Living My Dream Jonathan Butler

• 1 African Breeze 04:07
• 2 Living My Dream 04:02
• 3 Be Still 04:49
• 4 Let There Be Light 04:11
• 5 Heart and Soul 03:37
• 6 Song for You 03:27
• 7 Catembe 03:47
• 8 Night to Remember 03:44
• 9 All About Love 04:04
• 10 Sweet Serenade 04:38
• 11 A Prayer 04:01
• Total Runtime 44:27

Info for Living My Dream

When he sings, he testifies to the glory and healing power of love. When he plays guitar, his fast fingers innately find notes of passion and divinity. Jonathan Butler’s recording career has carried him far, far beyond his wildest dreams. He’s living his dream and that is a blessing for us all.

"Jonathan Butler's 22nd studio album, 2014's Living My Dream, showcases the South African-born singer/guitarist/songwriter's distinctive smooth jazz and R&B sound. Joining Butler here are such musical luminaries as bassist Marcus Miller, saxophonist Elan Trotman, guitarist/songwriter Dennis Dodd, Jr., and Butler's daughter, vocalist Jodie Butler, who duets with her father on "Night to Remember." Featured on the album is the song "Be Still," which Butler co-wrote with George Duke prior to the legendary keyboardist's passing in 2013. Also included is the leadoff single "African Breeze," originally written for the 1985 adventure-comedy Jewel of the Nile and reworked with a more contemporary flair by Butler for Living My Dream." (Matt Collar, AMG)

"In between the six instrumentals, the album is peppered with five vocal tracks of varying quality. Standout material includes Butler pleading to his lover on the more R&B influenced "Heart & Soul" that incorporates a wonderful chorus with the brilliant horn section that counters Butler's guitar work. Similar results can also be found on “All About Love” reminding us that his vocal work is as remarkable as his guitar work. But perhaps the downright fun and funky “Song For You” is more your cup of tea." (Michael Debbage, mainlypiano.com)

Jonathan Butler, guitar, vocals
Katisse Buckingham, horns (tracks 1-3)
Jodie Butler, background vocals (tracks 2, 5, 8, 9)
Aaron Gutierrez, background vocals (tracks 2, 5, 8, 9)
Antonio Sol, background vocals (tracks 2, 5, 8, 9)
Gorden Campbell, drums (tracks 1-6, 8-11)
Tim Carmon, keyboards
Dennis Dodd, Jr., guitar, drum programming (track 6)
George Duke, piano (track 3)
Mike Eiya, tenor saxophone (tracks 5-7, 10)
Agape Jerry, guitar (track 6)
Dan Lutz, bass (tracks 1, 2, 5-11)
Marcus Miller, bass (tracks 3, 4)
Rashawn Ross, horns and arrangement (tracks 1, 2)
Garrett Smith, trombone (tracks 5-7, 10)
Brigg Sterns, synth keys (track 6)
Elan Trotman, saxophone (track 4)
Jay Williams, drums (track 7)
Dave Wood, guitar (tracks 1-6, 8-11)
Ramon Yslas, percussion (tracks 1-6, 8-11)

Produced by Jonathan Butler

Jonathan Butler
is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who leads a life few can imagine. Born in South Africa under the shadow of apartheid and raised in poverty, Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television. Though his musical abilities would take him away from the world he grew up in, Jonathan would neither forget the plight of his fellow South Africans, nor the man that led them to freedom. It is for this reason Nelson Mandela credits Butler’s music as having inspired him during his imprisonment. In more ways than one, Jonathan Butler is representative of South Africa.

Jonathan’s story begins at a very young age when his father presented him with a homemade one-string guitar. Little did his father realize that he was giving way to a musical phenomenon. From then on, Jonathan’s musical gifts grew by leaps and bounds. In his early teens Butler won a local talent contest, affording him the opportunity to perform with a touring musical company throughout South Africa. On occasion he would perform at lavish concert halls for whites only, where he would not be allowed to use the bathroom, and the very next night he would perform in a dilapidated local township. Ultimately, his ticket to a new life was music.

At thirteen, Jonathan’s talents caught the eyes and ears of the British record producer Clive Caulder. He was signed to Caulder’s Jive Records and the rest is history. Jonathan’s first single broke down racial barriers becoming the first song by a black artist played by white radio stations in South Africa and won the South African equivalent to a GRAMMY®.

His commitment to his craft came to fruition with his self-titled debut album, which received a GRAMMY® nomination for the pop hit “Lies.” An instrumental “Going Home” earned him another GRAMMY® nomination and the mid-tempo ballad “Sarah, Sarah” confirmed Butler’s place in popular music.

However, to Jonathan Butler, success is measured on a higher plane. A religious and spiritual man, Butler dedicates his life to being a devoted father and grandfather, and a caring citizen to his homeland, South Africa. And in spite of all the hardships, Jonathan Butler has an air of playfulness and quiet resilience that is easily visible in his passionate performances.

This album contains no booklet.