Cartoon Johnny
Cartoon Johnny is an energetic vocal band that pushes the limits of traditional a cappella. Drawing on influences from classic soul to modern alternative, they've crafted a sound and a repertoire of sure-fire favorites and original music that brings audiences to their feet show after show. The group has performed up and down the East Coast, and has been honored to share the stage with some of the best in the business, including DC favorites DaVinci's Notebook and 2003 Harmony Sweepstakes Champions The Idea of North. Harmony, rhythm, and soul, with a touch of mischief and a whole lotta fun - that's Cartoon Johnny.
Cartoon Johnny first hit the DC-area in 2001 under the name 3 guys mike. That's right. Numbers and lowercase letters. They were cool like dat. It was only guys in the group back then too. But after about a year of good work, the group lost two of the original Mikes. They replaced one with a female singer, and the other with another tenor. His name was not Mike. As the group's makeup changed, the name just didn't seem to fit anymore, and Cartoon Johnny (cool people sometimes call the group CJ for short) was born.
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Let's Groove More Like You Rock Your Body Love Will Decide Walking On Sunshine When Will You Come Home Walked Away If You Love Somebody (Set Them Free) What I Want Signed, Sealed, Delivered Why Can't It Wait Till Morning |
Washington DC's 5-man, one woman a cappella sextet Cartoon Johnny, who impressed us with a strong set at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Finals, and who released an excellent debut CD, "Face the Music," bring us "Power Up!," which features a strong combination of original material and covers. The originals, "More Like You," "Rock Your Body," "Love Will Decide," "When Will You Come Home," "Walked Away" and "What I Want," showcase the talents of Baritone Mike Henderson, who also does most of the group's arranging, mixing and editing. Earth, Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove," Sting's "If You Love Somebody," Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and P. Collins' "Why Can't It Wait 'Til Morning" are other favorites among these 11 cuts. Cartoon Johnny has a full, rich sound with wonderful vocal percussion, faux instruments and effects than make us check the liner notes for the reassuring "All sounds heard on this recording were generated by the human voice or body," which is of course there. Every cut here is a winner, and "Power Up!" is one of the best Contemporary recordings we've reviewed this year!
Listen to Let's Groove in RealAudio.
| 2509 CD $14.95 |
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Careless Whisper Sebastian Bring Me To Life Drive My Car (Live) Better From Here (Live) Secret Smile (Live) Higher and Higher (Live) |
Energetic 5-man, one-woman vocal band Cartoon Johnny first hit the Washington, DC area in 2001 under the name "3 guys mike." After a year, two of the original Mikes moved on, and 4 new men and one woman joined, changing the makeup of the group and updating the name. In their 3rd appearance at the Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweeps regional, the group won 1st Place, best arrangement for "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and "Audience Favorite." They went on to perform a strong set at one of the best Harmony Sweeps Finals we've ever seen and heard. "Face the Music" draws on influences from classic soul to modern alternative, and includes a variety of sure-fire audience favorites and the group's own original music. 7 songs, some favorites are George Michael's "Careless Whisper," live covers of Lennon/McCartney's "Drive My Car," and the rock classic "Higher and Higher," plus "Bring Me to Life," "Secret Smile" and the live cut, "Better from Here," written and arranged by group member Mike Henrickson. A strong debut CD from a fast-rising, spirited, talented sextet from Washington, DC!
| 7453 CD $9.98 |
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