Articles by Ellen Johnson

Jazz in Long Form

Jazz Beyond Borders: Embracing Online Performances

by Ellen Johnson
September 18, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic forced musicians and venues to adapt, giving rise to innovative alternatives for their survival. One of the most transformative solutions was the advent of live streaming concerts and club dates, allowing people to enjoy jazz performances from the comfort of their homes. As the pandemic's limitations persisted, this concept gained traction, offering audiences numerous advantages. While there's no substitute for the magic of live music, the option to experience these concerts and club dates online, thanks to ...

Jazz in Long Form

The Vocal Music of Charles Mingus, Part 2

by Ellen Johnson
June 19, 2023

Part 1 | Part 2 Early Years: 1945 to 1953 Charles Mingus demonstrated his prowess as a songwriter even in the early stages of his career. Surprisingly, he started writing songs as early as 1945, a fact that often goes unnoticed. This collection of early vocal compositions includes titles such as “The Texas Hop" (1945), “Baby, Take a Chance with Me" (1945), “Ain't Jivin' Blues" (1946), “Weird Nightmare" (1946), “Pacific Coast Blues" (1948), “Boppin' in Boston" (1949), “I've ...

Jazz in Long Form

The Vocal Music of Charles Mingus

by Ellen Johnson
April 17, 2023

Part 1 | Part 2 Part ICharles Mingus is not typically the first name that comes to mind when discussing jazz vocal repertoire, but perhaps it should be. Since the 1940s, Mingus wrote songs in collaboration with other musicians and even penned his own lyrics. His oeuvre encompasses popular songs of the era as well as intricate vocal compositions that rival those of his self-proclaimed mentor, Duke Ellington. Despite their artistic merit, only a few of these pieces ...