[Soulful House] - Heather Johnson - Happiness [2009] - Fresh Records

28.10.2009, 07:27

Her ethereal voice and expressive lyrics, are able to transcend boundaries and take dance music to a place that is calm, reflective and even healing.

Describing Dance Music as soulful may be an oxymoron to some, but in the case of singer/songwriter Heather Johnson, her ethereal voice and expressive lyrics, are able to transcend boundaries and take dance music to a place that is calm, reflective and even healing. Heather Johnson has blessed many dance tracks with her jazz-inspired vocals but her long awaited solo debut album titled Happiness, will evoke just that. Previously well known for her work as the female lead singer of future soul electronic band Ananda Project, alongside veteran dance music producer, Chris Brann, penned an array of enchanting dance floor hits thrusting the chanteuse into the international spotlight including: the hypnotic Breaking Down, Straight Magic (both from Ananda Project’s 2000 debut Release) and 2008’s euphoric anthem Kiss Kiss Kiss”, (from the group's acclaimed sophomore album Morning Light, King Street Sounds / Nite Grooves) and “Let Love Fly” from the follow-up Fire Flower album also signed to King Street/Nite Grooves.
She has received countless rave reviews for her passionate songs and heartfelt vocal performances, even inspiring one writer to exclaim that her songs “paint a calming and euphoric landscape in your mind… reminding us why emotional connection to music is what reaches our souls via our ears.” Several influential dance / electronic music innovators have also been elevated and “touched” by Johnson's sensorial sounds, often clamoring to remix her compositions, like Louie Vega, Joe Claussell, Blaze, Miguel Migs, Stuart Matthewman, Francois K., Kyoto Jazz Massive, Gilles Peterson, King Britt, Vikter Duplaix and Dego (of 4 Hero). Heather has also become a much sought-after background vocalist for artists like Mary J. Blige, Gerald Levert, Smokey Norville, Tamia, and Yolanda Adams performing in front of capacity crowds in New York, UK, Miami, Atlanta, Detroit, Nashville, Tokyo and more. This album is seeing many original productions, mainly those of frontman Chris Brann who also produced Heather’s stunning rendition of Sade cover, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride.” Also included are mixes by revered producers like Frankie Feliciano, Tomo Inoue, DJ Kawasaki as well as 2 BONUS remixed cuts that have gotten massive worldwide club and mixshow play: Rasmus Faber’s remix of “Washes Over Me” & DJ Spen (The Muthafunkaz) remix of “Under My Skin.” All in all, the pleasure one will get from listening to such aural delights more than justify the album’s name.

источник: traxsource