Molly Johnson

JUNE 23RD AT THE CENTRE
BC Honda Dealers Classic Sounds at The Centre 

Toronto-based Molly Johnson has earned her reputation as one of Canada's best vocalists. From singing to packed audiences as a pop artist in nightclubs across the country to seducing patrons at concert halls and theatres with her rich interpretations of jazz and blues standards, Johnson brings an emotional depth to songs that few singers ever attain. "She is a proud Canadian who looks for original songs, vehicles for adult emotions...It's the timbre of her voice that elevates them," says the Evening Standard (London). And the Toronto Star notes that "flashes of Dinah Washington, Janis Joplin, and Billie Holiday colour the naturally warm textures of her voice. She's full of drama, wit and heartache." Molly's latest release, Messin' Around (Anthem/Universal), builds on the strength of her first two CDs and sees her poised on the brink of widespread crossover success. The music is highly engaging as Johnson skillfully integrates her well-honed melodic skills, artful Tin Pan Alley style lyrics, jazz phrasing, and overall pop sensibility. What's most impressive is the breadth of influences that run through the album's 12 tunes-hip pop tunes, hints of bossa nova, French chanson, funk, jazz, and tender ballads-all rendered with characteristic aplomb. After years of developing her art, Molly Johnson is simply one of the finest jazz/pop singers around. With Lisa MacDougall piano, Mike Downes bass/vocals, Mark McLean drums.