NEWS

Guitarist and vocalist Jonathan Butler has completed a new CD titled So Strong, his first studio smooth jazz project since 2005’s Jonathan. Since that time, he has offered the gospel project Brand New Day and a DVD/CD combo, Live in South Africa. So Strong will be released by Rendezvous Music, a division of Mack Avenue, on May 11.

“Music is spiritual and it heals. It soothes the heart and mind,” says Butler, who has been through a challenging year in which his mother passed away, he lost one of his closest friends, Wayman Tisdale, and he supported his wife in her battle against cancer. “Sometimes it’s better not to tell people what you’re going through (while you’re going through it), but tell them after you’ve come through.”

So Strong features 10 original songs written or co-written by Butler, and a cover of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now.”

“You can’t keep your head down all the time,” Butler says. “You have to celebrate. With all that’s presently going on in the world, I felt the need to give something to the fans, to offer hope. I had to get to that fun place again. The album is a departure; it’s optimistic and positive. It’s get up-and-dance, and feel good. … It’s all about just letting go. It’s about fun with flavor and a lot of feeling. I call it the three Fs: fun, flavor and feeling.”

Butler, who produced and arranged the album, played most of the instruments, including guitars, bass and keyboards. Guests include trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonists Dave Koz and Michael Lington, and drummer Gordon Campbell. Butler’s daughters, Randy and Jodie, provide background vocals.

Songs include the title track, “Make Room For Me,” “You’ve Got to Believe in Something,” “Factual,” “Be Here With You” and “Feels So Good.” In addition, “Be Here With You” is a vocal duet between Butler and Angie Stone.

So Strong track list

1. So Strong (Butler/Lykes) – 3:45
2. You Got To Believe In Something (Butler) – 5:01
3. Make Room For Me (Butler) – 3:29
4. Factual (Butler/Lykes) – 4:10
5. Feels So Good (Butler/Lykes) – 3:45
6. Be Here With You (Butler/Lykes) – 4:38
7. Avia/For My Baby (Butler) – 4:25
8. I’m Right Here (Butler/Lykes) – 3:31
9. Color Green (Butler/Lykes) – 3:59
10. Good Times (Butler) – 4:03
11. I Can See Clearly Now (Nash) – 4:55
12. I Pay Respect (Butler) – 5:09

Original post by Smooth Jazz Network.

Be sure to catch Jonathan Butler with Spyro Gyra at The HSBC Jazz Festival on Thursday, March 25 at The NOKIA Theatre Times Square!