“I can see clearly now the rain is gone…”

Amidst a new album bursting with hope, joy, romance and inspiration, including eleven songs penned or co-penned by the artist, it’s the Johnny Nash cover “I Can See Clearly Now” that Jonathan Butler elected to record on the So Strong album, his 15th solo collection, that speaks volumes about his outlook after a tumultuous year wrought with immense personal loss, pain and suffering. Butler’s tenacious, indomitable spirit and effervescent view of silver-lined clouds infuses his music like a heaven-sent harbinger of healing.

“Music is spiritual and it heals. It soothes the heart and mind,” states Butler, who was born in Cape Town, South Africa. In the past year, his mother passed away, he lost one of his closest friends (Wayman Tisdale), and he supported his wife (Barenese) in her battle against cancer. “Sometimes it’s better not to tell people what you’re going through (while you’re going through it), but tell them after you’ve come through.”

photos by Raj Naik. click to view

Thus So Strong was born. For the singer-guitarist-songwriter-producer known for achieving chart-topping success, Grammy nominations and other accolades for his R&B, contemporary jazz, adult pop and gospel recordings, it’s his first urban record in quite some time. Rather than wallow in despair, as per usual the album finds Butler celebrating life and serving as a brilliant beacon of divine light.

“You can’t keep your head down all the time. You have to celebrate. With all that’s presently going on in the world, I felt the need to give something to the fans, to offer hope. I had to get to that fun place again. The album is a departure; it’s optimistic and positive. It’s get up-and-dance, and feel good. It’s all about just letting go. It’s about fun with flavor and a lot of feeling. I call it the three Fs: fun, flavor and feeling,” Butler chuckles. “I come from the urban world and this home-brewed album showcases my freedom to do what comes naturally (to me). It’s easy to listen to. The songs reflect my romantic side, my passionate side and my fun side.”

Butler, who produced and arranged the album, played most of the instruments, including guitars, bass and keyboards. He brought in a few noted horn men – Rick Braun, Dave Koz and Michael Lington – to add heat and drummer Gordon Campbell to lay down beats to a number of tracks. Butler’s daughters Randy and Jodie sing background vocals.

Opening with a high-energy, syncopated disco beat the vocal cut “So Strong” is an unabashed throwback textured with vibrant strings and jazzy electric guitar riffs. It’s the first Urban Adult Contemporary radio single.

In the spirit of a Bill Withers tune, “You’ve Got To Believe In Something” finds Butler crooning from the pulpit on this inspirational affirmation. Adding reassurance is a gospel choir on the chorus and a warmly enveloping horn section comprised of trumpeter Braun and saxophonist Lington. “This song came to me while reading scriptures. We’re often lost in our struggles, but you’ve got to keep going and think about the positive side,” conveys Butler.

Saxman Koz named and played on the instrumental “Make Room For Me,” the first single at smooth jazz radio. The percussion-filled Latin rhythm sets the stage for Butler to “solo like I’ve never soloed before” on an electric jazz guitar.