Album Notes

Songs of Our Fathers is Aaron J Johnson's debut recording as a leader. This versatile musician has recorded on trombone, bass trombone, tuba, bass clarinet, and conch shells and has worked with the likes of Steve Turre, Charles Tolliver, Oliver Lake, Howard Johnson, Salim Washington, Jimmy Heath, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Jay-Z, and others.

Songs of Our Fathers is his tribute to not only his father, but the past masters of the black music tradition in the form of nine original compositions, plus the fleet-footed Joe Henderson tune "Our Thing," the name of the band he co-leads with saxophonist Salim Washington. On Songs of Our Fathers, he is joined by Washington on tenor sax, flute, and oboe, and bassist Robert Sabin from that band. In addition, the stellar Onaje Allan Gumbs and Victor Lewis join them on piano and drums.

The result is swinging music often with a funky groove that is always in touch with the blues. Do yourself a favor and take a listen to the samples, and check out the groove!

The critics are raving!

"If you favor Hard Bop jazz, funky grooves, and a touch of the blues with a focus on melodies and a good measure of swing, then “Songs of Our Fathers” is a must for your collection....Without reservation, Aaron J. Johnson's recording debut with “Songs of Our Fathers” is definitely an attention grabber and perhaps one of the better release of the year " -Edward Blanco, Ejazznews.com (18 Feb 2008)

"A brilliant release that deserves your attention....One of the joys of reviewing jazz CDs from small, independent recording labels is coming across a gem, opening the shell and finding a flawless pearl. Such is the case with Songs of Our Fathers by the relatively unknown trombonist, Aaron J Johnson, who hails from Washington D.C. Johnson’s CD swings like mad....Aaron J Washington deserves major airplay on jazz radio with this new release. I would not be surprised to find Songs of Our Fathers on my best of 2009 list. A well deserved five-star rating." Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition (audaud.com) 8 Mar 2009

"This is one of the best CD's I've heard in a long time." -Maxx Myrick, MaxxJazzHouse XM Radio.




Contact information:
ornitholgy@gmail.com
www.aaronjjohnson.com
myspace.com/aaronjjohnsonjazz