To paraphrase the title from a whimsical British Invasion hit co-written by Carole King, Seattle based vocal interpreter and sassy scatter extraordinaire Kelley Johnson is truly into Something Good on her fifth album – which also marks the start of her third decade as a recording artist.
More than simply an exquisitely arranged set of slightly lesser known gems composed and/or popularized by Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rodgers, The Carpenters, Carmen McRae and Blossom Dearie, it’s a transcendent celebration of the personal and longtime musical partnership shared by Johnson and her pianist/husband John Hansen.
The two have been married and performing together throughout the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. His bright harmonies and adventurous solos are more than supporting elements, they are powerful and imaginative pieces of conversations that start with her crisp, alternately intimate and snappily expressive vocals and flow into the lively, dynamically swinging ensemble magic of Hansen, bassist Michael Glynn, drummer Kendrick Scott and the wondrously versatile Jay Thomas - who creates colorful shades of amazing on soprano, tenor and trumpet.
Something Good? Try, something marvelous!