Clarence Johnson, III

00:00 April 28, 2014
By: 2Fik
ClarenceJohnsonIIIWATCHHIMWORKCOVER
[Courtesy of Like Father Like Son Records]

In this, his first release in fifteen years, Clarence Johnson, III shows his fans that he hasn't been slacking during his time off. The album features ten sultry, smooth and funky tracks that are sure to tickle the fancy of jazz enthusiasts and novices alike. Johnson skillfully plays both the tenor and soprano saxophone throughout the album, summoning the help from keyboards, bass, drums, guitar, trombone and trumpets on a few songs. The album begins with its title track, the perfect groove for dinner with your sweetheart at home. "Mamma's Prayer" is a blend of soft drums with Bobby Campo and B.J. McGibney joining Johnson to comprise a great horn section. This song is a foot-tapping, head-bobbing jam. The next few tracks showcase Johnson's ability to master jazz standards. His version of Hugh Masekela's "Grazin' in the Grass" is mixed and edited so wonderfully that it appears as if his tenor and soprano sax are harmonizing with each other, only bickering from time-to-time for the spotlight. For his rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight," he plays extremely mellow notes mixed with male and female vocals coming in at around the two minute mark to sing a portion of the original lyrical refrain in syncopation. Immediately after this slowdown, the album jumps back to upbeat and jazzy, taking it home with "Struttin'" before going back to a romantic place with "Beyond Words." Watch Him Workis date music, dinner music, relaxation music, smile music - good music.

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