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There should be some type of bridge built between contemporary jazz lovers and fans of Hip-Hop and R&B music" says international jazz saxophone sensation Joe Johnson and nowhere is that belief more evident than on "The After Party" his latest smooth jazz release from YASNY Labels Group. It is an amazing CD overflowing with hard -hitting urban grooves ,soulful slow jams, and funky smooth jazz interpretations of some of Hip -Hop and R&B's greatest hits.

Joe started on the road that would lead him to jazz distinction at an early age in Memphis,Tn where he played in his high schools music program and his family's church choir. Raised on R&B, Gospel Music and Memphis Blues , Johnson attributes his high school band director Emerson Able, for steering him in the right musical direction. "Mr. Able made sure that I was well prepared musically to face the world and never let me suffer from any delusions of grandeur". Joe's early musical influences were Charlie Parker , Hank Crawford, David Sanborn, Grover Washington, and Kirk Whalum. After receiving a music scholarship and attending Tennessee State University, he soon realized that some of the "world's best music was being made right at his doorsteps."There was no reason to leave Nashville because everyone was coming here to record," says Joe.

Johnson's mastery of the saxophone continued to evolve in Nashville where he worked as a studio session player during the day and at night played R&B and smooth jazz in some of the U.S.A.'s must illustrious nightspots. Even though Johnson is only in his thirties he has amassed an extremely impressive resume and list of musical accomplishments that combine both commercial and jingle work with recording sessions and live concert dates. Joe has played on more than 1800 national recordings, commercial, and jingle dates working for major clients such as Target, Ford Motor Company, Budwiser Beers, Taco Bell, Coke, ABC Television Networks ,and Mattel Toys just to name a few. He has performed on National concerts with, shared the stage, toured and recorded with a "Who's Who" of musical mega stars such as: Jamie Foxx, KEM , Kirk Franklin , Yolanda Adams , Donnie McClurkin , Roy Ayers , Phil Perry , Al Jarreau ,Glen Jones, Miles Jaye, Kirk & Kevin Whalum , Me'lisa Morgan , Jean Carne, Tom Browne ,Angela Bofill , Boney James, Gerald Levert, Byron Cage, Rance Allen , Aretha Franklin, Karen Briggs ,Angela Winbush, Urban Mystic, Stephine Mills,The Clark Sisters ,Chuck Loeb , Alex Bugnon, Doc Powell, Issac Hayes, Norman Conners, Kim Waters , Barbara Mandell , Jeffery Osborne , Loose Ends, Bishop Paul Morton, American Idols Kimberly Locke and Melinda Doolittle, Kindred ,J-Moss ,Gerarld Veasely, Donald Lawrance and the Tri City Singers , Kevon Edmonds & After 7, Smokie Norful, Jessie Powell, Dr. Bobby Jones and a host of others.

Johnsons previous release "Life of the Party" (2005) had 3 singles to reach the number 1 spot in various Smooth Jazz Radio markets across the USA and the lead off single "U Know What's Up" climbed to the top of the Radio and Records Smooth Jazz Indicator Charts during the spring and summer of 2005.

Most recently Johnson was included in gospel music videos ,Dvd's ,and Grammy Winning Recordings for top selling artist Smokie Norful , Donald Lawrence (The Finale : Act 1 &2 ) The Clark Sisters (2007) Rance Allen (2007) Dr. Bobby Jones (The Ambassodor , 2007) and Kirk Franklin ( The Fight of My Life, 2007 ). In 2004 Joe completed a cross country arena tour playing for sold out audiences nationwide with Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Yolanda Adams on the gospel extravaganza "Hopeville". During the summer of 2006 Joe served as Musical Director for the highly successful "Urban Soul Fest Tour" featuring After 7 , Angela Winbush , Urban Mystic, Case and Jessie Powell. Johnson is currently serving as Musical Director for R&B superstar Angela Winbush.

Johnson demonstrates a dazzling facility with both Jazz and R&B idioms on his latest national release" The After Party" (July-2008). “The After Party” seduces listeners with thirteen velvety smooth jazz interpretations that reinvent music from today’s contemporary Hip Hop and R&B hits by weaving their recognized tones into a pleasurable accompaniment with Johnson’s trademark saxophone prowess. Key tracks include an exciting rendition of Fantasia’s 1 hit “Free Yourself” and a soul filling interpretation of Raheim DeVaughn’s “Guess Who Loves You More”. Additionally, Johnson thrills the ear with the Urban club classic “Whatever” by Ideal which he has already taken to new rhythmic chart climbing heights for several weeks at 1 in markets across the country. Listeners will be entranced from the opening piece, “Doin’ It Right!” to his dynamic play on the S.O.S. Band’s classic, “Take Your Time”. The sultry vibe of Midnight Star’s Old School R&B classic “Slow Jam” will send listeners soaring back into nostalgic memories of love letters and holding hands. “The After Party” captures some of Johnson’s most evocative yet groove filled moods. This album is a “must have” for any smooth jazz or R&B lovers’ collection and a delightful conversation piece to set the tone at ones own personal after party!!!!

Visit Joe at his website http://www.joejohnsonmusic.com or http://myspace.com/joejohnsonlifeoftheparty and you can purchase "The After Party " at any National Music Retailer ( FYE Records , Borders, Best Buy , Virgin Music, etc.) any Major Online Retailer ( CDNow , Amazon.com, etc) or download "The After Party" at "iTUNES"

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