Soul Strutter: Robert Johnson [2021] - So the Story Goes [Jakartar Records] (Full Album)

Wednesday 6 October 2021

Robert Johnson [2021] - So the Story Goes [Jakartar Records] (Full Album)

This album by Robert Johnson is possibly not everyone's cup of tea but is a classy 'crooner' album. It includes one of the classiest songs ever written (IMHO) "Everything Must Change" by Benard Ighner and originally recorded on Quincy Jones 1974 album Body Heat, so that had me drawn in right from the off, and what a terrific version! If you only listen to one track from the album then please make it this one and if you enjoy it then check out Phil Perry's live version from 2015!

He is a jazz singer and has released at least another two albums "All Blue" in 2018 and "Richard The Third" in 2015.

The new album "So the Story Goes" (released 30 Sep 2021) is all original material that he has been involved in the writing for except for a cover of Gregory Porter's "Hey Laura" (Liquid Spirit 2013) and Ingher's "Everything Must Change".

A couple of other tracks that stood out include "What About Me" (which features an uncredited female vocalist) and the stepper "You Bring Me Joy" which at first I thought might have been a cover of Anita Baker but it's not.

UPDATE 31 Oct 2021

Robert has contacted SoulStrutter and provided the following background on his career.

Robert Johnson is an entertainer who is equally at home in every arena of performance. His voice can be heard on countless national and regional commercials from United Artists Theaters, IBM and Toyota to Greyhound and Kentucky Fried Chicken. And as Mr. Squirrel on the PBS Saturday Morning Series 'The Big Green Rabbit'.

He’s shared the stage with Bob Hope, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Mangione and Stan Getz. And has appeared in national and regional productions of Porgy and Bess, Ain’t Misbehavin, Blues In The Night, A Brief History Of White Music, Showboat, The Full Monty, The Buddy Holly Story and as the voice of the plant in Little Shop Of Horrors.

The National Anthem is prominently featured in Robert’s repertoire; he opened the fourth game of the 1976 World Series in New York and the 1984 NBA All- Star game in Denver. He continues to sing the anthem for many national sporting events throughout the country. And long before American Idol, Robert caused a stir on Star Search 89 with Ed McMahon and became one of the top scoring performers in the history of the show.

Since making his home in Denver, Colorado Robert has been named Best Male Vocalist in the Denver Posts Readers Poll, Best Jazz Vocalist by the Colorado Black Artists Association, was honored as Colorado’s Best Male Singer by the News and Radio Media and Best Male Vocalist by the Colorado Songwriters Association.

As a performer with the 17th Avenue All-Stars, an a cappella group that in 1993, won the National Harmony Sweepstakes. Robert not only lent his vocal talents to their CD “True Colors.” he also produced and recorded the project. And his producing credits don’t stop there! In 1999 he collaborated on the production of “ Jumping Through Hoops “ by Dotsero, a project that climbed to the top of the Billboard Jazz Charts! And more recently his work on “ Seize The Day “ by Michael Friedman garnered a Regional Grammy nod for Best Pop Instrumental Recording.

Currently Robert can be heard on his CD releases through his label Jakarta Records Ltd. Those recordings are Richard The Third, Black Prince Road, All Blue and Home For The Holiday’s. But 2021and 2022 may be his most ambitious musical journey yet with the release of three projects! So The Story Goes, A Long Road Traveled and Black Snake Moan. These projects will be full of new music written by Robert! As he continues to showcase his talents not only as a vocalist, but also as a songwriter, instrumentalist and producer.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.