Johnson, Kelley
Sapphire, 2008, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 14.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: This is our first exposure to Kelly and we’re encouraged with her approach. She mixes a few originals with unique arrangements popular standards taking some challenges and handling them well. Abbey Lincoln’s blues are sweetened on “Should’ve Been”. She takes full possession of “Home” and keeps the American songbook tunes bouncy and swinging on “A Lovely Night”. The music comes from several configurations notably Geoffrey Keezer (p), Paul Garbrielson (b) and Matt Jorgensen (d) on the opener. This is a fresh set with Johnson carving her signature on a dozen tunes.
Publicist: Bloom Media Relations
