Howard Johnson: The Baritone Saxophone Master Who Redefined Low Brass in Jazz
Executive Summary
Howard Johnson was an American jazz musician best known for his mastery of the baritone saxophone and tuba. Born on August 7, 1941, in Montgomery, Alabama, Johnson became a pioneering figure who expanded the role of low brass and woodwind instruments in jazz. He was highly skilled on the baritone saxophone, tuba, bass clarinet, and trumpet. Over a remarkable career spanning six decades, Johnson worked with numerous jazz legends, including Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, and Hank Crawford. He was widely celebrated for his bold baritone saxophone playing and for leading the innovative tuba ensemble Gravity. His arrangements and performances broke traditional boundaries in jazz, and he became a symbol of versatility and creativity on the baritone saxophone. Johnson passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians.
Keywords: Howard Johnson, baritone saxophone, tuba, bass clarinet, trumpet, jazz, jazz improvisation, jazz history, jazz innovation, jazz composition, jazz fusion, jazz arranging, jazz ensembles, jazz orchestration, jazz performance, low brass, spiritual jazz, jazz collaborations, jazz recordings, jazz legacy, saxophonists, brass instruments, woodwind instruments, jazz education, jazz albums
Credits
Mistral, ChatGPT, and Wikipedia were the research assistants that I used to do the research for this article. Mistral is an open-source large language model (LLM) that you can run locally. ChatGPT is an online platform that gives you access to several of OpenAI's remote large language models. Wikipedia is the world's largest and best open-source online encyclopedia.
Introduction to Howard Johnson
Howard Johnson was born on August 7, 1941, in Montgomery, Alabama, and raised in Massillon, Ohio. A self-taught musician, he began playing baritone saxophone and tuba during high school. After graduating in 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy before relocating to Boston, where he lived with drummer Tony Williams' family. Johnson later moved to Chicago and then to New York City, where he became embedded in the city’s thriving jazz scene. His ability to play both traditional and unconventional jazz instruments soon made him a highly sought-after musician.
Musical Journey
Johnson’s career officially took off in the 1960s, performing with legendary jazz artists such as Charles Mingus, Hank Crawford, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and Archie Shepp. He began a significant and long-lasting collaboration with arranger Gil Evans in 1966, contributing to many of Evans' recordings and live performances. Johnson also worked with artists across diverse genres, including The Band, John Lennon, Muddy Waters, and Taj Mahal. In the 1970s, he became the conductor of the Saturday Night Live Band, where he showcased his versatility on both tuba and saxophone. Johnson’s work with his innovative tuba ensemble Gravity pushed the boundaries of what was traditionally expected from low brass instruments.
Innovations and Contributions
Howard Johnson was a pioneering force in expanding the use of low brass and baritone saxophone in jazz. He demonstrated that these instruments could serve as both melodic and harmonic voices, capable of rich solos and complex ensemble work. His band Gravity was one of the few ensembles composed primarily of tubas and low brass instruments, challenging preconceived notions about their limitations. Johnson also contributed groundbreaking horn arrangements for artists such as Taj Mahal and Levon Helm. His debut album Arrival: A Pharoah Sanders Tribute showcased his deep appreciation for spiritual jazz and featured his talents as a composer, arranger, and performer.
Collaborations and Influence
Throughout his career, Johnson collaborated with some of the most celebrated names in jazz and popular music. His partnerships included work with Gil Evans, Charles Mingus, Carla Bley, and Archie Shepp. He also performed on major projects with artists like Jaco Pastorius, John Lennon, and Muddy Waters. Johnson’s horn arrangements were featured on albums by The Band, Taj Mahal, and Pharoah Sanders, among many others. His influence extended well beyond the jazz world, and he inspired countless musicians to explore the creative possibilities of baritone saxophone and low brass instruments in both traditional and experimental contexts.
