Josh Johnson

Josh Johnson is a saxophonist, keyboardist, composer and producer who grew up in the Chicago suburbs and studied at Indiana University and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in Los Angeles, under Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. He stayed in L.A. and became central to its scene, as a member of Jeff Parker’s ETA IVtet and an essential collaborator to Carlos Niño, Anna Butterss, Gregory Uhlmann and Sam Wilkes, in co-led groups like SML and Uhlmann Johnson Wilkes. He still plays with Chicago peers Makaya McCraven, Marquis Hill and Joel Ross. He served as musical director for Leon Bridges from 2018 to 2022, and has worked with Meshell Ndegeocello, whose influence shaped his latest album, Animative.

Learn More