Press
TJ Johnson is widely considered to be one of the UK’s most charismatic highly revered jazz and blues singers. He is also a hot piano player, drummer and a respected bandleader. Always a true ambassador of the soul, TJ sings songs of love lost and gained, of life wholesome and corrupt, songs of hope and despair, songs of the night, all with the true passion and boozy swagger of only a man who has been there and knows.
Backed by his group of top London based musicians TJ plays an extraordinary blend of music that transcends the boundaries of jazz, blues, soul, country and gospel and is influenced by some of the greats such as Ray Charles, Dr John, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, BB King, Nina Simone, Alberta Hunter, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Witherspoon and many more. His distinctive voice and unique personal stage manner always brings both the band and the audience together to create an intimate yet exciting atmosphere that is rarely equalled.
TJ and his band have toured extensively both in the UK and overseas for twenty years or more and now while still maintaining a high profile at international festivals and venues he is very involved in creating a vibrant new London music scene including his weekly speakeasy style Jazz club night near where he lives in Hackney. TJ’s style and mix of music seems to be proving very popular with the young trendy in-crowd and older jazz and blues fans alike. They have also recently sold out five times running at London’s famous Ronnie Scott’s.
The Band
The guys TJ uses in his band are all top (usually London based) Jazz & Blues muscians.
‘My band is like a big extended dysfunctional family. I always end up with some really crazy characters playing for me ‘cos they’re usually the best players – I love all the guys that play for me. We really are like a big family on the Road. Many have come and then gone off to do their own thing – then sometimes come back again. I’ve had a few guys that have caused me one or two headaches and sticky moments, but I forgive ‘em all in the end. As long as they swing, keep time and play with feel – from the heart not the head – then it’s OK with me!’TJ
Musicians Currently Working with TJ – depending who’s in town – are:
Sax/Clarinet: Adrian Cox, Al Nicholls, Ewan Bleach, Ben Somers, James Evans
Bass: Jay Darwish, Jamie Lawrence, George Trebar
Drums: Mez Clough, Jack Cotterill, Shane Forbes
Guitar/Banjo: Tony Pitt
‘Good music comes from the soul, if it doesn’t then it’s bad music. Call it jazz, blues, rock & roll, country, whatever you want, but if it hasn’t got soul, then forget it. I only want to play good music whatever tag you give it, it’s all the same to me. Don’t get me wrong though, you don’t have to be good to play good music – sometimes being bad is just about as good as you can get, ha ha ha!!!
Let the Good times Roll’
TJ
xxx