Jazz Articles

Ellen Johnson: These Days

by Ernest Barteldes
October 10, 2007

Chicago-raised vocalist and educator Ellen Johnson emerges with a disc that explores her vast range and improvisational technique without attempting to sound pretentious, an all-too-common trait among jazz vocalists. This is evident throughout These Days, but most specifically on bassist Darek Oleszkiewicz' bossa nova-tinged “Inspiration, a wordless tune which features Brazilian percussionist Ana Gazzola on shakers and guitarist Larry Koonse; Johnson sings the melody with incredible softness, going even softer during the guitarist's accomplished solo for a unique backdrop.

Ellen Johnson: These Days

by Michael P. Gladstone
October 7, 2006

Despite a terrific press reception to her work, jazz singer Ellen Johnson unfortunately is not the household word she should be. She has previously recorded two albums, Too Good To Title (1993) and Chinchilla Serenade (1997); These Days is her third.

Ellen Johnson, originally a Chicagoan, now lives and works in San Diego as an musician and educator. She teaches as part of the voice faculties of the University of San Diego and the Old Globe Theatre. Since ...