All I See - Molly Johnson
A Bold and Soulful New Era for Canada’s Jazz Queen
Canada’s jazz royalty, Molly Johnson, is back with a fresh single—All I See. Featuring the multi-talented, genre-bending artist CUBE, the track offers a modern take on soul and jazz, showcasing Johnson’s ability to evolve with the times while staying true to her roots. The single, produced by CUBE and John “Beetle” Bailey, also features Johnson’s longtime trio—Davide Di Renzo on drums, Mike Downes on bass, and Robi Botos on piano—creating a vibrant soundscape. CUBE adds his own distinctive touch with a dash of smooth background vocals, creating the perfect fusion of classic jazz with contemporary neo-soul.
What does a 66-year-old woman and a 20-year-old kid have in common? A real love of great music,” Johnson says, and that love shines through in every note. Molly’s wisdom and CUBE’s fresh energy merge effortlessly, creating an unforgettable sound. Johnson’s long-time trio—Davide Di Renzo on drums, Mike Downes on bass, and Robi Botos on piano—bring the track to life, while CUBE adds his own flavor with smooth background vocals.
For CUBE, the track represents a blending of two eras of musical influence as “All I See” bridges the gap between classic jazz and modern soul, a theme that’s reflected in their creative process. “Molly is open, curious, and effortlessly cool,” CUBE notes. “All I See” marks Johnson’s first new music of 2025 and offers a taste of the direction her music is taking in this exciting new era.
Molly Johnson’s musical journey is a fascinating one, starting as a child star in Toronto in the 1960s, she went on to lead punk-rock bands Alta Moda and Infidel before finding her calling as a jazz vocalist. She made history by becoming the first female vocalist to sell out a show at the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival. She has also performed for such legends as Prince Charles and Princess Diana aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, and for Nelson Mandela and Quincy Jones.
In addition to her musical achievements, Johnson has long been a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Kumbaya Festival in 1993, which raised millions for AIDS hospices and those living with AIDS in Canada. This initiative was pivotal in the creation of Casey House, Toronto’s first specialized HIV/AIDS hospice. Beyond her own music, Johnson’s commitment to the arts and community is evident in her role as founding artistic director of the Kensington Market Jazz Festival in Toronto, an event she shaped to reflect the cultural richness of the local music scene.
With All I See already making waves, Johnson’s fans can look forward to even more new music and exciting projects ahead. Among them is The Black History Project: Canada—an ambitious initiative aimed at updating the historical narrative to better include the contributions of Black Canadians, particularly regarding the Underground Railroad.
Stay tuned for what’s sure to be another unforgettable chapter in the life and career of one of Canada’s most iconic voices.
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