Darren Johnston and The Pipes ft. Allison Lovejoy: New Chamber-Folk with a Jazz Reduction

Darrenjohnston1 E1489728052727
Bay Area trumpeter/composer Darren Johnston's newest project for showcasing his songwriting features the distinct instrumentation of two bass clarinets—played by powerhouse composers/improvisers/bandleaders Steven Lugerner and Cory Wright—along with Johnston on trumpet and vocals, as The Pipes. From short and sweet, quirky, groove-based songs to more expansive open improvisations, they've created a new recipe for experimental chamber-folk with a jazz reduction, telling stories of love and loss, ...
More

Renzi/Johnston/Shulman/Vogler: “Bye Bye Bartok” – Reimagining Great Symphonic & Chamber Themes

Belabartok E1512349043570
What if Béla Bartók wrote “Bye Bye Blackbird”? What if Charlie Parker wrote a prelude in E, or Sun Ra, a symphony in C? We may never know, but four Bay Area voices come together to groove, swing, and do their thing over themes by Bach, Bartok, Satie, Tchaikovsky, and others, followed by a set of their own compositions. Chamber jazz from the heart, this evening marks the inaugural performance of the new quartet.   FEATURING: Darren Johnston - trumpet Matt Renzi - woodwinds Adam Shulman ...
More

Destiny Muhammad, Darren Johnston, Giulio Xavier: Jazz Harp, Trumpet & Bass

Destinymuhammad Darrenjohnston Dec2017
The Poppy is proud to present the inaugural collaboration between jazz harpist Destiny Muhammad, trumpeter/composer Darren Johnston, and bassist Giulio Xavier, three longtime contributors to the Bay Area music scene. Expect fresh takes on jazz standards, some premieres of original music, and selected covers from around the globe.   FEATURING: Destiny Muhammad - harp, vocals Darren Johnston - trumpet, vocals Giulio Xavier - bass   ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Performer, bandleader, pr...
More

Darren Johnston’s Broken Shadows: Love, Loss, and Resistance

Darrenjohnston1 E1489728052727
With songs emphasizing lyrics and storytelling, as well as world-class musicianship that prizes spontaneity and dialogue, this highly adaptable ensemble led by trumpeter/composer Darren Johnston brings poetry, interplay, vocal harmonies, and a cross-section of musical interests into a curious new blend of roots/art/dance music. Featuring: Darren Johnston - trumpet, vocals David Phillips - pedals, steel guitar, vocals Jordan Samuels - guitar, vocals Miles Wick - upright bass, vocals Jorda...
More

Broken Shadows: New Roots & Chamber Folk

Unnamed2
With songs that place an emphasis on spontaneity, lyrics, and story-telling, Broken Shadows' take on roots music includes grooves with origins from around the globe. Broken Shadows is comprised of a highly-adaptable collection of musicians under the leadership of trumpeter/composer Darren Johnston. The ensemble brings poetry, interplay, vocal harmonies, and a cross section of musical interests into a curious new blend of roots/art/dance music. Collectively, members have played and recorded with ...
More