Contemporary, Jazzy with a Seriously Funky R&B Twist.

11 MP3 Songs in this album (51:52) !
Related styles: JAZZ: Jazz-Funk, URBAN/R&B: Philly Soul

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âJuicyâ delivers!!

At last, comes the highly anticipated debut CD release of pianist/ composer Earl âBig Juicyâ Johnson, Jr. He has been heralded as one of the premiere composers/ producers of his era with an electric style that is nothing short of awesome. Earlâs music is cognitive and funky, even soul- wrenching. With his fiery solo style, complete with some delicious finger work, he has captivated audiences on five continents. But, after working with many of the music industryâs top legends, Earl blasts out front with this project. Talk about the âitâ factor, this guyâs got it in a major way. Earlâs debut release takes you on a complete musical journey with ten original masterpieces. He makes the piano sing with all of the finesse and fluidity of a modern- day virtuoso.

The project simply entitled, âJuicy,â is an eclectic look into the mind of this prolific producer and songwriter. Each song pulls you deeper into Earlâs musical world and leaves you in high anticipation of whatâs to come next. There will be no skipping around on this CD. You will definitely want to hear every song from start to finish. Whether you are listening to one of the highly charged (virtually danceable) red- hot tracks or one of the soulful, pensive ballads, your musical soul will be exalted.

Since graduating from Bostonâs Berklee College of Music with a degree in Film Scoring, Earl has been very busy. His command of several writing and playing styles has afforded him the opportunity to work / tour with some of the music industryâs top legends including Patti Austin, Brian McKnight, Chaka Khan, Jeffrey Osborne, Beyonce, Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Kenny Lattimore, and R. Kelly to name a few. Earl has composed dramatic underscores for several film and television projects. He is a prolific producer and has made arrangements for many Recording Artists including K Ci and JoJo, Chante Moore, and T.C. Carson. He has served as Musical Director for Gerald Albright, Marla Glen, Terry Dexter, Najee, Freda Payne, T.C. Carson, âAinât Misbehavinâ,â and âTheotrilogy,â to name a few. Earl is also very comfortable in orchestral settings. He has conducted orchestras for a variety of musical situations including the wedding of actress Lela Rochon (âWaiting to Exhaleâ) and Director Antoine Fuqua (âTraining Day.â) Earlâs mastery of the piano and keyboards has captivated audiences around the world; most notably as Keyboardist and Featured Soloist with Chaka Khan.

The first track on the CD, entitled â412,â grabs your attention immediately with a powerful, highly charged groove. Inspired by the address where he was born and raised, Earl builds the infectious melody with a strong, yet simple motif. A fiery exchange of solos rounds out the first installation of this genre- defying project. Next up is the sensual, âUnfinished Business.â This ballad not only takes you on a romantic journey, it also gives you an intimate âfirst- tasteâ of Earlâs vocal abilities (he sang backgrounds for Brian McKnight for three years.) You will definitely lose yourself within this piece as Earl choreographs an intimate ballet on the piano. The third track, entitled âThat Thangâ ramps it up again in true âparty anthemâ fashion. This song embodies the true essence of âreal music- real playing.â Earl breaks out the solo synthesizer for this one, telling his âfunky musical fableâ almost as if heâs actually âtalkingâ to you. Complete with some tasty solo work from the guitar, you will most certainly understand the meaning of this title. Guest vocalist Tim âTioâ Owens brings a whole new dimension to the project with the ballad, âFull of Empty.â The essence of Earl lyrics come alive as Tim sings about a heartbreak from the male perspective. Again, Earl lends his crafty vocal skills to the background work. This song will leave you anything but âempty.â Fasten your seatbelt for the title track, âJuicy.â It is impossible not to feel good as you listen to Earl cut loose on this one with all of the virtuosity that its title suggests. âJuicyâ will grab the attention of both the jazz enthusiast and the R&B listener as well. Simply put, the title says it all!! In an unexpected, yet refreshing twist, Earl introduces the spoken word element to the project with âPossibilities.â Guest poet Solange Sheppy tells the sensual tale of a workplace âfantasy.â Move over, âLove Jones!!â âWrap your arms around me, hold me- whisper sweet nothings into my ear.â Thatâs the embodiment of âTashaâs Way,â a track inspired by Earlâs wife (whoâs nickname is Tasha.) Earl shares a bit of his own fantasy in this ballad, as youâll probably hear. Itâs back to the dance floor with âLast Time.â This hot, club jam is sung by guest vocalist Shannon Pearson, who lights the melody on fire as she tells her tale if infidelity and the personal strength she musters up to say that there âwonât be a ânext time,â not this time!!â Close your eyes, open your mind, and imagine sitting in a quaint jazz café as you listen to Earl dance with his first love on the next track entitled, âRequiem.â This pensive tapestry is an inspiring reflection on the initial inspiration that started it all for Earl, the acoustic piano. âRequiemâ will speak to your soul. Last, but certainly not least, comes the punchy ode entitled, âGetaway.â This is the only track on the project where Earl performs exclusively. From the taunting bass line to the layered atmospheric colors, this track shows Earlâs skills in all of its magnificent splendor. With no shortage of virtuosity, Earl puts a nice period at the end of this musical debut that can be described as nothing short of brilliant.

âJuicyâ has something for everybody. Whether you are in the mood for kicking back with a glass of wine or hitting the dance floor, this CD will definitely satisfy.