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Warmth of the Sun
Walt Johnson

Review by Edward Blanco

An accomplished musician whose experience spans decades, trumpeter Walt Johnson releases a new album of smooth and gentle music that’s perfect for warming your soul. Warmth of the Sun is Johnson’s second solo effort and a follow up to “Trumpet Scroll” previously released on ROZ Records. A well-regarded LA musician, his background includes performing with the likes of Elvis Presley, Barry Manilow, Lionel Richie, Harry Connick, Jr., The Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra and Sinatra, Jr. I had the pleasure of hearing Johnson play lead trumpet with the Frank Sinatra, Jr. Jazz Orchestra in a January 2006 concert and can personally attest to the obvious that the man can play the horn.

This album contains primarily soft low tempo music with relaxing harmonies and beautiful melodies in the style of an Herb Alpert project. There is however a tinge of rap that’s not strong enough to distort or detract from the basic jazz foundation of the set. As a matter of fact it’s done rather tastefully. There is a strong Alpert influence on this disc evident by the selection of tunes which includes “Rise” made famous by the Alpert group in the seventies. Except for “Have You Ever” and “Something Beautiful,” all of the other tracks are co-written by Johnson.

The program starts off with the perfect smooth and jazzy “From There To There” possessing a very catchy melody. “L.A.” finds Johnson on the muted horn in a rap rhythm number which includes some vocals by rap artist E.O. (Eric O’Neal). “ASI” grooves and moves to a nice beat. “Have You Ever” is a light harmonic number that features Johnson on flugelhorn. The title cut “Warmth of the Sun” is my favorite and one of the best cuts. A soft and delicious tune showcasing a fine rhythm section with keyboards, guitar and I swear I heard some vibes though it’s not listed on the liner notes.
The piece “Rise” is all Johnson doing one hell of an Alpert impersonation, that’s not a criticism but a compliment. “Perfect Night” has that sultry sexy feel to it in a romantic moving melody. Pianist Ron Feuer shows his talents on the last track “Something Beautiful.”

Johnson is joined on this recording by son Dino on guitar, pianist Ron Feuer, Sam Riney on tenor, Forrest Robinson on drums, bassist Dante Nolen, Rapture Stewert on keyboards and Eric Seats on percussions. An impressive and enchanting set of smooth and melodic music appealing to one’s softer side. Warmth of the Sun has all of the elements of a successful album, good writing, good music and outstanding musicianship.

Musicians:

WALT JOHNSON leader, flugelhorn, trumpet, keyboards
RON FEUER piano, keyboards
DINO JOHNSON guitar
SAM RINEY tenor sax
FORREST ROBINSON drums
DANTE NOLEN bass
RAPTURE STEWERT keyboards
ERIC SEATS percussion
AZURE WADE vocal (Have You Ever?)

Record Label: Walt Johnson Music Products
Catalog # WJMP001

Produced by Walt Johnson & Ron Feuer
Recorded at Down Sound Studio, Glendale, CA

PRICE: $15

1) FROM THERE TO HERE 4:46
(Feuer, D. Johnson, W. Johnson)
2) L.A. 4:23
(W. Johnson, Feuer)
3) ASI’ 3:52
(W. Johnson, Feuer)
4) HAVE YOU EVER…? 4:24
(Seats)
5) WARMTH OF THE SUN 4:01
(W. Johnson, Feuer)
6) SUMMER BREEZE 3:14
(D. Johnson, W. Johnson)
7) RISE 3:52
(Armer, Badazz)
8) PERFECT NIGHT 3:45
(W. Johnson, Stewert)
9) SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL 4:18
(Feuer)

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