Personal Life
Howard Johnson was a dedicated family man with two children, David and Nedra. David, an actor, passed away in 2009, while Nedra became a blues singer and musician. Known for his generous spirit and commitment to music education, Johnson also made appearances on Sesame Street alongside James Taylor, bringing jazz into the mainstream consciousness of younger audiences. Despite the challenges of balancing his personal and professional life, Johnson remained an active musician until his passing on January 11, 2021, at the age of 79 in New York City.
Legacy and Future Impact
Howard Johnson’s legacy is firmly cemented in jazz history. He transformed the perception of the baritone saxophone and low brass instruments, proving they could be dynamic lead voices in jazz and other genres. His work as a sideman, leader, and educator continues to inspire musicians worldwide. Johnson’s pioneering contributions helped pave the way for future generations of baritone saxophonists and jazz innovators. His recordings, particularly with Gravity and Gil Evans, remain influential, and his impact on jazz orchestration and arrangement is still widely studied and celebrated.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Howard Johnson was a groundbreaking musician whose visionary approach elevated the baritone saxophone and tuba to new heights in the world of jazz. His technical mastery, innovative spirit, and collaborative work across genres reshaped the landscape of jazz instrumentation. Johnson’s contributions as a performer, composer, and arranger have left an indelible mark on jazz history. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder that with imagination and dedication, even the deepest-toned instruments can take center stage in the world of music.
Mind Map
Howard Johnson: The Baritone Saxophone Master Who Redefined Low Brass in Jazz
│
├── Executive Summary
│ ├── Jazz musician known for baritone saxophone and tuba
│ ├── Expanded role of low brass in jazz
│ ├── Collaborated with Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, Hank Crawford
│ ├── Leader of tuba ensemble Gravity
│ └── Legacy as a boundary-breaking musician
│
├── Credits
│ ├── Mistral
│ ├── ChatGPT
│ └── Wikipedia
│
├── Introduction to Howard Johnson
│ ├── Born 1941, Montgomery, Alabama
│ ├── Raised in Massillon, Ohio
│ ├── Self-taught musician: baritone saxophone and tuba
│ ├── U.S. Navy service
│ ├── Lived in Boston, Chicago, New York City
│ └── Known for versatility and skill on low brass and woodwinds
│
├── Musical Journey
│ ├── Began in 1960s
│ ├── Played with Charles Mingus, Hank Crawford, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Archie Shepp
│ ├── Long-term collaboration with Gil Evans
│ ├── Worked with The Band, John Lennon, Muddy Waters, Taj Mahal
│ ├── Conductor of Saturday Night Live Band
│ └── Leader of Gravity ensemble
│
├── Innovations and Contributions
│ ├── Expanded use of baritone saxophone and tuba in jazz
│ ├── Pioneered melodic and harmonic roles for low brass
│ ├── Leader of tuba-based ensemble Gravity
│ ├── Horn arrangements for Taj Mahal, Levon Helm
│ └── Notable album: Arrival: A Pharoah Sanders Tribute
│
├── Collaborations and Influence
│ ├── Worked with Gil Evans, Charles Mingus, Carla Bley, Archie Shepp
│ ├── Collaborations with Jaco Pastorius, John Lennon, Muddy Waters
│ ├── Arranger for The Band, Taj Mahal, Pharoah Sanders
│ └── Influenced musicians exploring baritone sax and low brass
│
├── Personal Life
│ ├── Two children: David (actor, deceased) and Nedra (musician)
│ ├── Appeared on Sesame Street with James Taylor
│ └── Active musician until death in 2021
│
├── Legacy and Future Impact
│ ├── Reimagined baritone saxophone and low brass in jazz
│ ├── Influenced future baritone saxophonists and jazz musicians
│ ├── Recordings with Gravity and Gil Evans remain influential
│ └── Studied for jazz orchestration and arrangement
│
└── Conclusions
├── Elevated baritone saxophone and tuba in jazz
├── Known for technical mastery and innovative vision
├── Reshaped jazz instrumentation landscape
└── Legacy inspires future musicians and jazz fans