Ellen Johnson

The Jazzschool 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm | $18 general and $12 Senior/Student

2087 Addison St. Berkeley CA 94701 US 510-845-5373

with Jason Martineau, piano

Bass & Drums, TBA

Vocalist and lyricist, Ellen Johnson has been enamored with the music of Charles Mingus having recorded six Mingus compositions with original lyrics to three of them (with permission of Sue Mingus and Jazz Workshop). Her version of “Peggy’s Blue Skylight” on her debut CD, Too Good To Title, featured alto saxophonist and frequent Mingus collaborator, Charles McPherson. Ellen has performed Mingus compositions in concert and other venues along with other jazz compositions. Ellen has also performed and/or recorded with Sheila Jordan, Bobby McFerrin, Charles McPherson, Louie Bellson, Pete Christlieb, Roy McCurdy, Billy Drummond, Larry Koonse, John Stowell, Cameron Brown, and Hugh Martin. “Superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality.” – Jazz Journal International

Freight & Salvage Coffee House 8:00 pm | $26.50 advance/$28.50 at door

2020 Addison Street Berkeley CA 94704 US (510)548-1761

On Monday, December 3, the Jazzschool will present its 4th annual vocal scholarship fundraiser at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. Whereas in past years the focus was firmly on Murphy, his music, and his influence (the man himself was in attendance at last year's event), things will take a different turn this year when NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan will be the fundraiser's honoree. Jordan, who turns 84 on November 18, plans to be on hand to enjoy the performances of Kitty Margolis, Madeline Eastman, Ed Reed, a special video presentation by Ellen Johnson, author of the upcoming biography, "Jazz Child: The Sheila Jordan Story" and -- also serving as the evening's musical director -- Laurie Antonioli. They will be accompanied by Matt Clark on piano, John Shifflett on bass, and Jason Lewis on drums.

Introduction To Jazz Singing 6:30 - 8:00 pm | $270 for six week class

2087 Addison St. Berkeley CA 94704 US 510-845-5373

An introductory class for singers interested in developing a jazz repertoire and learning to sing with an accompanist. Students learn to create individualized jazz charts — the sheet music in the right key — so that they can work effectively with instrumentalists. Each week, the class explores songs, styles, lyrics and delivery while listening to examples of great jazz vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Mark Murphy, Anita O’Day and others. A pianist joins the class in week three and students have the opportunity to perform in class. Some repertoire is provided and students are also welcome to bring songs of their choice. The class includes vocal warm-up exercises to promote healthy vocal technique and covers the basics of effective microphone technique.
Class limit: 8 students.

The Creative Jazz Singer 8:15 pm to 9:45 pm | $270 for six week class

2087 Addison St. Berkeley CA 94704 US 510-845-5373

A performance class focusing on all aspects of jazz singing including building a repertoire, communicating with the rhythm section, phrasing, interpretation, improvisation, developing an authentic vocal sound and style, and microphone and performance techniques. Maximum enrollment: 6.
Prerequisites: phone consultation or consent of instructor.

Ellen Johnson & John Stowell Concert 8 PM | $25.00

Ojai CA

Mingus and Beyond - Wahya Consort Concert 4 PM | Price: $10/$5 w/Ojai Music Festival Pass

113 South Montgomery St. Ojai CA 93023

Featuring:
Ellen Johnson, vocals
Bevan Manson, piano
Brad Dutz, percussion
Rick Shaw, bass

The Wahya Consort makes their debut with a premiere of, "Mingus and Beyond." The name "Wahya," Cherokee for wolf, was specifically chosen by the group to represent the extraordinary beauty and expressions of nature through their musical compositions that focus on original, creative and improvised music with elements of jazz, classical, and world music.
 
The Consort, in support of the Ojai Music Festival occurring the same day, is providing a discount for their concert to people attending the June 12th performances of composer and conductor Maria Schneider's 18-piece big band and the world premiere of "Winter Morning Walks" with soprano, Dawn Upshaw.

Jazz Messages 8 PM | $25

Studio City CA

Featuring
Sheila Jordan
 & Ellen Johnson

Alan Pasqua, piano
Peter Erskine, drums
Darek Oles, bass

with Ellen Johnson & Sheila Jordan

Ventura CA