BIOGRAPHY:
Aaron Johnson is a Saxophonist, Clarinetist and Flutist based in New York where he leads his quartet and freelances as a jazz musician and commercial woodwind doubler. He has appeared as a sideman with notable jazz musicians Jon Batiste, Dick Hyman, Ken Peplowski, Connie Crothers, Slide Hampton, John Colianni, Ed Palermo and many others.
As a commercial/classical/woodwind musician, Aaron has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, was in the house band for Bill Irwin’s Old Hats and is a member of the Siletz Bay Festival Orchestra in addition to freelancing with many local and regional symphonies and chamber ensembles. Currently playing lead alto with the John Colianni jazz orchestra, Aaron is also a member of the Ken Peplowski big band and leads his own bands in the New York area as well as abroad.
BANDS:
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Saxophone Quartet - Classical and jazz library mostly from the Hollywood saxophone quartet of the 50’s. Also available as Sax Quartet + Bass and Drums
Flute/Harp Duo - Popular for weddings! Lots of repertoire in the light classical area.
Clarinet and String Quartet - Music ranging from Artie Shaw to the Mozart, Brahms and Weber quintets.
Flute and Piano - Very popular for weddings. This group is extensively performed with John Colianni.
JAZZ ENSEMBLES
Swing Band + Singer (13-16 pieces) - Library of classic big band arrangements and stocks spanning 1930-1960. Lots of Clarinet+Big Band ala Goodman and Shaw. Can add a small string section or quartet for big events.
1920’s Dance Band (11 piece) - Performing all the classic dance band repertoire.
3 Saxes, 2 Trumpets, 1 Trombone, 1 Banjo, 1 Piano, 1 Bass/tuba/bass sax, 1 Drum Set, 1 Vocalist
Aaron Johnson Octet - All repertoire inherited directly from the Dave Spell octet book. A highly swinging small group octet jazz, all arranged from the 1950’s. This book from this band was the hollywood party band of the era and even entertained future President Kennedy at Sinatra’s compound during a campaign trail visit.
Dixieland Band (6-7 pieces) - Performing all the classic dixieland repertoire.
Trumpet, Trombone, Reed, Piano, Bass, Drum, Banjo (and guitar for more swing oriented things)
Jazz Quartet - Performing all the classic jazz standard repertoire.
Alto/Tenor Sax, Piano/Guitar, Bass, Drums
Earl Bostic/Louis Jordan/Louis Prima-Sam Butera jump blues/swing/early rock group: Featuring Guitar/Piano, Male Vocalist, Saxophone, Bass/Fender Bass, Drums, + Vibraphone.
60’s Bossa Nova Group: The repertoire book is the entire Getz/Gilberto album and some of the Bud Shank/Laurindo Almeida material.
Female Singer, Tenor/flutes/alto, Guitar, Bass, Percussionist, Drummer (can add piano or vibes.
'Benny Goodman' Quartet: Clarinet, Vibes, Piano, Drums (can add guitar)
'Benny Goodman' Trio: Clarinet, Piano, Drums
Clarinet/ Stride Piano Duo