Music
Press
Michael Houston is an artist that is just plain ‘ol talented. He’s done
projects like the Indiana Pacers Theme Song, Circle Centre Mall TV
commercial, Meijer Stores and others. He’s toured the nation with
world-renowned, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Fred Hammond, Commissioned, Kirk
Franklin, Phil Perry and many more.
Although he’s gained much success on the gospel music scene, Houston has
decided to spread his musical wings and has debuted his solo inspirational
jazz album titled “Chill 2 This.”
“I wanted to create a combination of the jazz language and contemporary
nuances which make my music accessible to almost any instrumental listener”
said Houston. “It’s romantic, sophisticated, and just plain inspiring.
Intricate arrangements, surprising chord combinations, it has multi layered
progressions and interesting time changes. It’s inspirational jazz!”
He’s not lying about the romantic part. “Chill 2 This” is fabulously sexy.
Truth is, I’m not even a regular jazz listener and I loved, loved, loved
this album! I found myself riding in my car listening to it and suddenly
daydreaming because I was so engrossed in the melody.
I tried to pick out my favorite song and I couldn’t. They are all good and
there is rarely a CD that you can put on and play through the whole thing
without skipping around. But if I had to choose, it would be “Know You.”
It’s so smooth and simple. I can’t help but move to the beat.
My other top pick on “Chill 2 This” is Houston’s cover of an old KC and JoJo
classic “Tell Me It’s Real.” Who doesn’t like that song? I also enjoyed the
piano intro “Thinking of You” that goes perfectly into “Paradise.”
“Sacrifice” is so mysteriously beautiful, it reminded me of Quincy Jones’
“Secret Garden.” The sexiness just oozes through the speakers.
Another reason why “Chill 2 This” is so good is because of Houston’s cool
style. This album is a true reflection of his personality. Speaking to him,
he’s a regular, humble man, but behind that cool exterior, you know he has
many creative sounds and melodies swimming in his head.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and “Chill 2 This” is the perfect
thing to put in a gift bag, or play during a private dinner. It goes perfect
with two lovers and lots of bubbles – in your glass and in the tub. It’s
also just the thing for you and your snuggle bunny cuddling on the couch.
“Chill 2 This” is great in the car, at work, or at home. You can sit and
listen to this over and over again and never get tired of the relaxing
sound. For the steppers out there, there are a few tracks for you to work it
out on the dance floor. I absolutely urge everyone to get “Chill 2 This”
immediately.
You can purchase “Chill 2 This” at his CD release party Sunday Jan. 28 at
the Jazz Kitchen and online.
For more information, call (317) 501-7499 or visit www.mhmusic.com.
- Indianapolis Recorder/JESSICA WILLIAMS-GIBSON
Michael Houston is an artist that is just plain ‘ol talented. He’s done
projects like the Indiana Pacers Theme Song, Circle Centre Mall TV
commercial, Meijer Stores and others. He’s toured the nation with
world-renowned, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Fred Hammond, Commissioned, Kirk
Franklin, Phil Perry and many more.
Although he’s gained much success on the gospel music scene, Houston has
decided to spread his musical wings and has debuted his solo inspirational
jazz album titled “Chill 2 This.”
“I wanted to create a combination of the jazz language and contemporary
nuances which make my music accessible to almost any instrumental listener”
said Houston. “It’s romantic, sophisticated, and just plain inspiring.
Intricate arrangements, surprising chord combinations, it has multi layered
progressions and interesting time changes. It’s inspirational jazz!”
He’s not lying about the romantic part. “Chill 2 This” is fabulously sexy.
Truth is, I’m not even a regular jazz listener and I loved, loved, loved
this album! I found myself riding in my car listening to it and suddenly
daydreaming because I was so engrossed in the melody.
I tried to pick out my favorite song and I couldn’t. They are all good and
there is rarely a CD that you can put on and play through the whole thing
without skipping around. But if I had to choose, it would be “Know You.”
It’s so smooth and simple. I can’t help but move to the beat.
My other top pick on “Chill 2 This” is Houston’s cover of an old KC and JoJo
classic “Tell Me It’s Real.” Who doesn’t like that song? I also enjoyed the
piano intro “Thinking of You” that goes perfectly into “Paradise.”
“Sacrifice” is so mysteriously beautiful, it reminded me of Quincy Jones’
“Secret Garden.” The sexiness just oozes through the speakers.
Another reason why “Chill 2 This” is so good is because of Houston’s cool
style. This album is a true reflection of his personality. Speaking to him,
he’s a regular, humble man, but behind that cool exterior, you know he has
many creative sounds and melodies swimming in his head.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and “Chill 2 This” is the perfect
thing to put in a gift bag, or play during a private dinner. It goes perfect
with two lovers and lots of bubbles – in your glass and in the tub. It’s
also just the thing for you and your snuggle bunny cuddling on the couch.
