Born: July 8, 1965 Primary Instrument: Trumpet
Brooklyn based trumpeter Russ Johnson is an active performer in the jazz, improvised, and contemporary classical music scenes throughout the U.S. and abroad. In addition to leading his own groups, and co-leading The Other Quartet and New Math, Russ is currently touring as a member of Lee Konitz' new nonet and the Steve Swallow/Ohad Talmor “L'Histoire du Clochard” sextet. In addition, Russ has performed with a long list of musical heavyweights including; Kenny Wheeler, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano, Richie Beirach, Mark Ribot, Charles Earland, David Liebman, Joe Maneri, The Jazz Passengers, Oliver Lake, Myra Melford, Anthony Davis, Mick Rossi, Elvis Costello, Debbie Harry, Michael Bublé, Curtis Fowlkes, Roy Nathanson, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Brian Blade, Dick Oatts, Aretha Franklin, Tony Malaby, Jenny Scheinman, and Mat Maneri.
Russ is also active as an educator/clinician, having taught at colleges and universities across the U.S. and in Europe. He is currently teaching at The Center for Preparatory Studies in Music (CPSM) at Queens College, and is a member of the faculty at the Maine Jazz Camp.
His new recording, Save Big has recently been released on the OmniTone label to enthusiastic reviews. It is available online at OmniTone and amazon.com, as well as at Tower Records and other jazz outlets.
Russ Johnson is an Endorsing Artist for New York Trumpet Company, and plays NYTC by Possegger Bb trumpet exclusively.
DISCOGRAPHY:
As a leader or co-leader:
Russ Johnson Quartet: Save Big (OmniTone) The Other Quartet: Sound Stains (Knitting Factory) The Other Quartet: 13 Pieces (Knitting Factory) Russ Johnson/Mick Rossi: New Math (ToneScience)
As a sideman:
Steve Swallow/Ohad Talmor 6tet: L'histoire du Clochard (The Bum's Tale) (Palmetto) Jenny Scheinman: The Rabbi's Lover (Tzadik Records) Jenny Scheinman: Shalagaster (Tzadik) Deidre Rodman: Simple Stories (Sunnyside) Deidre Rodman: Sun Is Us (Sunnyside) Mick Rossi: One Block from Planet Earth (OmniTone) Curtis Fowlkes: Reflect (Knitting Factory) Christof Knoche: Line Zero (OmniTone) Kris Davis: Lifespan (Fresh Sounds New Talent) Don Peretz: Foremen (Fresh Sound New Talent) New Talent Jazz Orchestra: The Sound of New York Jazz Underground (Fresh Sound New Talent) Roy Nathanson (featuring Elvis Costello & Debbie Harry): Fire at Keaton's Bar & Grill (Six Degrees) Nicolas Masson: Awake (Altrisuoni) Johnnie Valentino: Eight Shorts in Search of David Lynch (ToneScience)
