★★★★★
Pavilion" is like a big welcome to Johnson's musical world as he takes you by the "ear." A whole room of talented comrades jam along as if to smile warmly to the arriving guests. Then they announce the "Coming of the New," keeping the funk light and lively. Marshall Keys lays out the info on sax about what's gonna go down. "18th Street Loungin'" opens with a "heart-beat" for a few seconds that leads to a sensuous, cool experience. Though seductive, it's not overheated...
- www.jazzreview.com
2010-08-23
★★★★★
This talented pianist displays a diverse mix of contemporary jazz and hip-hop beats mixed to form a blend so appealing that this album is sure to touch the hearts of many musical genres. Marcus Johnson, a 26 years old musician is driven to perfection not only through his music but through his accomplishments in life. Marcus graduated from Georgetown University with a Law Degree but also obtained a Masters in Business Administration at the same time...
- www.jazzreview.com
2010-08-23
★★★★★
Washington, D.C., jazz pianist Marcus Johnson follows up with a live album, "Marcus Johnson in Person: Live at Blues Alley." The eight-track compilation features live arrangements from his four previous albums, including "Lessons in Love," which earned him accolades on the contemporary Jazz scene. Joining Johnson in concert are two fellow Three Keys recording artists - songtress YahZarah and saxophonist Jaared...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
"Pavilion" is like a big welcome to Johnson's musical world as he takes you by the "ear." A whole room of talented comrades jam along as if to smile warmly to the arriving guests. Then they announce the "Coming of the New," keeping the funk light and lively. Marshall Keys lays out the info on sax about what's gonna go down. "18th Street Loungin'" opens with a "heart-beat" for a few seconds that leads to a sensuous, cool experience. Though seductive, it's not overheated...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
His smooth jazz contemporary Dave Koz may be a better-known multimedia sensation, but keyboardist Marcus Johnson has been at the top of his game these past years as an artist, record label executive (Three Keys Music, dedicated to a sound he calls "metropolitan smooth"), and drive-time DJ on WJZW in Washington, D.C...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
★★★★★
With his combined law and M.B.A. degree from Georgetown and his own company, Three Keys Music/Marimelj Entertainment Group, LLC, Marcus Johnson is not only a jazz pianist but also an entrepreneur, so it's no surprise that he uses his sixth album and first live recording to showcase other artists signed to him...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
★★★★★
Even if the title of Marcus Johnson's latest disc Urban Groove isn't as fanciful as that of his 1998 effort Chocolate City Groovin', the thread is clear: Like his chief influence George Duke, he's all about rhythm, writing nice melodies but always in the context of solid funk. That said, there's a certain irony in pegging the most appealing cuts from Urban Groove as those that digress from the typical pop-funk trappings...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
★★★★★
The Phoenix is Marcus Johnson's tenth recording and features 11 brand new songs from both new and established songwriters. The keyboardist/composer/producer offers a solid and balanced set filled with urban grooves, contemporary jazz, R&B; and hip-hop with a little help from friends -- saxophonist Phillip Martin, vocalist Frank McComb and guitarist Stanley Cooper, among others...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
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