Press Release by: Alonza Robertson
WASHINGTON – (July 9, 2007) - Popular in various cultures, the ancient myth of “The Phoenix” has long been associated with triumph over adversity. With the impending July 17th release of his 10th 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 and R&B 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, Mohemm’s Tony Hemmings and features Three Keys Music recording artist and “New Sax Sensation” Phillip Martin. The album has features 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.
“The Road to Los Suenos” was inspired by Johnson trip to the Costa Rican resort of the same name. Its infectious beat, soaring sax and lush keyboard melodies reflect his exhilaration while on the long, winding road where he witnessed grand mountain ravines, tropical jungle foyers and the rhythmic sing-song of native toucans.
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 Siruis.
Other highlighted tracks on the album reflect experiences related to Johnson’s personal and career growth learned during his 10 years in the recording industry: “Side Stepping”, “Believe”, “Urban Trust” and “Making It Happen” feature Johnson’s signature keyboard riffs, some long and inundating, others short but enthusiastic. The listener is lulled into “neck factor, Johnson’s term for how listeners start swaying their necks to his beats once his music connects with their souls.
Johnson’s music encourages you to close your eyes and fully appreciate his seductive siren.
Through a newly-inked deal with Koch Entertainment Distribution, the CD, The Phoenix 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 upcoming performance schedule includes:
- July 12 at Washington, D.C. ‘s Renaissance "M" Street Hotel
- July 13 - 15 at Washington D.C.’s Blues Alley Jazz Club
- July 25 at Atlanta’s Centennial Park Wednesday Winedown
- July 30 at Philadelphia’s Dell East Summer Concert Series
- August 3 at, Seal Beach, Calif.’s Spaghettini
- August 4 at Valencia, Calif’s The Paseo Club
- August 18 at Kansas City, Missouri’s Gospel Jazz Fest in the Park
- August 26 at Cary, N.C.’s Carolina Music Festival
- September 15 at Trenton, N.J.’s Jazz Festival
For the past 10 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 witness the rise of “The Phoenix.”
Please visit www.threekeys.com to preview songs from “The Phoenix” and to learn more about Marcus Johnson. All other inquiries, please contact Alonza Robertson, 301.589.1327, or via email at arobertson@threekeys.com.
Photo by: © Three Keys Music