Wilson: Guest Vocals.
Album information
Title: Organic | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: A440 Music
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