Josh Johnson: unusual objects and saxophone stories

Today, the Spotlight shines On Josh Johnson, the Los Angeles-based saxophonist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and Grammy Award-winning producer.

Josh joined me earlier this year to talk about his second solo album, Unusual Object, which came out this past April on Northern Spy Records. Equal parts futuristic jazz and modern composition, Josh uses processed saxophone and subtle samples in his unique compositions.

In addition to examining Unusual Object, we discussed the relevance and impact of genre classifications in music, how Josh’s Grammy has led to more opportunities and connections in various music communities, the impact of Chicago’s artistic community on Josh’s development as a musician, courage in the pursuit of creative avenues, and of course, it would not be an episode of Spotlight On if we did not dig into process. So we did.

Josh will be at the Village Vanguard in New York from October 29 through November 3 with Vibraphonist Joel Ross’s Good Vibes ensemble. It should be a good one.

(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Josh Johnson’s Unusual Object)

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Dig Deeper

• Visit Josh Johnson at joshjohnsonmusic.com
• Follow Josh Johnson on Instagram
• Purchase Unusual Object at Northern Spy Records, Qobuz, or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choice
• Meshell Ndegeocello Wins Inaugural Best Alternative Jazz Album Award at 2024 Grammys
• The lessons of Wayne Shorter, engine of imagination
• Josh Johnson “Marvis” live performance
• The Conversations That Make a Voice // Josh Johnson
• Dig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com

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