I have been listening to Randy Johnson quite a lot lately, so I figured it was time to feature him again. (’cause I like this guy). I managed to catch him live last year at John Pisano’s Guitar Night and he was sensational. Randy’s command of the instrument is flawless and his playing superb. He is also a very unassuming and likable person, and we have corresponded somewhat since his stop in Los Angeles.
I have 3 of his CDs, Hit and Run, Detour Ahead, and Somewhere in the Night. All of them are very good. His latest CD, Hit and Run is well worth picking up. From the first tune ‘Down Time’ (a nice casual swing tempo tune) to the title cut ‘Hit and Run’, (a burnin’ up tempo number), to the beautifully played ballad ‘When I fall in love’, this CD is a joy to listen to and captures Randy Johnston at his very best. Randy finishes out the CD more groove tunes and standards, each one a gem.
I am presenting his website bio below, and you can find sound clips and most of his CDs on his website. It appears that his newest CD isn’t listed yet, however you can hear sound clips of Hit and Run and buy it at Amazon.com.
Online Bio
Electric Blues Meets Bebop: An exciting convergence of sounds that has made Randy Johnston one of the hottest jazz guitarists both in the United States and abroad.
April 2000 marked the release of “Homage”, Randy’s sixth recording as a leader and his second for J.Curve Records. His prior five CD’s “Riding the Curve”, “Somewhere In the Night”, “In -A-Chord”, “Jubilation” and “Walk On” have all achieved critical and commercial acclaim on an international basis. Johnston’s recordings have throughout the years featured and impressive array of sidemen including Joey Defrancesco, Kenny Washington, Benny Green, Nick Brignola, Eric Alexander, Idris Muhammad, and the legendary Johnny Griffin among others. These albums feature both original material and compositions drawn from the great American songbook as well as new interpretations of the classic jazz repertoire.
Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1956, Randy Johnston moved ot Richmond, Virginia when he was thirteen years old. Since arriving in New York after attending the University of Miami in the late 1970’s and early 1908’s, he has performed and recorded with such jazz notables as Lou Donaldson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Houston Person, Etta Jones, Lionel Hampton, Brother Jack McDuff, Warne Marsh, Lee Konitz, Joey Defrancesco, Tom Harrell, Irene Reid and Rashid Ali. Randy has toured the world concertizing many times including stints in Europe, Africa and Asia.
Randy’s website with sound and media clips:
Doc Dosco is a jazz guitarist, composer and audio consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. His website is located at docdosco.com, where you can find more information on the ‘What’s Hot with Jazz Guitar’ columns, audio clips of Doc’s playing, and many additional features. Doc endorse Heritage Guitars and is a featured artist on their website. He also endorses the new Pignose Valve Tube Amps — great for jazz (and anything else!)