Josh Johnson

<p>On this episode of <strong>Big Ears: Conversations About Music</strong>, journalist and author <strong>Marcus J. Moore</strong> sits down with the formidable LA-based saxophonist, composer and producer <strong>Josh Johnson</strong>, a ubiquitous presence in today’s jazz scene. Big Ears' Ashley Capps was so taken by Johnson’s many performances at Big Ears 2025 that he asked him to curate a series of seven concerts at our 2026 festival. He’ll join Ashley on a future podcast to talk about his curation. Meanwhile, here we shine a light on his warm exploratory sound, often enhanced by electronics. The conversation moves from his early influences, digs into his critically-acclaimed solo records <em>Freedom Exercise</em> and <em>Unusual Object</em>, and discusses his collaborations with <strong>Leon Bridges</strong>, <strong>Jeff Parker </strong>and producing <strong>Me'shell Ndegeocello</strong>'s GRAMMY-winning <em>The Omnichord Real Book</em>.  Lastly, we hear about the origins of his collaboration with Carlos Niño and Nate Mercereau on <em>Openness Trio</em>, his experience at Big Ears 2025 and how his curiosity has evolved over the years.</p>