GEORGE V JOHNSON JR, writes lyrics about complex things: personal experiences, love, history, family, home, heaven and most of all Jazz! Phrases turn, emotions connect, melodies soar. It’s a fuel that burns full-throttle, ignited by the heat of his soulful voice and the power and passion of his performance. You sing along even though you’ve never heard the tune before. George writes from a perspective of distances, of interludes between lovers and lives and the roads that lead from small towns to big cities.
Imagine listening to a seasoned jazz musician rip into a bebop solo so sizzling and smooth it makes your senses tingle. Close your eyes and play along. Try and picture the sweat bouncing off the performer like the notes that leap through the air. See if you can hear the mesmerizing melodies go up and down, bringing you through joy and sadness, taking your emotions on a sensory experience unlike any other. Now picture that musician and his beloved instrument: His voice. That's the art of vocalese, and that's what native D.C. son George V Johnson Jr. has been doing for over 40 years. Working as a performer, a D.C. Metrobus driver and a New Jersey train conductor at different times throughout his life, Johnson's latest work has taken the form of pedagogy. He has become a teacher and mentor to both aspiring and established vocalists from around the area, and most recently he has lent his years of experience and talent to American University, leading the AU jazz vocal ensemble. ~~By Ben Lozovsky
COLTRANE’S classic “Moments Notice” is a complete gas! Sanders like Coltrane, pulls and holds attention with his entrances. Bobby Hutcherson’s and Hicks solo’s are heated and models of vivid imagination. The three put forth some of the very best solo’s in the entire album. The there’s the arresting new talent introduced here on compact disc in debute - GEORGE V JOHNSON JR., whose marvelous lyrics and viocal work are truly auspicous! He sngs with James Moody on occassion and is happily remindflul of the insistent giftness of the late EDDIE JEFFERSON. Johnson’s three stanzars close with ”Relax dig the sounds of Coltrane’s Music. Coltrane fills your heart with love and harmony. Trane played with magic. Listen to the melodies and you will see momently. When you here the message of his song!”. There’s no doubt in my mind that henceforth George V Johnson sholuld and will be sought for his own gift to the music. He sang the song for Sanders at the Village Vanguard, and Sanders “felt that George ought to be heard”. Thank you, Pharoah Sanders for your spirit of sharing! Wheeeeee....what a dynamite track this is~~~~HERBIE WONG!
So much info - thanks for sharing this great page, George! And I love the photos, particularly the black & white shot of you that says "I'm a confident, accomplished artist who is living his passion!" Peace always, Jordan
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Looking forward to this Sunday Serenade come Sunday April 24th, when VTY Jazz pays their respects to trombonist Benny Powell. All of this will be going down live at the fabulous Cutting Room and just to pull your coats, their will be no squares allowed �de42. If your Hip you know the deal and where to be come Sunday April 24th. Reservations are strongly suggested, 917-882-9539. April is Jazz Appreciation month, but for the Hip, Jazz appreciation is 24/7 twelve months a year. If your not Hip you need to get Hip quick because you're missing some great music and vibes. Hope to see you live and in-person at the Cutting Room on April 24th.
The DC Jazz Festival in collaboration with the Howard University Department of Music is presenting jazz pianist Orrin Evans in a 3 day jazz residency beginning on March 15-17, 2022.
W.D.C.J.N. is one of the first American Jazz Networks to embrace the remaining truly great Jazz legends of our times and upcoming Jazz greats through today’s social media.
The W.D.C.J.N. is now internationally reaching Jazz musician, enthusiasts and aficionados, promoters, festivals of Jazz around the world. A real eye opener for people researching the history and present day development an evolution of America’s only original art form and historical legacy.
I fully endorse this institution "The Washington DC Jazz Network" and encourage anyone that is fond of Jazz to visit the Washington D.C. Jazz Network; today and become a member or make a donation to a worthy cause.
Hello George, I am proud to be a member of the Washington DC Jazz Network (WDJN).
I am able to find out what's going on in town and on the east coast
and to network with other musicians. I get a lot of my news from the emails I receive from WJN.
I also would like to thank you for supporting the Jazz
program at Howard University in Washington, DC. Keep up the great work.~~~FRED IRBY
The Howard University Jazz Ensemble will present it's Fall Concert @ Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel.
The guest soloist will be saxophonist Javon Jackson. Mr. Jackson is a veteran of the bands of Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones and Les McCann. There will also be a performance by AFRO BLUE, the award winning vocal jazz ensemble.
Critics have their purposes, and they're supposed to do what they do, but sometimes they get a little carried away with what they think someone should have done, rather than concerning themselves with what they did~~~Duke Ellington
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WATSON-JOHNSON DANCE THEATRE
Trenton New Jersey's Premiere Dance Institution
Presents
"NUTCRACKER CAFE' AU LAIT" Sat., Dec. 22, 2012 RSVP Today!
Bring the Entire Family!
Available for
Bookings & Tours
609.403.6070
Ms. Carol Artistic Director Founder Choreographer B.F.A. Howard University 1980 A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
W.D.C.J.N. is one of the first American Jazz Networks to embrace the remaining truly great Jazz legends of our times and upcoming Jazz great through today’s social media.
