Pianist Richard D. Johnson Presents His Expressive New Release, First Glance
via Afar Music
Pianist and composer Richard D. Johnson is proud to announce the release of his latest recording, First Glance, via Afar Music. The product of a spontaneous recording session, this all-original program showcases the Chicago-based pianist and composer at his musical prime. Touching on the overwhelming sensation that the sight of beauty can elicit, First Glance promotes a positive worldview and a melting pot of experiences.
Inspired by a rollover window of studio time, Johnson’s sixth release as a bandleader took form spontaneously after the pianist joined saxophonist Sharel Cassity for her 2020 recording Fearless. The ensemble, comprised of ace bassist Alex Claffy and high-powered drummer Mark Whifield Jr., had just finished recording Fearless on day one out of two booked at Victorian Studios in Chicago. With the spirit of Cassity’s album in mind, the crew seized the remaining studio session to record eight of Johnson’s own tunes, learning them all in one evening. With organist Paul Mutzabaugh added to the lineup, First Glance is a luminous display of individual talents melded into one cohesive whole.
Much of the material on First Glance calls upon Johnson’s time spent traveling and performing in the Midwest and Middle East. The album opener, “The Cut Off,” specifically observes Johnson’s period in Doha, Qatar, amidst a moment where he witnessed the country’s driving spirit to survive at all costs and become self-sufficient.
Photo Courtesy of Richard Johnson
Traversing decades of rich life experience and musical creation, “Soprano Blues” is a song Johnson stumbled upon when convening the album, a tune he wrote at the age of seventeen with a simple ¾ waltz tune. Speaking more to the present, “No WiFi” is a commentary on a distinctly modern sensation that arises when there is no internet to be found. As this expression tends to get repeated over and over, Johnson wrote in a looping part at the end, influenced by the sound of a “broken record” skipping repeatedly on the same part.
One particular highlight for Johnson is “Last Minute,” a track he wrote as a tribute to his mentor, Mulgrew Miller. This original pays homage to Miller’s track “The Eleventh Hour” and features several musical elements that Johnson learned from his mentor.
“Sunday Devotion,” closes off the album with a nostalgic tone. Celebrating his upbringing in the Baptist Church, the younger Johnson would play piano alongside his father on organ. Evoking a Sunday morning service, feelings of gratitude and discipline flow alongside the resonant keys of Mutzabaugh’s organ.
“First Glance is really about people who see something and are overwhelmed with the beauty right at first glance,” Johnson shared. “The album is a journey through that first glance and each song is an individual experience translated into music.”
1. The Cut Off (5:44)
2. First Glance (4:00)
3. Soprano Blues (4:02)
4. No Wifi (3:22)
5. Sunset (6:08)
6. Trapped (5:30)
7. Last Minute (5:08)
8. Sunday Devotion (5:49)
All music composed by Richard Johnson
Richard Johson, piano
Sharel Cassity, alto (1,2,4,7), soprano (3,5,6), tenor (8) saxophone
Alex Claffy, bass
Mark Whitfield Jr., drums
Paul Mutzabaugh, organ
