Contact Information
Name: Greg Johnson
Title: Assistant Professor of Music
Office Location: Capistrano 403
Email: g.johnson@csus.edu
Education : DMA, University of Southern California
Courses Taught : Applied Music - Saxophone (jazz), Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Arranging, Jazz Improvisation
Profile
Get to Know Me!
1. What has surprised you most about your career in music? How have your musical aspirations changed over time?
I went through music school with the distinct plan of becoming the greatest saxophonist in the world. I wanted to play super modern music with a small combo in packed Jazz clubs around the world every night. I had NO idea what would happen to me in the decades to come.
By all means, I got really good at the saxophone and got to play with (and I continue to play with) a lot of legendary Jazz musicians. There were two things that surprised me the most. First and foremost was the number of opportunities and calls that I’ve gotten from Pop and Rock musicians. From Barry Manilow, Mickey Thomas (Jefferson Starship), Jim Peterik, Ceelo Green, Saint Motel, En Vogue, Robin Thicke, etc. I’ve been able to see a lot of the world because I can integrate my skills on the instrument into other styles of music. The second thing that surprised me was that my primary audience comes to see my larger ensemble projects. This means that my writing has become an integral part of my career.
2. What have been some of your struggles as a musician? What were your highest and lowest moments as a musician? What are some missed musical opportunities/decisions that you regret?
A career in music is a balance of highs and lows. Sometimes I’ll go through a month of great gigs followed by two months of awful gigs.
There have been so many moments throughout my career when I’ve been on stage with someone that I grew up listening to. Joining Bob Mintzer’s big band was a turning point in my career. Suddenly my “peers” were my musical heroes. Traveling with the Sinatra band and touring the world with Saint Motel have been some other highlights.
On the other side, after being a finalist for the WDR Big Band (my dream job and a two-year audition process) I did not get the spot. When I came back to the states and found a “stable” teaching job, I was offered a tour with Dire Straits that I ended up having to turn down. That stable job ended up not being as stable as I thought it would be, and Dire Straits never me called back.
Once I got married and had a family, I knew that I needed to get off the road and shift my focus to things that would make money but not keep me away for long periods of time. Corporate music has been a great way for me to play music with great musicians (and recommend students for financially sustainable gigs) while I focus on being a great teacher and composer. My current projects are the Reno Jazz Orchestra, Greg Johnson Medium Band, Vybe Society, and a few other groups. I wouldn’t trade my current life for anything.
3. Who were your important teachers/mentors/inspirations? What are some of your fondest memories of your musical education?
Bob Mintzer, Rick Hirsch, Chris Roze, Larry Livingston, Russ Ferrante, Dick Oatts and Curtis Fuller have been some of my biggest mentors. They helped channel my energy into becoming the musician that I am today. Though they were all very different mentors in different musical areas, the thing that they had in common was a drive/motivation to constantly create music and an openness about sharing their thoughts. I search the earth for great music and when I hear something that blows my mind, I usually reach out to the composer or performer. More often than not, they will reply to me, and we end up keeping in touch or creating a professional relationship. When people reach out to me through my email and my website, it is important to me to share my thoughts with people who want to connect with my music.
Professional Bio
Dr. Greg Johnson is quickly becoming recognized as an important voice in the jazz community. His distinctive saxophone sound and compositional style have found their way into multiple genres of Jazz, Classical and Popular music.
As a saxophonist, Greg has appeared in concert and on over 40 mainstream recordings with jazz legends Curtis Fuller, Billy Taylor, Bob Mintzer and many more. He has toured and performed with notable Pop and Rock acts such as Saint Motel, Robin Thicke and Barry Manilow, Skip Martin, The Spinners, The O'Jays, Eddie Holman and Jim Peterik, at some of the biggest venues and festivals in the world.
Dr. Johnson has previously held positions at the University of Southern California, Marin School of the Arts and California State University Stanislaus. Praised for his relatable and organic approach to improvisation, composition, and ensemble direction, he keeps an active schedule as a clinician and guest composer/saxophonist.
Greg has released ten recordings under his name and has contributed to dozens more. His recent work has appeared on the GRAMMY ballot in six categories for his albums “Philosopher's Path" and "Visions of Kansas City.”
Media
Greg Johnson Talks About His Newest Album