Benny Johnson - Visions of Paradise (Reissue) (2023)

Released in 1973 on the Patrick Adams' Perception Records subsidiary label Today, Visions of Paradise is a remarkable soul and RnB album that puts the voice of former member of The Spoilers front and centre. Benny Johnson's voice has been described as 'gutsy' and on a par with Johnnie Taylor, Syl Johnson and the maestro, the Reverend Al Green.

With the backline led by Julius Brockington as Musical Director and arranger with the same band that recorded Brockington's The United Chair album, Visions of Paradise is a masterpiece in Black music performance and production. Furthermore, a backing vocal line-up of Young & Company's Jacqueline Thomas joined by Phylicia Harding, Joan Cobbs and Beverley J. Wilson results in sublime harmonies and vocal arrangements that exemplify soul music at its most profound.

Songwriting duties are shared between Perception Records in-house producer Maurice Irby Jr and the prolific Edna Toles who between them also penned songs for acts of the calibre of Jay & the Techniques, Mary Wells, The Main Attraction, The Cotillions, The Imaginations and Sam the Sham amongst others.

Released as part of the Perception/Today Records series of albums Visions of Paradise also represents vocal soul at its best.