About six or seven months ago, I received an e-mail from Chicago-born jazz guitarist Henry Johnson, who launched his extensive music career on the stages here in the Windy City. I'm paraphrasing the message, of course, but it went something like this:
"What does a man have to do to get some attention as one of the Who's Who in Chicago music here in this town? I went through your listings, and couldn't find my name. I have played with some of the top international jazz stars, including Joe Williams, Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie and Ramsey Lewis. How can I get on the site?"
Jump back a second, did I, at never having heard of such a prodigious jazz musician from Chicago, and having excluded him from the listing. You bet that in a short time he found a spot in the Who's Who, and a lengthy apology letter from yours truly. But as of late, you’d be hard pressed to find Johnson giging here in town, as he's been on the road, playing with legendary vocalists Joe Williams and Nancy Wilson, at locations across the globe. He has played with Williams on and off since 1985, during which time he has also performed with Lewis, his own ensemble, the Boston Pops Orchestra and the Count Basie Orchestra, to name just a few groups and artists. Now this smooth guitarist, with R&B, gospel, blues and jazz roots, heads into town this Friday night, February 28, performing with Grover Washington Jr. and Ramsey Lewis at Orchestra Hall, returning to the town where he received his first big jazz break.
In 1974, after a stint with R&B artist Isaac Hayes in 1969 and a steady gig with the Chicago-based Billy Foster Band, Johnson began to play with saxophone great Sonny Stitt, as well as playing with his own trio and the Jazz Orchestra. Playing with such a talent virtually guarantees experience, and sure enough, Johnson gained immeasurable experience during this time. His career has been a whirlwind tour of the world since, playing with the names already listed above as well as creating his own style. On his latest album, the 1994 release Missing You, Johnson blends contemporary grooves with prodigious jazz licks. A featured track is "Mileslike," a tribute to trumpet great Miles Davis, one of his musical influences.
So check out this secret local talent this Friday at 8 p.m. Otherwise, you might have to wait until April 11, when he returns to Orchestra Hall with Williams and Wilson.
-Jason Koransky
