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Janice "Ms. JJ" Johnson
Louisiana’s Best Kept Secret, Ms. “JJ” Johnson, borne Janice Harriet Johnson, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She is an aunt and mother to Derrick, 25 and D’Andre, 15. In addition to being a single parent, “Ms. JJ” is also a singer/entertainer. She credits her vocal talents to God the Father. Growing up in Wesley she sang in both the children and youth choir where she was happy being in the background. In 1974, she entered the Air Force and was voted unanimously by her follow airman as “song leader”. As song leader she called out and lead musical cadence during marching formations, keeping her fellow airmen in step. In 1975 she became a member of Kinchloe Air Force Base’s “Inspirations Gospel Choir” (IGC). IGC comprised both military and dependent member who got together and fellowshipped in song; later in 1976 IGC was by the Strategic Air Command as the base 1976 Bicentennial Choir. When the lead vocalist retired, Ms. “JJ” was selected as lead vocalist. Her peers later insisted she tryout for the Air Force Tops In Blue Showcase. Still not comfortable as a lead vocalist she took on the challenge and won 1st place in her performance of Phyllis Hyman’s “Somewhere In My Lifetime” in the female vocalist category at base level . She represented her base at command level and in 1979 she was select to tour with Tops In Blue. As a member of Tops In Blue, she evolved from a novice to a professional entertainer traveling seventy-five percent of the United States within 4 month entertaining thousand of military members and their families. She did not stop there; upon an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Ms. “JJ” became a member of the Baton Rouge Community Choir and Playhouse and is one of the original cast members of Dr. Valerian Smith’s musical “Supper”. She later was featured on Big Bo Melvin and Nighthawks album. She was selected to sing the National Anthem two years consecutively for Military Appreciation Night in Kansas City for the Kansas City Royals; as well as for special military ceremonies within her Reserve and Air National Guard Unit. While living in New Orleans, “Ms. JJ” freelanced with various New Orleans bands such as Ernie Vincent Jazz & Blues Band, Robert Robinson and Touch Fire who opened for the Neville Brothers at the 1991 Jazz Festival, blues singer, Marva Wright at the Po-Boy Blues Festival and numerous balls.
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Fingerstyle Wunderkind Jacob Johnson Offers Spiritually Uplifting Version Of 'Jessica,' The Dickey Betts/Allman Brothers Classic
Source:
1888 Media
Rising virtuoso Jacob Johnson has announced the June 21 release of his soul-affirming, spiritually-uplifting version of “Jessica,” the iconic, transcendent Allman Brothers classic. Penned by late ABB guitarist Dickey Betts, along with contributions from guitarist Les Dudek, the original composition was named after Betts’ 1-year old daughter who crawled into the room while the song was being workshopped. Released in August 1973 as a part of the album, Brothers and Sisters, the 7-1/2 minute instrumental debuted on the Billboard Hot ...
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Nick Finzer: A Celebartion of J.J. Johnson
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
J.J. Johnson was one of the most admired jazz trombonists of the post-war years. In addition to playing with a superb technique and tone, he brought a certain elegant soul to the instrument as a solo artist. Johnson began recording in 1942 with the Benny Carter Orchestra, and then had a stint with Count Basie in 1945 and early 1946. Later that year, in Juje, he led his own bebop quintet for Savoy Records. Known then as Jay Jay Johnson's ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: J.J. Johnson
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating J.J. Johnson's birthday today!
Considered by many to be the finest jazz trombonist of all time, J.J. Johnson somehow transferred the innovations of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to his more awkward instrument, playing with such speed and deceptive ease that at one time some listeners assumed he was playing valve (rather than slide) trombone! Johnson toured with the territory bands of Clarence Love and Snookum Russell during 1941-42 and then spent 1942-45 with Benny ...
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Eliane Elias & Marc Johnson: Lost Bill Evans Song
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
Days before Bill Evans's death on September 15, 1980, the pianist handed his bassist, Marc Johnson, a cassette tape. On the tape was a previously unperformed original by Evans called Here Is Something for You. In 2007, Eliane Elias and her partner, Marc Johnson, performed the song on video, which is up at YouTube. As you'll see, they clearly share a deep love for Evans. Marc, of course, was the last Bill Evans Trio bassist. Eliane has always had a ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: J.J. Johnson
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating J.J. Johnson's birthday today!
Considered by many to be the finest jazz trombonist of all time, J.J. Johnson somehow transferred the innovations of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to his more awkward instrument, playing with such speed and deceptive ease that at one time some listeners assumed he was playing valve (rather than slide) trombone! Johnson toured with the territory bands of Clarence Love and Snookum Russell during 1941-42 and then spent 1942-45 with Benny ...
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Downtown's Premier Jazz Club, The Django, Announces Line-up For February Including La Reserve Records Anniversary, Calvin Johnson CD Release, Mingus Festival And More
Source:
AMT Public Relations
The Django, downtown Manhattan’s premier jazz club, continues to host today’s jazz legends and rising stars. On February 3, The Django celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Brooklyn-based record label, La Reserve, with special performances by the label’s artists. Two enchanting female vocalists celebrate Valentine’s Day 2/14 in back-to-back concerts: Martina DaSilvafollowed by Lauren Henderson. For the 14th year, the Charles Mingus Festival and High School Competition hosts the most important event in jazz education today (2/19-20). The Django’s weekly ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: J.J. Johnson
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating J.J. Johnson's birthday today!
Considered by many to be the finest jazz trombonist of all time, J.J. Johnson somehow transferred the innovations of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to his more awkward instrument, playing with such speed and deceptive ease that at one time some listeners assumed he was playing valve (rather than slide) trombone! Johnson toured with the territory bands of Clarence Love and Snookum Russell during 1941-42 and then spent 1942-45 with Benny ...
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Buddy & Ella Johnson: Walk 'Em
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JazzWax by Marc Myers
Back in the early 1950s, R&B was still largely unknown by white radio listeners and record buyers. Marketed to adults in Black urban neighborhoods on jukeboxes in corner bars and clubs, R&B's dance beat picked up where swing left off and modern jazz began. Swing dancing faded after World War II as marriage rates climbed. Many swing bands also cut back on touring in the late '40s due to fewer clubs thanks to higher taxes on venues that allowed dancing. ...
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J.J. Johnson and Bobby Jaspar
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
Tropical storm Isaias blew into New York around 11 a.m. yesterday, whipped things around and split at about 3 p.m. When it did, the sun came out and the 35-mph gusts began, cooling things off a bit. For some reason, I craved J.J. Johnson and his distinct, muffled trombone sound. The albums I turned to were the three he made with the Belgian woodwind player Bobby Jaspar. On J Is for Jazz (1956), Dial J.J. 5 (1957) and Live at ...
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All About Jazz Columnist Discusses Kids For Coltrane On Podcast With Economist Rob Johnson
Source:
Christine Passarella
Host Rob Johnson talks to educator Christine Passarella about her program Kids for Coltrane, and the educational value of the jazz great, John Coltrane. (scroll down to listen) About Christine Passarella and Kids for Coltrane Christine Turturro Termini Passarella is an educator and founder of Kids for Coltrane. Her work focuses on jazz to teach children about American history, equality, character education, and the arts. The program helps develop a foundation for children which they take with them throughout their ...
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