Johnson collaborated with several contemporary artists for the new project Talk To Me that Universal Canada have just issued. The title track features the Canadian rapper Haviah Mighty.
The album also includes Blue Rodeo singer Jim Cuddy on a cover of The Tragically Hip’s ‘Long Time Running’. The producer CUBE worked on the track ‘All I See.’
I particularly like ‘Just as Bad As You’. The song was originally recorded by the Canadian R&B singer-songwriter Shawne Jackson in the 1970s. Johnson, whose voice reminds me of Macy Gray a bit uses the track to pay tribute to her country’s musical pioneers. Her performance adds a distinctive smoky texture to the original rhythm. The track balances the modern pop collaborations with deep historical rhythm and blues roots. It’s far more laidback.
Pianist Robi Botos, bassist Mike Downes and drummer Davide Di Renzo comprise the backing trio. They provide the acoustic instrumentation across the entire album.
The release marks the latest stage in a career spanning six decades. Born in Toronto in 1959, Johnson began her career as a child actor. She appeared in Porgy and Bess at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. She also trained at the National Ballet School of Canada.
During the 1980s, Johnson fronted the art-rock band Alta Moda. She later formed the rock group The Infidels in the early 1990s. Her self-titled debut jazz album was released in 2000. The 2003 follow-up album, Another Day, established her commercial success in France. Johnson is the first female vocalist to sell out the main stage at the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival.
Her work extends to charitable and cultural initiatives. In 1992, she established the Kumbaya Foundation to raise funds for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. She launched the Kensington Market Jazz Festival in 2016. Johnson was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2007.
There’s not a lot of jazz on this new one. But Johnson certainly has the ability to play in the genre – Because of Billie is the best example of that.
But as a crossover late night listen what’s here is absolutely fine in terms of vibe. I’d also pick out ‘All I See’ as one of the album’s strengths.
