Sy Johnson

Fingerstyle Wunderkind Jacob Johnson Offers Spiritually Uplifting Version Of 'Jessica,' The Dickey Betts/Allman Brothers Classic

Source: 1888 Media
June 26, 2024

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
June 24, 2024

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
January 22, 2023

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
October 6, 2022

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
January 22, 2022

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
January 5, 2022

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
January 22, 2021

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

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
November 10, 2020

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
August 5, 2020

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
August 1, 2020

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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