“Vitality” Is An Uplifting Must Have CD

JamelJohnson

Jamel Johnson

[Music]

Vitality as described by Webster’s dictionary is a state infused with “aliveness” –  that which distinguishes the difference between blandness and vibrancy. Jamel Johnson must have felt that vital energy stirring his soul when he composed his latest CD “Vitality.”

Jamel Johnson is primarily a church musician/composer who as a boy was inspired and influenced by his organ-playing father’s musical talents. This gracious son’s reverential gesture was to lovingly dedicate his CD to his father because he was that motivational force who bought him his first set of drums and Casio  keyboards; the visionary who nurtured his son’s talent by allowing him to play the organ every other Sunday in church. One can well imagine Mr. Johnson Snr’s. pride when he listens to this remarkable production by his protégé.

Jamel has  compiled an album of feel-good-easy-to-listen jazz, a collection so uncomplicated and smooth that is undeniably an emerging artist’s proclamation that jazz enthusiasts just cannot ignore. There are 14 selections on Vitality, all mixed and overlaid with live drums and guitar riffs as the music flows with beautiful rhythmic lines that soothes the ear. 

The tempo variance on tunes like “Gimme 5” and “Chase me” are so smoothly subtle that the listener is unaware of transitions to even more laid back grooves like “Cloudy Skies”  and “Grooving on 95”.

The lyrics for “We Appreciate You” are uplifting and vocalized pleasantly, a testament to the positivity  that Mr. Johnson succeeds in conveying. The music truly comes together.

Since all the music on this album is written by Jamel Johnson, it is obvious that he’s intuitive and sophisticated in the  smooth and soothing jazz style. “Vitality” delivers the goods if easy listening is your pleasure.
 

 

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