RIP Howard Johnson (Jazz Tubaist)

[humprof]

Died yesterday at age 79. Led his own bands and played with Mingus, Gil Evans, Charlie Haden, Carla Bley, Jack DeJohnette, Jaco Pastorius . . . the list goes on. Also led the SNL band and backed up Taj Mahal, The Band, and even John Lennon (Walls and Bridges).

Tuba Virtuoso Howard Johnson Dies At 79

Howard Johnson, an American jazz musician known for his mastery of tuba and baritone saxophone, has died at age 79. NPR remembers his life and legacy.

www.npr.org

 

[Quad Linda]

RIP

Enjoyed his work.

 

[esimms86]

Saw him and his amazing tuba ensemble playing with Taj Mahal at the Fillmore East. Best horn arrangements I’ve ever heard in that context, up there with Allen Toussaint’s amazing syncopated charts on The Band’s “Rock Of Ages” recording. Will have to queue up Taj and Howard’s “The Real Thing” tomorrow. RIP Howard Johnson.

 

[hobie1dog]

I've only heard one song of his that was at a live recording and I have no idea where it was done or what the name of the album was but it was a great one.

 

[humprof]

Giovanni Russonello's excellent Times obit led me to an interesting YouTube series, Liner Note Legends:

Only eight episodes, unfortunately. (The others are on Bernie Worrell, Steve Gadd, Charlie McCoy, Bobbye Hall, Charlie Hormel, Frank Simms, and James Gadson.)

 

[humprof]

Terry Gross's 1984 Fresh Air interview:

Remembering Jazz Tuba Player Howard Johnson

In the 1960s and '70s, Johnson, who died Jan. 11, played on recordings by Charles Mingus, McCoy Tyner and Carla Bley. He also led his own ensembles, including Gravity. Originally broadcast in 1984.

www.npr.org