If you are a resident of the Washington, D.C. area, then you know all about Blues Alley.  If you’ve never been, you need to check it out on your next visit.  Nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Georgetown, and accessed literally by an alley, Blues Alley has been a fixture in D.C. for many years.  It’s the most intimate club around, seating only about 75 people per show.  For this reason, many headlining artists book for a full weekend, two shows per night.

Another fixture in the D.C. area is Marcus Johnson.  Marcus has been creating, performing, and producing music in and around the D.C. area for almost his entire life.  He has played at nearly every possible venue around town.  So, when Marcus played Blues Alley in 2002 and decided to record a live CD, the two forces together produced a CD that is upbeat, funky, and has Marcus’ signature urban sound.

Performing with Marcus was Jaared on sax, Patrick Cooper on keys, Jay Williams on drums, Earl Carter on bass, and Eddie Montalvo on percussion.  The CD opens with “Doc’s Groove,” a totally kickin’ track that starts off with a solo by Jaared.and includes Marcus interacting with the crowd.  Eddie Montalvo gets the groove started with his percussion and in between all of this is Marcus on the piano giving a terrific, catchy melody. It’s over eleven minutes of fun!  “Maxin’” is a note for note match between Marcus and Jaared to start and then branches into solos for both.  Jaared’s sax is a powerhouse all it’s own.  Marcus handles the ivories with finesse and charisma.  It’s a terrific blend of high powered funk and gentle melodic piano.  The crowd loves it.

“Dukin’ It Out” is a tune that Marcus plays often.  It starts out slow and intense, then builds into a warm blend of beautiful piano and an easy sax.  Marcus knows just how to handle the keys.  This is one of my favorites.  “9 Floatilla” showcases Marcus’ pure talent.  He provides the backdrop for this track and allows the sax to play ever-so-sweetly in front of the piano.  But even when Marcus is in the background, you truly feel his music.  Next up is a total favorite of anyone who listened to the local jazz station and lives in the D.C./Baltimore/Annapolis area.  “Sandy Point” gives great reference to a beach along the Chesapeake and is one of the coolest songs out there.  It starts out with a slow piano intro and then quickly dives into an all-out groovy tune.  It’s the one that makes you get out of your chair and shake it!  Marcus puts his heart into this and lets his fingers fly.

 “My Funny Valentine,” featuring the soulful singer YahZarah, is up next.  Marcus provides the mood alongside her powerful voice, giving this song a new vibe.  “Pavillion” has a strong beat both from the drums and the bass.  The piano and sax join in on a great, catchy melody.  It’s one of those tunes that sticks with you.  The piano takes the lead and brings you along on the journey.  The CD closes with “88 Ways To Love.”  Another great showcasing of the fantastic piano, flanked once again by the sax.  But the keys set the pace and lead you through ten minutes of beautiful music.

This has always been a favorite CD of mine.  The music is very diverse, and the musicians add their own flavor to every song.  In addition, a live CD is almost always a great experience.  The band is a little more relaxed and the crowd adds that personal touch.  This is a terrific CD to keep coming back to.