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6 Degrees Entertainment

Title - 'Hybrid Harmony'
Artist - RJ & The Assignment

For those not in the know, RJ (aka Reginald Johnson) is a native of Chicago’s south side and has been privileged to work professionally as a musician for over 15 years.

RJ embarked on his journey as a musician learning to play by ear in his home church. Empowered by his natural music ability and personal drive, RJ pursued classical music training and mentoring by some of the best in the industry.

RJ’s music knowledge base and overall musicianship rapidly progressed, and soon thereafter afforded him opportunities to gain experience playing keys in live shows and studio for some of Chicago’s and the music industry’s greatest artists.

Through JK Melody Productions, RJ has contributed to music through writing, producing and performing with various artists, thus affirming his level of musicianship not only as a player but also as a songwriter, arranger, composer, and producer.

Over the years RJ’s work continues to impress critics, as the feedback notably describes RJ as skillful, creative, and consistent across multiple genres of music including; jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and gospel.

On his brand new album, Hybrid Harmony (out January 24th, 2020), he teams up with drummer Terry Wesley II, either Jason Bolden, Donald Phillips or Eric Runquist on bass, occasionally guitarist Johnny Johnson and tenor-saxophonist Julian Tanaka, and the additional instruments of Tom Schuman plus, on some selections, singers Klaiton Johnson, Kiara Brown, Aja Hawkins, and Alisha Webster.

1. 'I’m Tryin’' (4:06)
2. 'My Mean Ol’ Aunt' (4:47)
3. 'Walk In Your Light' (3:30)
4. 'Hybrid Harmony' (5:37)
5. 'Prototype' (4:19)
6, 'Autumn Steps' (3:47)
7. 'Everybody Wants To Rule the World' (4:15)
8. 'Between Now and Never' (6:35)
9. 'Can’t Nobody' (4:05)
10. 'After Service' (3:31)

Johnson’s delightfully dynamic piano musings and snappy old school-tinged R&B workings are immediately brought to the fore here, as from the off on 'I'm Tryin' the track oozes R&B warmth via the vocals of Kaiton Johnson.

On an album that includes seven RJ originals, next up is the funky 'My Mean Ol’ Aunt' (complete with interjections of humorous put downs), the soothing 'Walk In Your Light,' and then comes the generous, and highly pleasing title track, 'Hybrid Harmony' (which uses two of the singers as wordless vocalists in the opening ensemble).

On 'Prototype,' the truly beautiful and breathtakingly entwinned vocals of Kaiton Johnson and Aja Hawkins’ voices coming together, as if finishing each other sentences off, is particularly enjoyable and that's backed by the gentle hipsway of 'Autumn Steps.'

Kiara Brown then gets to take ahold of their cover of Tears For Fears' big pop hit 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World,' 'Between Now And Never' features Julian Tanaka’s soulful tenor, and then the album rounds out with the slow funk roll of 'Can't Nobody,' and then the modern jazz piece 'After Service' grooves out to us via RJ’s acoustic piano.

As leader of a multi-talented band, RJ – who has vibed with everyone from Jennifer Hudson to Buddy Guy and Boyz II Men - opens the sonic floor here on Hybrid Harmony to compelling instrumental spotlights by saxophonist Julian Tanaka and lead guitarist Johnny Johnson.

Amazon Digital Purchase Link

www.rjandtheassignment.com

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