Honoring Louis Armstrong John Redmon & The Thomas J. Dawson, Jr. iOrchestra

• 1 Overture 02:04
• 2 Blessed Assurance (feat. Committed) 03:22
• 3 Just a Closer Walk with Thee (Medley) (feat. Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus) 04:04
• 4 Summertime (feat. Linda Purl and Thomas J. Dawson, Jr.) 04:35
• 5 When the Saints (Medley) (feat. Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus) 04:03
• 6 O Danny Boy (feat. Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus) 05:19
• 7 Smile (feat. Charles Buie) 04:02
• 8 Precious Lord (feat. Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus, Phil & Brenda Nicholas) 05:03
• 9 What a Wonderful World 03:32
• 10 Imagine 05:01
• Total Runtime 41:05

Info for Honoring Louis Armstrong

10-track, gospel-flared jazz album Honoring Louis Armstrong featuring John Redmon and accompanied by the world-renowned Thomas J. Dawson, Jr. iOrchestra. Redmon, Dawson and a host of stellar talent from around the nation have come together on one unforgettable recording to pay homage to a man of inescapable influence…Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Inductee Louis Armstrong.

"The joy and spirit of Louis Armstrong is celebrated by vocalist John Redman along with the support the Thomas J. Dawson J. Orchestra and various vocals guests. Redmon does his best to emulate Satchmo’s voice throughout, sometimes sounding more like Tom Waits, but it still works, as he sings of hope and spirit with the chorus “Committed” on the heartfelt hymn “Blessed Assurance” while he is joined by the Fresh Start Baptist Male Chorus on a two stepping “When The Saint” and a soulful “Precious Lord”. Guest vocalist Charles Buie gives a Johnny Mathis-y “Smile”, with the entire album bookended by Redmon singing about a dream about a world without judgment, akin to “What A Wonderful World” and then ironically ending with a dreamy “Imagine” that talks about “no heaven” after singing an album of Christian songs. The heart and hope is there, however, even with the head scratch of the Lennon lyrics." (George W. Harris, Jazzweekly)

John Redmon, vocals
Thomas J. Dawson, Jr., piano, conductor
iOrchestra
Special guests:
Linda Purl, vocals
Charles Buie, vocals
Committed, vocals
Phil & Brenda Nicholas, vocals
Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus

John Paul Redmon
is an American recording artist, a Louis Armstrong impressionist, pianist, singer, composer, arranger, motivational speaker and humanitarian.

In 1994 he became founder, president and CEO of Reaching Records — a Christian, independent record label whose purpose and motto was “to reach and touch hearts around the world”. He was 18 years old.

Over the next 26 years, Redmon produced and released multiple projects on his label that gained national attention and recognition, including: John Redmon & Friends: Faith, Love and Unity, Vol 1 featuring BeBe & CeCe Winans, Crystal Lewis and Patti Labelle and A Woman’s Journey featuring Vickie Winans, Brenda Nicholas and an enlightening testimonial from his mother Cynthia Redmon.

In 2017, in a desperate attempt to come up with a captivating stage routine for his new gig at The Broadmoor’s Golden Bee, Redmon created then sharpened a Louis Armstrong impression. He highlighted the Armstrong classic What a Wonderful World. During each of his performances, he started noticing a trend : a hushed crowd, a silent tear, glistening eyes, gigantic smiles, loud cries, explosive cheers, then emotional, sporadic hugs and testimonials of what Louis or his songs meant to them. “I knew I was on to something” Redmon smiles.

In 2018 Redmon and Thomas J. Dawson, Jr. teamed up to record a fresh and new jazzy version of What a Wonderful World arranged by Dawson. Next, the two went on to shoot a visually stimulating, black and white short-form music video with director Kevin Hu and Moonshine Media. The video received over 1200 views the first week of airing.

Redmon has had a passionate calling and ministry to the senior citizens community. This love was instilled in him by his mother at the tender age of 5. So in 2020 with the help of manager Cynthia Hunt and Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus, he planned an Honoring Louis Armstrong pre-album release tour to visit as many senior facilities within the southern Colorado area presenting this nostalgic album material. He wanted to musically transport the residents to a place in time when they were invigorated with vibrant hopes and restless dreams.

Now Redmon is excited to release to the world his first full-length tribute album Honoring Louis Armstrong on his record label, playing a dual role as a Louis Armstrong impressionist and executive producer.

