Ellen Johnson

Ellen Johnson’s devotion to the jazz world spans more than 35 years as a professional jazz recording artist, educator, songwriter, lyricist, author, and publicist. Johnson has performed, recorded and studied with many exceptional musicians including; Charles McPherson, Louie Bellson, Bobby McFerrin, Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, Don Braden, Willie Pickens, Roy McCurdy, John Clayton and John Collins. Johnson’s performances have been described as “superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality” by Jazz Journal International and her past recording project These Days, (that featured a duet with jazz icon Sheila Jordan), was called by All About Jazz, a “sophisticated and successful album that raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch.” Johnson recently completed the biography Jazz Child: Portrait of Sheila Jordan in September 2014 by Rowman and Littlefield. She has published lyrics to both Sonny Rollins and Charles Mingus compositions along with other collaborations and compositions of her own. Her soon to be released fifth solo CD project, Form & formless, centers around free jazz improvisations and features guitarists John Stowell and Larry Koonse. Through her own company, Vocal Visions, Johnson promotes and produces jazz recordings and music instructional products including, The Warm Up CD, Vocal Builders and You Sing Jazz. Johnson holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from San Diego State University, BM in Vocal Performance from the American Conservatory of Music, and further studies at the University of Humanistic Studies, UCLA Extension courses in the Music Business Certificate Program

Tags

Live Review

Ellen Johnson Live At Enzo's Jazz, NYC

Album Review

These Days by Ernest Barteldes
These Days by Michael P. Gladstone

Ellen Johnson's These Days is one of the best albums to be heard from a no- nonsense jazz singer in the past year; she and her recording are worthy of serious consideration for placement in the 2007 DownBeat Critics Poll”. -Frank-John Hadley, Longtime DownBeat writer, etc.

“As “These Days” proceeds the soul of Ellen Johnson emerges, and she leaves no doubt about the wide range of her talents. In addition, the album reminds us of the fresh ideas, impressive technique and passion for the music that Ellen Johnson offers listeners. “These Days” is a true delight

Primary Instrument

Voice / vocals

Location

Sacramento

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

M.M. Vocal Performance San Diego State University B.M. Vocal Performance American Conservatory of Music (Chicago, IL) Past experience: Professor and Instructor at the following schools - California Jazz Conservatory/Jazzschool, California Polytechnic University, University of San Diego, Southwestern College, Cerritos College Master classes and workshops: UCLA, USC. CSU Northridge, Bradley University, San Diego State University, NATS Conference, IAJE, Portland State University, CSU Long Beach, Presentations/Papers: 12th International Jazz Research Conference Graz -Jazz Voices, Institute for Jazz Research, University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz Published: Jazz Child: A Portrait of Sheila Jordan (Rowman & Littlefield) The Vocal Warm Up You Sing Jazz Vocal Builders Go to www.ellenjohnson.net for more information