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, ...
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Renzi/Johnston/Shulman/Vogler: “Bye Bye Bartok” – Reimagining Great Symphonic & Chamber Themes
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 ...
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Destiny Muhammad, Darren Johnston, Giulio Xavier: Jazz Harp, Trumpet & Bass
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...
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Darren Johnston’s Broken Shadows: Love, Loss, and Resistance
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...
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Broken Shadows: New Roots & Chamber Folk
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 ...
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