Eddie Johnson - RIP

[Chuck Nessa]

Just received an email announcing he died this morning. Funeral arrangements pending, but probably next Tuesday. More info as it becomes available.

He was a fine musician and fine human.

[JSngry]

He was a fine musician and fine human.

Can only comment on the first part, but have no reason to doubt that both are nothing but true.

[Free For All]

Damn, I'm really sorry to hear this. Eddie was a great swinging player and a wonderful person. I'm honored to have gotten to know him in Chicago.

[DukeCity]

I had the opportunity to play many times with Eddie in the Jazz Members big band. It was a real education to hear Eddie blow on those Basie and Ellington charts. He was the real deal, and it came through in everything he played. Very sweet and humble guy.

R.I.P., Eddie and thanks for the great music.

[Stereojack]

Sad news. A marvelous musician.

RIP

[jazztrain]

Sorry to hear this news. He definitely was someone who should have been more widely known. The LP you issued ("Indian Summer") is a long-time favorite that stereojack turned me onto years ago.

Just received an email announcing he died this morning. Funeral arrangements pending, but probably next Tuesday. More info as it becomes available.

He was a fine musician and fine human.

[John L]

RIP

[Lazaro Vega]

How old was he?

That Ellington Dynasty Band with Greg Sergo was the last chance I had to hear him live, but will never forget the tenor summit in Grand Haven during Winter Fest that one year back in the 1980's!

[J.A.W.]

How old was he?

According to AMG he was born in 1921, so he was either 88 or 89.

Chuck,

Any chance the LP will be reissued on CD?

[Niko]

apparently 89 years old. There's a fine "enhanced discography" in the Red Saunders Project (there it says born 1920 btw)

RIP

Edited April 8, 2010 by Niko

[Lazaro Vega]

Thanks Niko,

This is a variation of the band I heard in Grand Haven, with the addition of saxophonist Eric Schneider and a rhythm guitarist, John Defauw, which made it swing even more:

Johns27. The Hubbard Street Swingers

Eddie Johnson (ts); Johnny Board (ts); John Young (p); Charles "Truck" Parham (b); Phil Gratteau (d); Don De Michael (vib); Jo Belle (voc).

Andy's, Chicago, April 2, 1981

Edited April 8, 2010 by Lazaro Vega

[Lazaro Vega]

http://www.examiner.com/x-26698-Chicago-Jazz-Music-Examiner~y2010m4d8-RIP-Eddie-Johnson-Chicago-sax-great-artistry-on-and-off-the-stage

[paul secor]

Thanks to Mr. Johnson for the music he gave us.

[Chuck Nessa]

How old was he?

According to AMG he was born in 1921, so he was either 88 or 89.

Chuck,

Any chance the LP will be reissued on CD?

I was planning a late fall issue but it feels a little creepy now. I will see how I feel about it later.

[J.A.W.]

How old was he?

According to AMG he was born in 1921, so he was either 88 or 89.

Chuck,

Any chance the LP will be reissued on CD?

I was planning a late fall issue but it feels a little creepy now. I will see how I feel about it later.

A reissue could be seen as a tribute.

[Free For All]

How old was he?

According to AMG he was born in 1921, so he was either 88 or 89.

Chuck,

Any chance the LP will be reissued on CD?

I was planning a late fall issue but it feels a little creepy now. I will see how I feel about it later.

I think it's a great idea, Chuck. Not creepy at all. The jazz world (such as it is) needs to be more aware of this man.

[Chuck Nessa]

Need to get past the funeral and let my feelings cool. Thanks for the nudges guys.

[doneth]

How old was he?

According to AMG he was born in 1921, so he was either 88 or 89.

Chuck,

Any chance the LP will be reissued on CD?

I was planning a late fall issue but it feels a little creepy now. I will see how I feel about it later.

Don't postpone it, Chuck. I remember you telling me about Eddie Johnson, and now I've been listening to the Beautiful Indian Summer LP for many years, which we wouldn't have if you hadn't done it. The sooner you reissue it the more people can hear it.

[Larry Kart]

Eddie's informal teacher when he was in his early teens was talented altoist Joe (Doc) Poston, his uncle and member of Jimmy Noone's Apex Club orchestra.

[Chuck Nessa]

I am going ahead with the reissue. It will include another track - I'm Old Fashioned.

Eddie came to our place for dinner one evening and we worked up the program. I played the Shirley Horn version and he wanted to do it.

The 24 track masters have been sent off for transfer and I hope to have it ready before the end of the year.

[Free For All]

:tup

[paul secor]

Thanks for doing this, Chuck. I have the LP, but would have bought a CD without any extra material. With the extra track this is a must.

[DukeCity]

That's great news, Chuck! Will look forward to the release.

[BruceH]

I'm also looking forward to it as I don't even have the LP.

[Brad]

Well, I had never heard of Eddie (obviously my loss) and I'm glad you're going to do the Cd; I will buy it.