“Chill 2 This” is great in the car, at work, or at home. You can sit and
listen to this over and over again and never get tired of the relaxing
sound. For the steppers out there, there are a few tracks for you to work it
out on the dance floor. I absolutely urge everyone to get “Chill 2 This”
immediately.
You can purchase “Chill 2 This” at his CD release party Sunday Jan. 28 at
the Jazz Kitchen and online.
For more information, call (317) 501-7499 or visit www.mhmusic.com.
- Indianapolis Recorder/JESSICA WILLIAMS-GIBSON
Jazz in retrospect
by Chuck Workman Jan 31, 2007
Michael Houston
Jazz Kitchen
Sunday, Jan. 28
Last Sunday, I caught a rare Jazz Kitchen CD release party for keyboardist/composer Michael Houston’s release, Chill 2 This. Houston is going his own way in jazz; his crystalline keyboard sound recalls the Fender Rhodes style of jazz in the eighties. His trio of Jeremy Harrison, bass; Joshua Humphrey drums and vocalist Tonya Martin sold an evening of all originals with warmth, humor and passion. Chill jazz with its laidback style of compelling rhythm and surging improvisations from Houston kept the new tunes captivating for the capacity crowd. While most of the songs were about love and relationships, performed with soft funk grooves, the group displayed their flexibility with a tempo-shifting gentle swing on “Paradise,” while Farrelly’s saxophone warmed things up with fiery improvisations.
Houston has a fresh sound and style and a dynamic vocalist in Martin. What you hear is Houston’s concept of contemporary jazz, and it’s not about cutting-edge jazz. His style places you in a comfort zone for whatever you want to do. He has found a niche that could gather him a lot of fans. - Nuvo
Jazz in retrospect
by Chuck Workman Jan 31, 2007
Michael Houston
Jazz Kitchen
Sunday, Jan. 28
Last Sunday, I caught a rare Jazz Kitchen CD release party for keyboardist/composer Michael Houston’s release, Chill 2 This. Houston is going his own way in jazz; his crystalline keyboard sound recalls the Fender Rhodes style of jazz in the eighties. His trio of Jeremy Harrison, bass; Joshua Humphrey drums and vocalist Tonya Martin sold an evening of all originals with warmth, humor and passion. Chill jazz with its laidback style of compelling rhythm and surging improvisations from Houston kept the new tunes captivating for the capacity crowd. While most of the songs were about love and relationships, performed with soft funk grooves, the group displayed their flexibility with a tempo-shifting gentle swing on “Paradise,” while Farrelly’s saxophone warmed things up with fiery improvisations.
Houston has a fresh sound and style and a dynamic vocalist in Martin. What you hear is Houston’s concept of contemporary jazz, and it’s not about cutting-edge jazz. His style places you in a comfort zone for whatever you want to do. He has found a niche that could gather him a lot of fans. - Nuvo
Discography
Chill 2 This
Photos
Bio
The Michael Houston Group
“Melodies are what we sing. When we can’t remember words or the beat, the melody is what we all draw upon to reminence the songs that inspire us all,” confides Michael Houston, the catalyst behind this blend of melodic soulful but rhythmic collaboration of artists and some of music’s greatest moments.
This formula is what makes the Michael Houston Group, (producer/composer/ artist Michael Houston, vocalist Tonya Martin, bassist Jeremy Harrison,, drummer Josh Humphrey) so infectious to listen to!
Michael relates, “I want to create a combination of the jazz language and contemporary nuances which make my music accessible to almost any instrumental listener”. “You can drive to this, chill to this, step to this whatever you desire”, adds Michael. And that is the truth....it’s romantic, sophisticated, and just plain inspiring. Intricate arrangements, surprising chord combinations, it has multi layered progressions and interesting time changes. It’s Inspirational Jazz!
Michael notes that all the band members add to this unique touch of “Inspirational Jazz”. The groove is silky smooth and well executed by Joshua Humphrey, the groups drummer. Joshua’s roots begin in gospel music, where feeling and emotion are natural components of musical expression. Jeremy Harrison, the groups bassist, has an incredible sensitivity to the groove. He is the youngest member of the band but, his energy and emotion tells a different story. When it comes to painting a picture, Vocalist Tonya Martin adds true color and rich vocal textures that truly enrich any musical experience! Tonya’s stage presence and emotion draws the listener into every note....every breath.....electrifying is the closest description.
The group’s visionary/producer Michael Houston, regards any finished product as the gift to the listener and his prolific career is full of gifts. Michael’s has appeared in many high profile projects such as Indiana Pacers Theme Song (NBA), Circle Centre Mall TV Commercial (Simon Mall), Meijer Stores and many others. As Michael toured the nation with world renowned, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, he debuted his talents at Carnegie Hall in New York and other famous establishments. He has also worked with many other artists such as Fred Hammond, Commissioned, Angelo and Veronica, Derrick Brinkley, Morris Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Phil Perry just to name a few!
But enough said, it’s all about the music! Listen and enjoy..... The Michael Houston Group.
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