with Michael Louis Johnson & the Red Rhythm
recorded live at the Communist’s Daughter
“Entertaining is the key word…” Jim Galloway - Whole Note Magazine
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Every Saturday afternoon since the summer of 2003, the Red Rhythm take over the window seats at the Communist’s Daughter, and the capacity of the tiny Toronto bar slips from 29 to 26. They play swing music. There are no microphones, no speakers, just the sound of acoustic instruments as the players improvise new life into old songs. The bartender unplugs the beer fridge and a refreshing silence comes over the place. Once everyone has a drink, he picks up an odd-looking trumpet that he got in Serbia, and the concept of time and space get foggy. He plays and sings from behind the bar, his raw voice filling the room. Before long the bar is full of convivial spirit. Life and laughter flow as glasses are raised in a toast to this or that. They play three sets between 4 and 7pm; at the end of each the audience is invited to offer their “pay-what-you-can” admission charge and an empty pint glass is soon stuffed full with bills and coins alike. As one writer noted, “The utter surprise of the moment has made this one of the finest musical experiences of this man’s life.”
Customer Reviews – itunes
See them live by any means necessary
by SlangevarWhile we were up in Toronto, a friend recommended that we check out one of their weekly shows at a bar called the Communist’s Daughter. When we got there, it was packed and the band was already playing, so we squeezed to the back, apologizing the whole way. The bartender was all smiles – got us drinks and helped us find a place to sit. So imagine our surprise when the same guy broke into song as he was pouring our drinks. It was Michael Louis Johnson!
And that was how the rest of the show went… MLJ would casually joke with the audience, pour amazing vodka shots for “Oche Chornye,” and then break out a trumpet and go all Louis Armstrong. It was quite literally one of the best experiences of our lives… like stepping into a Woody Allen movie. I HIGHLY recommend catching one of their live shows if you’re in the area.
DETAILED CREDITS
Players: Michael Louis Johnson – trumpet, vocals / Roberto Rosenman – guitar / Patrick Gregory – rhythm guitar / Terry Wilkins – bass / special guests Bob Stevenson – clarinet on 7, 8 and 9 / Chris Bezant – guitar on 8 and 9 / produced by Michael Louis Johnson / recorded live at the Communist’s Daughter, Toronto, by Chris Miller – spring 2009
front cover painting by Jake Summers / back cover painting – artist unknown / photos by Phil Babcock
1. On the Sunny Side of the Street 7:16 - Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh – CA1UE1000001
2. Puttin’ On the Ritz 4:40 - Irving Berlin – CA1UE1000002
3. Lady is a Tramp 3:27 - Lorenz Hart, Richard Rogers – CA1UE1000003
4. The Fortunate One (the Man in the Green Parking Kiosk) 4:39 - Michael Louis Johnson, Michael Proudfoot, Soo Garay. – CA1UE1000004
5. It Don’t Mean a Thing (if it Ain’t Got that Swing) 4:29 - Duke Ellington, Irving Mills – CA1UE1000005
6. The Hobo Knows 7:22 - Michael Louis Johnson – CA1UE1000006
7. Melody 6:49 - Michael Louis Johnson – CA1UE1000007
8. Nature Boy 7:30 – Eden Ahbez – CA1UE1000008
9. Oche Chornye (Dark Eyes) 9:26 - traditional – CA1UE1000009