Thomas J. Dawson, Jr.
is a rare blend of raw talent, musical genius and humility. He’s a family man, a business man, an educator, an accomplished musician, producer, composer, mentor and friend. He’s been married for over 35 years to his sweetheart Roslyn and has adopted sons and daughters all over the globe.

Dawson has been the gold, platinum and Grammy-award winning Commodores’ music director and lead keyboardist for over 30 years. He has co-produced many of their songs and CD’s. He has performed on stage with internationally renowned artists such as Kelly Rowland, Eric Benet, Howard Hewitt and The Winans. His credits include projects with music icon Beyonce and J-Lo. Thomas has produced several projects of his own with the jazz group Finger Roll. The first of these projects won the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Jazz Discovery competition.

As computer technology has become more vital in every aspect of the music industry, Thomas has excelled as a consummate recording engineer. His experience and training as a musician, combined with his knowledge of computer technology has made him one of the most sought after studio engineers in the business. Realizing the need for quality music studios and engineers, Dawson founded Mountain Nest Studios…a high-end, multi-track recording studio and post-production facility. He has mixed and mastered projects for several independent and major labels including Dream Records in which he was A&R Director for Gospel Music for over three years.

Mr. Dawson is also the musical director and co-founder of The Center for Harmonic Health and Healing. His work has been integral to the development of the vibroacoustic programs utilized by the center. His collaboration with Dr. Bambi Nickelberry ignited within him a desire to use his extraordinary musical gifts as a vehicle for healing.

Thomas has a passion for sharing his knowledge with others. He is currently a Professor of Audio Recording at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and also tours nationally as a guest lecturer. Some of his engagements have included Loyola University, Celebrity Ultimate Disco Cruise and The International Christian Film and Music Festival.

Dawson never ceases to amaze the world by his next move…or some call it divine appointment. In 2019, Dawson became Senior Vice President and Post Production Supervisor for Manns Mackie Studios. This Christian film company based in Atlanta, GA is responsible for the upcoming films My Brother’s Keeper, Rescue Me and Redeemed. Mr. Dawson’s touch of musical mastery is applied to each of these films as the films’ music supervisor and editor.

Between The Isaac Gregg’s Jazz Sextet (music ambassadors for the state of Louisiana) and the Commodores, Thomas has performed in every country in the world. When asked what’s the secret of his success he gently smiles and says “a purpose-driven life”. When asked for one of his favorite quotes, Dawson doesn’t hesitate. “There are two dates that are the most important dates in your life. The day you were born and the day you find out why.” When asked about his favorite scripture, he doesn’t blink. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” – Jeremiah 1:5

Thomas continues to thrive in a dynamically changing entertainment industry. His creative versatility, professionalism and character ensure that his success will be sustained for years to come.

Thomas is the producer, orchestrator, arranger and the genius behind the Honoring Louis Armstrong tribute album.

Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus
have been singing and worshipping together for over fifteen years. Comprised primarily of church deacons and retired military, these brothers are known for joyfully ministering the word of God through testimony and song in their home church and other events throughout southern Colorado.

The Male Chorus accepted the offer and call to team up with John Redmon for a two-month long Honoring Louis Armstrong pre-album release tour of senior living facilities in the Colorado Springs and Denver area. The experience was incredible, unforgettable and life-altering. Residents, staff members, visiting family members, maintenance workers and volunteers filled the dining rooms and lined the hallways to sing, clap, dance and reminisce on those nostalgic Louis Armstrong tunes led by John Redmon.

Redmon recalls, “During the hour long program, there was always engagement, intrigue and participation throughout the building. However it peaked almost every time when the Male Chorus would fan out amongst the residents and lead them in their section of When the Saints (Medley). It got crunk!”

Reports from amazed staff members assured the singers that some of the residents that were bed-ridden and hadn’t moved by themselves in years were moving their feet to the rhythm of the songs. Smiles and joy always flooded the room throughout the whole program but quickly turned into tears when it was time to say goodbye.

Recording for the Honoring Louis Armstrong tribute record is the first time Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus has ever recorded. They are excited to be featured on several songs throughout the record: When the Saints (Medley), Just a Closer Walk With Thee (Medley), O Danny Boy and Precious Lord.

Fresh Start Baptist Church is based in Fountain, Colorado with Pastor John Harris presiding.

This album contains no booklet.