SUMMARY:
A true veteran of his craft, New Jersey native George A. Johnson is a
third-generation jazz drummer who began playing his instrument at age five.
In fact, he has studied under some of the most recognizable names in the
genre. Having established himself at age 12 in the Atlantic City music scene
of the 1960’s, he cemented himself as a talented jazz drummer studying under
greats including jazz drummer Elvin Jones (who helped him select his first
drum kit) and Art Blakey. It was this conditioning at a young age that
helped Johnson formulate his strong worth ethic and dedication to his craft.
His new album, “A Valentine’s Wish” expands upon his discipline, bringing in
new artists and sounds.
BODY:
The success of Johnson can be attributed to studying his art and having the
real-world experience necessary to excel at it. Earning a Doctorate of Arts,
his craft has led him all over the world, touring with some of the biggest
names in jazz including McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Grover Washington Jr.,
and many more. He has appeared at a host of jazz festivals including the
Mont Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Mellon Jazz Festival, and the Atlantic
City Jazz Festival among many others. Continuously perfecting his craft and
passing on his knowledge, he is a representative of Paste Cymbals and holds
drumming workshops at various locations including the Heritage Jazz Festival
and Berkley College.
His new album, “A Valentine’s Wish” features some of his most unique work to
date, bringing in violinist and multi-instrumentalist Gary Oleyer, who has
toured with rock great Kenny Loggins and Swiss organist Daniel Kostelnik.
The result is a rich and vibrant album that features an extremely textured,
captivating soundscape that incorporates traditional jazz elements alongside
an experimental sound. Both the experience of the featured musicians and
their willingness to take chances with the album’s production leads to an
experimental jazz sound that refuses to compromise or grow stale. Each track
to the next has layers that the listener can hear numerous times and still
find nuance with each subsequent listen.
Designed with purpose and to induce happiness, “A Valentine’s Wish” is
available on iTunes along with Johnson’s previous 16 albums, and will be
supported by a fall tour. For more information on George A. Johnson, visit
his website (http://www.georgeajohnsonjr1.com) and check out his YouTube channel.
A true veteran of his craft, New Jersey native George A. Johnson is a
third-generation jazz drummer who began playing his instrument at age five.
In fact, he has studied under some of the most recognizable names in the
genre. Having established himself at age 12 in the Atlantic City music scene
of the 1960’s, he cemented himself as a talented jazz drummer studying under
greats including jazz drummer Elvin Jones (who helped him select his first
drum kit) and Art Blakey. It was this conditioning at a young age that
helped Johnson formulate his strong worth ethic and dedication to his craft.
His new album, “A Valentine’s Wish” expands upon his discipline, bringing in
new artists and sounds.
BODY:
The success of Johnson can be attributed to studying his art and having the
real-world experience necessary to excel at it. Earning a Doctorate of Arts,
his craft has led him all over the world, touring with some of the biggest
names in jazz including McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Grover Washington Jr.,
and many more. He has appeared at a host of jazz festivals including the
Mont Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Mellon Jazz Festival, and the Atlantic
City Jazz Festival among many others. Continuously perfecting his craft and
passing on his knowledge, he is a representative of Paste Cymbals and holds
drumming workshops at various locations including the Heritage Jazz Festival
and Berkley College.
His new album, “A Valentine’s Wish” features some of his most unique work to
date, bringing in violinist and multi-instrumentalist Gary Oleyer, who has
toured with rock great Kenny Loggins and Swiss organist Daniel Kostelnik.
The result is a rich and vibrant album that features an extremely textured,
captivating soundscape that incorporates traditional jazz elements alongside
an experimental sound. Both the experience of the featured musicians and
their willingness to take chances with the album’s production leads to an
experimental jazz sound that refuses to compromise or grow stale. Each track
to the next has layers that the listener can hear numerous times and still
find nuance with each subsequent listen.
Designed with purpose and to induce happiness, “A Valentine’s Wish” is
available on iTunes along with Johnson’s previous 16 albums, and will be
supported by a fall tour. For more information on George A. Johnson, visit
his website (http://www.georgeajohnsonjr1.com) and check out his YouTube channel.
