TIHIR Review By Patrick Van de Wiele of Smooth Jazz

This Is How I Rock
CD Review
Published: October 6, 2010
By: Patrick Van de Wiele
Web Link: http://www.smoothjazz.eu/index4.php

His twelfth album with jazz versions of rock songs.
Last year I reviewed Marcus Johnsons eleventh album, “Poetically Justified” and found it nice introduction to his smooth keyboard playing. His newest release delves into the pop/rock genre and adds a jazz twist to them. Fly Like An Eagle from The Steve Miller Band is transformed by Marcus smooth Fender Rhodes into a jazz funk piece with a soft rock background. Sly and the Family Stones classic Thank You (For Letting Me Be Myself) comes up next, soulful and funky. Marcus gets help from sax man Najee, and Marcus drapes his keys round Najees sax. The first single to come out of this album is my favorite I Cant Go For That. Hall & Oates their world famous hit really shines here in this jazz funk version. I adore Marcus takes on the keys set to a swinging background. On Herb Alperts Rise Marcus’ keyboard replaces Herbs horn, until trumpeter Greg Adams shows up and together they continue this fantastic cover version. The song Virtual Insanity is unknown to me, but I like it, and its violinist Bobby Yang who adds a violin arrangement. With Sergio Mendes hit Mas Que Nada you cannot go wrong, and Marcus maintains the Brazilian flavor while his smooth keys and the voice of Maysa Leak complete the picture. The Beatles were of huge impact on everybody and Marcus chose to add Come Together to this collection. The bass has an important role here, and makes it a jazz funk tune. Nirvanas Smells Like Teen Spirit is not my cup of tea, but Marcus plays it cool. On the whole this is a daring experiment into pop/rock, but I must admit that, although I didnt like the last track, Marcus takes good care of it. His
versatility is once again proven, and he gives the songs his own signature sound. And
thats what counts!