MOLLY JOHNSON RELEASES HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED SINGLE, MARVIN GAYE’S “INNER CITY BLUES” TODAY
For immediate release
MOLLY JOHNSON RELEASES HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED SINGLE,
MARVIN GAYE’S “INNER CITY BLUES” TODAY
26 JANUARY 2018 (Toronto, ON) – Today, Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Molly Johnson releases “Inner City Blues”, the first single from her highly-anticipated album set to release later this spring via Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. Buy/stream the new track here.
“Inner City Blues”, an original Marvin Gaye track, was written as a powerful social commentary that still speaks to the current issues of today. Johnson’s rendition features her soulful vocals, along with brilliant instrumentals from Davide DiRenzo (drums), Justin Abedin (guitar), Robi Botos (electric piano), Mike Downes (bass), Pete Kuzma (organ). The track is produced by multiple Grammy winning record producer/musician/songwriter, Larry Klein (Tracy Chapman, Madeleine Peyroux, Bobby Bazini) and recorded at the Orange Lounge Studio (Toronto) with additional recording at Strange Cargo (Los Angeles).
Molly remarks, “Marvin Gaye's message in ‘Inner City Blues’ from 1971 still unfortunately rings true in 2018.”
Of creating the funky jazz record together, Klein shares, “Molly has the kind of musical gift that cannot be cultivated by musical education or assiduous practice,” shares Klein. “She has great natural musical instincts, and an irresistible signature to her voice. She is a rare and wonderful talent.”
Earlier in Johnson’s career, she was recognized for her distinctive voice and songwriting as a jazz musician, which has led her to many other posts including broadcaster and philanthropist. Johnson has performed with such diverse artists as Tom Jones, Celine Dion, Anne Murray, Lenny Kravitz, Tom Cochrane, Stéphane Grapelli, Jackie Richardson, Peter Appleyard and many more. Molly Johnson has performed for the legendary Quincy Jones as well as the late Princess of Wales and Nelson Mandela. In 2009, she received the JUNO Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album and the National Jazz Award for Best Female Vocalist. Johnson is a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and was honoured in 2008 with the Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of her charitable work and contributions to the arts.
Stayed tuned for the accompanying visual for “Inner City Blues” and more updates.
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