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Hey Family, Check out our interview with Master of the Art of Jazz Vocalese, "Your Majesty," George V Johnson. Another great in interview!
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the Master of the Art of Jazz Vocalese, "Your Majesty," Mr. George V. Johnson. In Part 1 of our 2 Part interview, George shares with us his early beginnings coming up in Washington D.C during a time of racial segregation and how the music that surrounded him impacted him as a child. This self taught artists shares intimate details of his relationship with two of his major musical mentors, jazz greats John Malachi and Eddie Jefferson, as well as his close associations with the likes of saxophonists James Moody, Lou Donaldson, Benny Golson, and Pharoah Sanders. He also goes deep into explaining the Art of Jazz Vocalese, its history, how he cultivated the craft, and more.
"Your Majesty," George V Johnson Jr, named Heir Apparent - "Next In Line" by the late Eddie Jefferson, "Father of the Art of Jazz Vocalese", career spans over 40 years.
Johnson is a Master of the Art of Jazz Vocalese. This lyricist, actor, playwright, producer, promoter, composer and contributing editor was born in Washington DC on December 20 1950. He graduated from Spingarn High School in 1968, also attended Prince George's Community College and Howard University School of Fine Arts. CEO and Founder of the Washington DC Jazz Network. www.washingtondcjazznetwork.ning.com
Johnson's career began at the jazz club owned by Bill & Fanny Harris called PIGFOOT. At the workshops he was mentored by John Malachi and later Shirley Horn. His career spas over 40 years. After 3 years of close guidance and mentorship in 1977 he was named heir apparent and Next In LIne by the Father of Vocalese Eddie Jefferson, He has shared the stage with many jazz griants including James Moody, Lou Donaldson, Dizzy Gillespie, Wallace Roney, Bobby Watson, Benny Golson, Rodney Whitaker, CD Next In LIne featuring Herman Foster & Arnold Sterling, Jimmy Heath, Buck Hill, Marcus Belgrave, Cliff Monear and more...
George was privileged to make his recording debut with the legendary Pharoah Sanders on the LP "Rejoice" in 1981 featuring original lyrics to John Coltrane's Classic Moments Notice. Since retiring from New Jersey Transit Rail as a train conductor several years ago Johnson's career is on the move. Washington City Paper 2016 Best Vocalist of the Year. His recent tours and performances include 2017 Detroit Jazz Festival "Hank's Symphony", Steinway Jazz Cafe * Chicago Jazz Showcase, Denmark, Israel, Parma Italy, Atlanta, North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Jazz Mobile New York, Philadelphia, Montenegro with Madeinnyintl Jazz All-Stars performance for President Filip Vujanovic, Charlie Parker Celebration * Blue Room American Jazz Museum and the DC Jazz Festival at the National Gallery of the Art Sculpture Gardens entertaining more than 16,000 fans. He has produced "MONK" starring 5 time Adelco Award winning Actor Rome Neal @ Blair Mansions, Black Angels Over Tuskegee by Layon Gray @ Navy Memorial Museum, TUNISIA by Smokey Stevens and more..
In 2003, George V Johnson Jr. was commissioned by Don Sickler of Second Floor Music to pen lyrics to the music of jazz legend and saxophonist, Hank Mobley. Since taking on the project Johnson has skillfully, completed over 40 of Mobley’s classic compositions and still counting. Some with complete solo’s. Critics are already saying this is one of the most important and extensive projects to be presented to the public from the jazz vocalese realm in many, many years. With Jazz Vocalese, still in a state of infancy.
GEORGE V JOHNSON JR., whose marvelous lyrics and vocal work are truly auspicious! He sings with James Moody on occasion and is happily remindful of the insistent giftedness of the late EDDIE JEFFERSON. Johnson’s three stanzas close with ”Relax dig the sounds of Coltrane’s Music. Coltran
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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.
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