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Dick Johnson

Dick Johnson, perhaps best known for his long stint as frontman for the Artie Shaw Orchestra. Born and grew up in the Brockton, Mass area as part of a musical family. He got his professional start as a musician during a stint with the U.S. Navy in 1944-1946. Johnson served with the navy band on the USS Pasadena during WWII. He often credited his stint in the Navy for kicking off his career in jazz. After the war, Johnson toured with the big bands of Charlie Spivak and Buddy Morrow. Eventually, after several years on the road, he settled in his hometown of Brockton, Mass. It was there in Brockton where he and close friend, Lou Colombo formed a jazz sextet. The group lasted 10 years, but the friendship and musical kinship lasted for the rest of his life. Johnson formed his septet


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300
Album Review

Dick Johnson: Star Dust & Beyond

Read "Star Dust & Beyond" reviewed by Jack Bowers


In 1983, when the “new Artie Shaw Orchestra was formed (Shaw had been out of the music business for nearly three decades), Boston-based clarinetist Dick Johnson was chosen to lead the band, which he has done to this day. After Shaw died in December of 2004, Johnson decided to record a tribute to his long-time friend and musical inspiration, but he vowed that it would be more than a sweet and sentimental stroll down memory lane.

Johnson put together a ...

263
Album Review

Dick Johnson & Lou Columbo: Artie's Choice! And The Naturals

Read "Artie's Choice! And The Naturals" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


Multi-reed specialist Dick Johnson, who recorded for EmArcy and Riverside during the 1950s, is one of the most respected clarinetists today. He has been leading the Artie Shaw Orchestra for the past 22 years, with the blessings of Shaw himself. In 1980 Shaw wrote, “...You wanted to know what I think of Dick Johnson's clarinet playing. Okay. As of this time, He's the best that I've ever heard. Bar nobody. And you can quote me on that, anywhere, anytime!"

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Recording

Star Dust & Beyond: A Tribute to Artie Shaw featuring Dick Johnson

Star Dust & Beyond: A Tribute to Artie Shaw featuring Dick Johnson

Source: All About Jazz

Recorded and released in 2006, this 18-piece Big Band features Dick Johnson on clarinet. Dick has been the leader of The Artie Shaw Orchestra since 1983, and this recording is his tribute to Artie. The CD showcases beautiful new arrangements by Grammy-Winning Robert Freedman and Jay Brandford.

LISTEN to audio clips and purchase CD's at www.SomerledCharitableFoundation.org

Clarinet - Dick Johnson

Saxes - Dave Chapman, Sil D'Urbano, Matt Koza, Ed Harlow, Wendy Macdonald

Trombones - Doug Elliott, Chris Oberholtzer, Chris Dempsey, ...

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