Articles

Take Five With Aaron J Johnson

By AAJ Staff

Meet Aaron J Johnson: Born in Washington, D.C. Johnson studied piano and drums before taking up the trombone at age 12. While in high school, Aaron frequently performed with area funk bands. He also conducted and arranged for student ensembles under the direction of noted trumpeter Peter D. Ford. It was Ford who gave the budding young talent his first professional gigs and introduced him to Ellington alumni, bandleader and alto saxophonist Rick Henderson.

Although pursing a degree in electrical ...

Aaron J. Johnson: Songs of Our Fathers

By Woodrow Wilkins

Aaron J. Johnson serves as a reminder that the trombone is still a relevant member of the jazz family of instruments. In addition to being well-suited to larger ensembles, it can be a powerful lead instrument as well. A Washington, D.C. native, Johnson studied piano and drums before turning to the trombone. He performed with area funk bands and later became a member of the University of Pittsburgh Jazz Ensemble. Since then, he has worked alongside such artists ...