The W.D.C.J.N. is now internationally reaching Jazz musician, enthusiasts and aficionados, promoters, festivals of Jazz around the world. A real eye opener for people researching the history and present day development an evolution of America’s only original art form and historical legacy.
I fully endorse this institution and encourage anyone that is fond of Jazz to visit the Washington D.C. Jazz Network; today and become a member or make a donation to a worthy cause.
New York City, NY — In a heartfelt celebration of love and legacy, seasoned crooner Marc Eliot is set to captivate audiences once again with the rerelease of two timeless classics, “Speak Silently” and “One of the Good Guys.” These musical gems, adorned with poignant lyrics and Eliot’s signature vocal finesse, commemorate the dual wedding anniversaries of Marc’s parents and Marc and his wife, both couples affectionately known as “Mr. and Mrs.…
Orlando, FL — Solomon Jaye is excited to release his Premiere Single of 2024, “Sight of Love”. Jaye’s latest single drops January 26th on all streaming platforms with Spotify Pre-save available now. The first of several to come in this year, “Sight of Love” takes a deep dive into Jaye’s jazz roots and gives the listener a soulful introduction of things to come from this introspective song writer. Written and performed by Solomon Jaye and featuring the…
Delivering jazzy melodies and compelling harmonies of The Ray La\’ Mar Experience, Ray La’ Mar evokes warmth, relatability, and love through moving storytelling
Philadelphia, Pa —The Ray La’ Mar Experience transcends genres, seamlessly blending Jazz, R&B, and Rap, creating a musical fusion that captivates hearts. With a focus on love, relationships, and the complexities of life, Ray La’ Mar’s music is an eclectic amalgamation…
A genre-defying sensation, Eric Thomas is a world-class saxophonist and producer
Atlanta, GA —November 21st, 2023 – A driven and talented Miami-born saxophonist, Eric Thomas has captivated audiences with his scintillating fusion of Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, and Funk, since the release of his debut album, “Take It…
Straddling a diverse blend of music streams, Arman Ayva’s jazzy and groovy new single, “Playful Comebacks” is an expression of ingenuity
Montreal, Quebec, Canada —November 17th, 2023 – Arman Ayva’s energetic, jazzy, and groovy new release is one that defies boundaries and traditional musical conceptions, inviting listeners to a unique musical experience. Titled, “…
An artist, composer, pianist, and producer, Scarlett Deva showcases her unbridled musical prowess with a spellbinding jazz record for the ages
Toronto, ON, Canada —Having released on October 31, 2023, Scarlett Deva’s five-piece collection fuses modern jazz with classical elements, delivering a sonic experience that is both contemporary and timeless.
With the release of his mesmerizing and soulful record- “Xclusive Monogamy,” creative powerhouse Brandon Allen is gearing towards a new chapter
Round Rock, TX —November 6th, 2023 – Brandon Allen, known in the music world as Allen B, is a rising star in the Jazz and Blues genres, reshaping the music soundscape with his soulful and evocative musical styles. While still a budding presence in United States due to limited media…
Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria — “Joy to the World” a song written by a hymnist, Isaac Watts, has become one of the best Christmas carols and continues be an appealing and delightsome song during the Yuletide. With this dexterous composition by PraiseGod Music of this melody, the sweet ambience of Christmas would be…
The ultimate song of the season, “It’s Just Another Christmas Song” is a gem in the realm of holiday music, rife with rich and memorable imagery
Shirley, NY —September 14th, 2023 –Darren Fewins’ brilliant addition to the beloved holiday season takes its place amongst time-honored holiday season classics, destined to become a staple in festive playlists worldwide. Darren Fewins, a prolific artist who is known for his…
Slated for a November release, the talented artist’s newest record makes an inventive and soul-stirring use of the saxophone, magnetizing all
Atlanta, GA —October 31st, 2023 – Eric Thomas, the Miami-born saxophone player known for his genre-bending fusion of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and more, is driven to take the music scene by storm with the upcoming release of the second single from his highly anticipated…
A heartfelt and moving portrait of emotions, Steven Bundick’s latest release cements his place as an extraordinary saxophonist and vocalist
Landover, MD —October 11th, 2023 – Saxophonist and vocalist Steven B’s soul-striking latest venture is his stunning EP- “It’s Time” which forms a testament to his incomparable musical prowess. The striking EP, comprising four original tunes, offers a look into the raw and deep chasms…
New York City, NY — New York City, NY – In the wake of the recent passing of the legendary Tony Bennett, musician Marc Eliot is embarking on a heartfelt endeavor to pay tribute to the iconic singer’s legacy. Eliot has composed a poignant song titled “New York Blue,” and he is seeking renowned artists like to cover this emotionally charged composition.
“New York Blue” is a musical embodiment of the essence of New York City, capturing the bittersweet…
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GEORGE V JOHNSON JR
Happy Birthday...!!!
https://jazzonthetube.com/video/take-five/?omhide=true
Regards
Marta Graciela Bressi:)
"Liken" it. Good move.
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HELLO GEORGE****
Thanks for stopping by!
I love you
George V Johnson Jr
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