Ellen Johnson profile picture

Ellen Johnson

Singer, lyricist, song writer, poet, and educator.

About Me

..Ellen Johnson's These Days is one of the best albums to be heard from a no-nonsense jazz singer in the past year; she and her recording are worthy of serious consideration for placement in the 2007 DownBeat Critics Poll... (-Frank-John Hadley, Longtime DownBeat writer, etc.)
"Johnson has released a challenging, sophisticated and successful album that raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch. While other singers are rehashing the great American songbook, Johnson is putting it through the meat grinder and creating a whole new menu". (-George Harris, All About Jazz)
..Ellen Johnson..s new release ..These Days.. is a complete breath of fresh air. Johnson who is not afraid to go where no vocalist has gone before presents a CD of taking chances. A standing ovation for Ellen Johnson. Thank you for showing the world of Jazz vocals that there is so much to explore... (-James Rosen, Inside Connection)
"All around, this is a memorable work by a remarkable vocalist" (-Mike Perry, Free Music Review)
"Jazz singer Ellen Johnson unfortunately is not the household word she should be.... duets with (bassist) Darek Oles will remind jazz vocal aficionados of the Sheila Jordan-Harvie Swartz collaborations over the ruins." (-Michael P. Gladstone, All About Jazz)
"I have to comment on the fine instrument Ellen possesses for the jazz idiom in that she sings a repertory of musical interpretation and isn't afraid to associate with adventurous, experimental and contemporary jazz musicians as with the likes of her wonderful bass soloist Darek Oles... All of this filtered through her wondrous voice." (-George W. Carroll, Ejazz News)
"This album will please those who can appreciate this unique format for the lady can definitely sing". (-Edward Blanco, Ejazz News)
"Good as Ellen's first two CDs are, and they are good indeed, this new set is really exceptional and should not be missed by anyone who admires good music sung and played with skill, integrity, and emotional intensity". (-Bruce Crowther, author Jazz Singing and reviewer for Jazz Journal International and All About Jazz)
BIO-Ellen Johnson began her performing career in Chicago singing everything from folk, pop, blues, jazz, musical theater, and classical repertoire. She has sung and studied with many exceptional musicians including Louie Bellson, Bobby McFerrin, Sheila Jordan, Charles McPherson, Roy McCurdy, Pete Christlieb, John Clayton, Don Braden, Darek Oles, Kim Richmond, Willie Pickens, Gene Aitken and many more. Her two jazz CD's, Too Good To Title and Chinchilla Serenade, have received critical acclaim and international airplay even receiving Editors Choice in Cadence Magazine.
Her current CD, "These Days", focuses on her love of bass and voice duets and features bassist extraordinaire, Darek Oles. It also features Sheila Jordan singing a duet with Ellen on her original composition, The Crossing, in special tribute to Ellens mentor and special friend. It is this kind of creativity, spontaneity and depth that inspires Ms. Johnson to stray from the pack and find inventive new ways to express herself as an artist. She is writing a book of poetry with a CD that includes many great jazz artists present and past and she composes her own music and lyrics. As an accomplished song writer she received an award from Just Plain Folks at their 2002 music awards out of 100,000 songs for her original wordless composition Chinchilla Serenade. As a lyricist she has written words for Charles Mingus compositions along with other jazz composers.

FOR MORE ABOUT ELLEN VISIT:

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HER RECORD LABEL VISIT:
VOCAL VISIONS MEDIA GROUP
"Music that sees the Future from the Heart"
Record label / distribution / promotions / artist development
Jazz, World, Improvised and Inspirational Music

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/8/2006
Band Website: ellenjohnson.net
Band Members: Ellen Johnson's latest album
"THESE DAYS"
features

Darek Oles- Bass
Sheila Jordan- Guest Vocals
Larry Koonse- Guitar
Roy McCurdy- Drums
Ana Gazzola- Percussion

Featuring bass and voice duets mixed with other instrumentals and a poem dedicated to Sheila Jordan
Influences: The music of life ... and everyone who has inspired me ( there are too many to name).
Sounds Like: Singer, lyricist, song writer, poet and educator whose 4 octave range, beauty of tone and strong emotional expression incorporates the improvisational mannerisms of Urszula Dudziak, the poetic flair of Joni Mitchell along with the soulful and creative spirit of Betty Carter. You be the judge.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ELLEN'S MUSIC:


Record Label: Vocal Visions Media Group -www.vocalvisions.net
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Catchin you up on things

So much happens in a week it's difficult to keep up with everything.I did a really fun gig out in Temecula a couple of weeks ago and had the pleasure of singing with Llew Matthews, Jon Laskin, and Cr...
Posted by Ellen Johnson on Sun, 17 Jun 2007 07:09:00 PST

CD RELEASE PARTY IN LA

What a great time we had at The Vic. The place was packed and there was lots of fun, good music and love. Sheila Jordan was inspiring to us all and clearly brings a sense of honesty and integrity to...
Posted by Ellen Johnson on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 06:04:00 PST

LA CD Release Party

Hey everyone,I am really looking forward to seeing you all at the party! We are going to have such a great time. Sheila Jordan is my dear friend and she is the best. You will love meeting and heari...
Posted by Ellen Johnson on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 01:32:00 PST

Bruce Crowther's review of my new album "These Days"

Ellen Johnson These Days  A strikingly gifted singer and teacher, Ellen Johnson makes far too few records and it is therefore a delight to report that she has a new one out. That said, all of h...
Posted by Ellen Johnson on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 08:09:00 PST

Review from All About Jazz

"These Days" Review - All About Jazz LA Edition September 2006There are many adjectives to describe a singer, but the only one that really fits Ellen Johnson is intriguing.  Having previousl...
Posted by Ellen Johnson on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 08:08:00 PST

Welcome to My Space!!!

I have to thank Veronica Amador for all her help in setting up this beautiful place.  She surrounded my music in a colorful sunsetand is teaching me how to join the world of myspace communic...
Posted by Ellen Johnson on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 08:13:00 PST