"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:
VOCAL VISIONS MEDIA GROUP
"Music that sees the Future from the Heart"
Record label / distribution / promotions / artist development
Jazz, World, Improvised and Inspirational Music