Album Notes

In 1980, Artie Shaw sent a message to Dick Johnson's manager, and said: "You wanted to hear what I think of Dick Johnson's clarinet playing. Okay. At this time, he's the best I've ever heard. Bar nobody. And you can quote me on that, anywhere, anytime!"

Dick Johnson was Artie's choice, both as a clarinetist and as the leader of his re-formed orchestra. You can hear why on this double CD. These sessions, recorded between 2002 and 2004, feature a who's who of New England jazz. The artists include Dick on clarinet, alto, and flute; Lou Colombo, trumpet; Gray Sargent, guitar; Paul Schmeling, piano; Marshall Wood, bass; and Gary Johnson, drums. Guests include vocalists Donna Byrne, Judy DeRossi, and Lori Colombo Asher, as well as organist Diamond Centofanti and pianist Joe Delaney.

There are a few treats from the Johnson vaults as well. "Grabtown Grapple" was recorded by the Artie Shaw Orchestra in 1985, and stands as one of the very few recordings of that band whose release Shaw himself permitted. There are also two tunes recorded live by Dick and Dave McKenna in 1980, "Shaw 'Nuff" and "Lazy Afternoon," fine examples of their always-inspired playing.

Dick Johnson grew up in Brockton, Mass., and served in the U.S. Navy, 1944-1946... played in the bands of Charlie Spivak, Buddy Morrow, Benny Goodman, Herb Pomeroy, and Buddy Rich... taught at the Berklee College of Music... formed his own band, Swing Shift, in 1976... has recorded for Mercury, Riverside, Concord Jazz, and North Star prior to this self-produced CD on Knockout Records... has led the Artie Shaw Orchestra since Artie reformed the band in 1983, and has toured and performed with the band all over the world.