J.J. Johnson to Play With Jazz Band

J.J. Johnson, a world renowned jazz trombonist and composer, will perform in concert with the Harvard Jazz Band on April 20, the Office for the Arts (OFA) announced in a statement released last week.

The 72-year-old Johnson, an active force on the jazz music scene since the 1940s, will perform selections from both his earlier works and his more recent arrangements, including "Why Not Indianapolis?" and "El Camino Real."

"[Johnson] is probably the undisputed master of the jazz trombone," said Thomas S. Lee, Learning From Performers Coordinator in the OFA. "His work as a composer, arranger and musician qualifies him for the distinction of a jazz master."

Johnson's visit is made possible by the Kayden Artist in Residence program that sponsors a weekend visit by a notable jazz artist.

"We try to honor an artist who has had a long career in jazz and has contributed to the art," he said. "There aren't too many out there like J.J. He's a unique figure."

In addition to rehearsing and performing with the Jazz Band, Johnson will take part in a Learning From Performers program, which will be open to members of the band as well as some music students.

According to the OFA, Johnson is widely recognized as "the premier trombonist in jazz." His career has included stints with the Benny Carter and Count Basie Bands, and he worked on television and movie scores for such productions as "Shaft" and "The Mod Squad."

Johnson has also won several awards, including the 1992 Arts Mid-west Jazz Master Award for lifetime achievement and this year's National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award.

The Kayden honoree selection committee includes Lee, Harvard Jazz Band Director Thomas G. Everett and OFA Assistant Director Cathy McCormick.

Although the committee had considered Johnson for several years, the musician's schedule constraints prevented him from accepting the fellowship until now.

"[Johnson] has been high on our list for some time," Lee said.

The Kayden fellowship is sponsored by the Harvard Jazz Band, OFA and the Learning From Performers program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary year.

Past Kayden recipients have included Benny Carter, Slide Hampton and Illinois Jacquet.