RJ And The Assignment – Hybrid Harmony (RJ And The Assignment, 2020)
Reginald Johnson, better known as RJ, is an outstanding keyboardist and composer from Las Vegas. On Hybrid Harmony he brings together contemporary jazz fusion, soul, funk and smooth jazz.
RJ showcases his talent on electric piano and electronic keyboards, with memorable solos and harmonies.
The highlights of the album are the opening song “I’m trying” with a mix of captivating soul vocals and fabulous synth solos; and the slow tempo seductive soul piece “Walk In Your light.”
Other high spots: the fabulous fusion piece “Hybrid Harmony” featuring a scrumptious keyboard fest although the final part of the piece concludes with predictable smooth jazz saxophone; a great funk jazz version of the famous Tears For Fears song “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”; the Erykah Badu-style neofunk song “Can’t Nobody”; and the fusion piece “After Service.”
Track 2, “My Mean Ol’ Aunt” has some interesting moments. It’s a fun, humorous song with a George Duke/Frank Zappa flavor.
The rest of the album has way too much smooth jazz saxophone for my taste. I would have preferred more of RJ’s dazzling keyboard work.
The lineup includes RJ on keyboards; Jason Bolden and Donald Phillips on electric bass; Eric Runquist on upright bass; Johnny Johnson on lead guitar; Julian Tanaka on saxophone; Terry Wesley II on drums; and several highly talented vocalists: Kiara Brown, Aja Hawkins, Klaiton Johnson and Alisha Webster.
Buy Hybrid Harmony