Album Notes

Since releasing her EP, Violet Flower in 2006, Yolanda Johnson
quickly gained critical acclaim receiving the honor of being named
BETJ Soul Sessions Breakthrough Artist of the Year as well as her
empowering single “Individual” being selected as the theme music for
the hot soul music video show.

When asked about her experience in developing Breathing, she
explains. “The title of the album comes from so many places. When I
released Violet Flower, I was really holding my breath, hoping that
people liked what I had to offer. Luckily and graciously, new fans are
drawn to my message everyday and now I can finally breathe a little
easier. The theme of the album is also inspired from the
overwhelming nature of love. On the one hand, love can make you
feel so high and so full of life that you can hardly breathe, like that
feeling when someone just sweeps you right off your feet and takes
your breath away. On the other hand, love can be so tough that it
literally takes your breath away and you find yourself unable to
breathe at all.”

I can't remember the last time I felt this way about an album. Not only is Yolanda's voice beautiful, she uses it
as an instrument, a perfect accompaniment to the production that fittingly fluctuates from airy to complex, yet
always injects the right amount of soul, jazz and funk. Her lyrics and intonations add a personalization her
contemporaries lack. Miss Yolanda is what we used to call BAD! - - Billy Johnson Jr., Sr. Program Director-Urban Yahoo! Music

"'Breathing' is a potent reminder that you can still get lost euphorically in music."
-- Gail Mitchell, Senior Editor R&B, Hip Hop

“Her knack for combining socially relevant topics with danceable grooves and her exceptional vocal
dexterity with quality production has been expanded to a whole new soulful level. With “Breathing”
Yolanda is poised to become one of our brightest, shining soul stars. This one is destined to be a favorite
too. Keep your ears open for Yolanda Johnson. Vonnie “Honey” Woods- - honeysoul.com

No one will accuse Yolanda Johnson of “taking it easy” on her first full album. It is an ambitious,
interesting project with a lot from which to choose. If you like adventurous music and are ready to go for
a ride, then give Breathing a try. Recommended. - - Howard Dukes, Soul Tracks Reviewer

Yolanda’s new album Breathing is a MUST! Her smooth soothing voice brings you to a relaxing point
and creates a memorable vibe 4DaSoul" - - Darren Scott Monroe CEO 4DaSoul.com

Sultry, soulful and funky…Yolanda’s vintage voice feels good & is a breath of fresh air - - DJ Moonbaby

"This is truly some grown folks music full of flavor and seductiveness. Yolanda's voice breathes feeling and tells a melodic story on each track. Don't sleep on the accompanying musicians on the CD either. The brass section and the percussionist add a nice touch to "On The Inside".Make sure you check Yolanda Johnson's Breathing on September 8th. I'm sure "Breathing" with prove Yolanda's stamina as she'll be around for years to come! " -- L Boogie Freshlikeberries blogspt

"With her first full length, Yolanda Johnson takes a giant leap forward delivering butter smooth vocals over some of the hottest progressive beats we've heard all year!" -NuSoul Magazine.

"Breathing reminds me again why I love this music so much." -- www.jazzandsoul.eu