Music Spotlight:
Erisa
Johnson: CD Review, "I Surrender"
 Music
comes in many forms and genres. This month I would like to present
Erisa Johnson, a 21-year-old saxaphonist and San Diego native. For
all of the jazz and instrumental enthusiasts, this is one for you.
As
I like to call it, ³I Surrender² is ³An Instrumental Jam² that you
can listen to any time of the day. The smooth and soulful sounds
are sure to inspire all young musicians to pursue their dreams.
Erisa
has been involved in music for 12 years. She started as a piano
player and when she heard the music of Angella Christie at a concert,
it was then when she was inspired to be a saxophone player. She
shared this desire with her father (a pastor) and asked him for
a saxophone and the Lord took over from there.
Being
raised as a PK (pastorıs kid), she saw so much around her and at
times things became difficult; the trials were hard and she wanted
to give up in life, but God was always able to work things through.
³I Surrender² was inspired because of those times and also because
of the need to see people especially young people surrender their
lives to God; not only one time, but every day.
Erisa
is a student at Point Loma Nazarene College (music education) and
is ready to graduate soon. I asked Erisa what inspires her to do
this at such a young age in her life. She replied, ³Everybody needs
a bit of encouragement. Everybody needs uplifting.²
As
I listened to the album, the song ³We Fall Down² truly brought that
statement to the forefront. Everybody does need encouragement and
uplifting and track No. 8 ministers to everyone that needs that
boost of strength and uplifting for the heart. Because of her age
you would think that her audience consists of young people, but
it appeals to all.
³Music
is a universal language that, is why I am able to appeal to all
audiences,² said Erisa. She steps boldly into the music ministry
with the sultry sounds of the saxophone on ³I Surrender² from beginning
to end.
Dueling
harmonies on the sax are featured on track one ³Shackles² with a
contemporary sound that fits just right on any listenerıs ear. The
songs continue on with the soulful flair of the classics. The traditional
hymns are also featured on this album bringing a full balance of
everyoneıs favorites. I remember asking Erisa to describe her music
and she simply replied, ³Itıs music from the heart.²
Truly
this is music from the heart and you can hear that especially in
the song ³Blessed Assurance.²
She
also surprises her listeners with an original composition and own
vocals on the title track, ³I Surrender.² Her four-member band is
comprised of seasoned organist and keyboard player Renix Graham,
Sammie Blackmon on the drums. Kendrick McMillan is the bassist and
on lead guitar, Mark Loving.
Together,
they have blended and made ³I Surrender² a special must-have project
for your collection. They have ministered in several venues and
events. During a contest with the traveling Apollo in San Diego,
Erisa competed and won an opportunity to perform at the Apollo in
New York. She has also shared the stage with John P. Kee, Tonex
and has also performed for Arnold Schwarzenegger and other dignitaries.
She was just recently a featured performer at the Kuumbafest at
the World Beat Center in San Diego.
Her
goal is to touch lives, touch broken hearts and to win souls for
Jesus Christ.
What
is ministry, I asked Erisa? Without hesitation she said, ³Ministry
is a love song unto God.² From the soulful jazz sounds of the sax
to heartfelt words of the personal testimony, ³I Surrender² is sure
to bless you from beginning to end. This is an album that will uplift
your spirit, encourage you to dream and worship the Lord.
To
know more about Erisa Johnson, to purchase ³I Surrender² or for
booking, go online to www.myspace.com/erisajohnson or call: (619)
804-3374.
o
Good
News, Etc. features a local Christian band or artist, each month,
to be in the spotlight for an album review/artist profile. If you
know, or if you are, a local Christian band or artist, who has recently
come out with or will soon release a new CD that you think should
be reviewed, please contact Rachel Reid at mail@rachelreid.net.
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