J. J. Johnson

James Louis Johnson AKA J.J. Johnson (born in Indianapolis, Indiana, January 22, 1924 - February 4, 2001) was an American jazz trombonist, composer and arranger.

Related Topics:
Indianapolis, Indiana - January 22 - 1924 - February 4 - 2001 - American - Jazz - Trombonist

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Johnson played with many big-name jazz musicians, including Count Basie, Miles Davis, and Oscar Pettiford. He also recorded several popular albums with fellow trombonist Kai Winding, as well as several solo albums.

Related Topics:
Musician - Count Basie - Miles Davis - Oscar Pettiford - Album - Kai Winding

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While the trombone was featured prominently in dixieland and swing music, it fell out of favor among bebop and later jazz fusion musicians, largely because instruments with valves and keys (trumpet, saxophone) were more suited to bebop's extremely rapid notes. Johnson's work in the 1940s and 1950s defied the public's perception that the slide trombone could not keep up with bebop. Trombone player Bob Brookmeyer even said of him he was the "Charlie Parker of his instrument". He played with exceptional precision and had a clear, smooth, cutting tone. He was arguably the most prominent – and proficient – bebop trombonist.

Related Topics:
Dixieland - Swing music - Bebop - Jazz fusion - Trumpet - Saxophone - Bob Brookmeyer - Charlie Parker

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His recording career was spotty, as he had periodic drug problems that resulted in suspensions of his cabaret card. At one point, he quit playing altogether to become a blueprint inspector; and other point, he renounced trombone playing to focus on film and television composing. In the 1970s, Johnson won year after year as Down Beat's "trombonist's of the year"- despite not being active for most of the decade!

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He is now seen as one of the greatest trombonists of the post-swing era.

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