This Holiday Season (Universal Music Canada)
Molly Johnson
Released in 2020
Jazz FM 20 Contemporary Christmas Jazz Albums
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n5eMpZ95Jec4xMINT6kFC3yRlRnNZZ0bY
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/38CdL4vB7agBf14RgGLQtu?si=AWUx_UCVR-eAPijY1CfeKA
About:
Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Molly Johnson released a new EP, This Holiday Season via Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. The EP features four songs including the brand new single, “Painted Blue.”
Reflecting on her latest piece of musical work, Molly Johnson said, “I am so excited to be releasing these four holiday songs, each one as unique as a snowflake. Writing and recording with my dream team was … a dream come true.” She continued, “This holiday will be very different for all of us. What will remain the same is our love and care for each other.”
The award winning artist is set to share her music virtually, with two upcoming digital concerts. On November 24th as part of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival Casa Loma Sessions Streaming Concert Series, Johnson will perform her hits plus the debut of a new song with special guest, The Philosopher Kings’ guitarist James Bryan. Backed by Davide DiRenzo, Mike Downes and Robi Botos, and a string quartet. The concert was filmed this summer at the iconic Toronto landmark, Casa Loma. While live, in-person musical events may be on pause, that hasn’t stopped Johnson’s passion project the Kensington Market Jazz Festival from doing what it does best, sharing live and local music. The festival, now in it’s fifth year, recently held a virtual concert series.
Known as one of Canada’s greatest voices, she is a mother, singer-songwriter, artist and philanthropist. Johnson has been awarded the honour of becoming an Officer of Canada (O.C.) and received the Queens Jubilee medal for her philanthropic work. In 2016 she launched the Kensington Market Jazz Festival with over 400 Canadian musicians performing 150 + shows.
Track Listing:
1. This Holiday Season 4:19
2. Christmas in Hopetown 4:20
3. Painted Blue 4:08
4. I Don’t Like Christmas (When You’re Not Around) 3:30
Personnel:
Molly Johnson: vocals
Rob Piltch: guitar
Mike Downes: bass guitar
Robi Botos: piano
Davide Di Renzo: drums
Meg Contini: background vocalist
John ‘Beetle’ Bailey: background vocalist
Colleen Allen: alto saxophone
Johnny Johnson: baritone saxophone
William Sperandei: trumpet
William Carn: trombone
Producer, Engineer, Mixer: John ‘Beetle’ Bailey
Producer: Davide Di Renzo
Review:
Molly Johnson’s newly released This Holiday Season EP features four original tunes — each of them “as unique as a snowflake.” The title track is a swinging, upbeat song that’s bound to lift your spirits during a Christmas time like no other.
Adam Feibel (JAZZ.FM91)