Biography
Walt Johnson concentrates primarily on trumpet while also handling trombone and bass trombone, contributing to an exceptionally broad spectrum of recorded music. He bears no relation to the earlier jazz drummer of identical name, yet his own background includes membership in West Coast jazz big bands led by Stan Kenton and Louie Bellson. Throughout the 1970s he performed regularly with Bellson’s ensembles. During the 1980s he appeared in the brass sections of expanded studio ensembles assembled for projects by percussionist/composer Norman Connors and keyboardist Les McCann.
Most listeners, however, encountered Johnson through pop sessions in which the brass supplied only occasional rhythmic accents. His work in that field encompassed both live performances and recordings, including associations with Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr., Elvis Presley, José Feliciano, and Barry Manilow. In the late 1990s he took part in a big-band venture organized by vocalist Toni Tennille, whose husband Daryl Dragon had likely crossed paths with the trumpeter during earlier studio dates.
Most listeners, however, encountered Johnson through pop sessions in which the brass supplied only occasional rhythmic accents. His work in that field encompassed both live performances and recordings, including associations with Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr., Elvis Presley, José Feliciano, and Barry Manilow. In the late 1990s he took part in a big-band venture organized by vocalist Toni Tennille, whose husband Daryl Dragon had likely crossed paths with the trumpeter during earlier studio dates.
Albums
