“..a firm touch and clear, curious improvising ideas.” – Ben Ratliffe, New York Times
Once part of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Richard Johnson is emerging as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation, garnering praise from Herbie Hancock as a “highly creative talent.” His January trio performance at the Artists Quarter, featuring the music of West Side Story, was a crowd pleaser, and now he returns for a full weekend at the AQ (March 16-17), showcasing television theme songs from the 1980s. This is the third monthly performance by Johnson in the Twin Cities as part of his 2012 “Jazz Alive” project.
Pittsburgh native Richard Johnson was introduced to gospel piano by his father when he was five. Living in Massachusetts, Richard formed his first piano trio as a high school junior. For two consecutive years, he won the state’s “best jazz soloist” award. Richard pursued jazz studies at Berklee in Boston, completing his degree in two years, then continued on for a master’s degree at the Boston Conservatory. The following year, while studying at the Thelonious Monk Institute at the New England Conservatory, he toured South America with the Monk Institute, playing with Herbie Hancock; he also performed with the Monk Institute Sextet, directed by Ron Carter.
At the Artists Quarter March 16-17, Johnson will be joined by young bass standout Jeremy Boettcher and drummer Adrian Suarez:
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire graduate Jeremy Boettcher studied bass with John Clayton and has played with such artists as Benny Green and Lewis Nash. After a year in New York, he returned to the Twin Cities, where he has played with Zacc Harris, Bryan Nichols, the John Raymond Project, Aaron Hedenstrom Quintet and his own quartet with Josh Gallagher, Brandon Wozniak and Sean Carey.
It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend in St. Paul, so you know things will be a little wild. But take a more serious walk on the wild side at the Artists Quarter, where you can wash down your Irish beer with some strictly American jazzed arrangements of you favorite 80’s television themes.
The Artists Quarter is located at 408 St Peter Street in downtown St. Paul, lower level of the Hamm Building. Sets at 9 pm, cover $15. Green beer extra. Allow extra time to park, especially Saturday. The Macy’s Ramp is just down the block and always $3 after 5 pm. www.artistsquarter.com
The Richard Johnson Trio plays at 9 pm on January 14, cover $12. The AQ is located at 408 St. Peter Street, lower level of the Hamm Building in downtown St. Paul; www.artistsquarter.com
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