The Wahya Consort Premieres “Mingus and Beyond” at The Ojai Arts Center

Creative and Improvised Jazz Supports

The Humane Society of Ventura County

An exciting day of jazz events includes The Wahya Consort making their debut with a premiere of, "Mingus and Beyond," on Sunday June 12, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ojai Arts Center located at 113 South Montgomery Street in Ojai.

The Wahya Consort includes vocalist Ellen Johnson, pianist Bevan Manson, percussionist Brad Dutz and bassist Rick Shaw performing music of Charles Mingus, original compositions and lyrics, and free improvised music.

The Consort, in support of the Ojai Music Festival occurring the same day featuring composer and conductor Maria Schneider's 18-piece big band and soprano, Dawn Upshaw, is providing a discount for their concert to anyone attending the festival.

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 will be donating the proceeds of their ticket sales to the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Single tickets for the Wahya Consort are $15.00 for regular admission and $7.00 with an Ojai Music Festival pass. To reserve or purchase single tickets for the Wahya Consort performance call 805-272-8125 or go to info (at) JazzInOjai.com. To purchase Ojai Music Festival passes and receive a discount on the Wahya Consort concert, go to www.OjaiFestival.org. For more information go to www.JazzInOjai.com or Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/3cswdfb

About The Wahya Consort Musicians:

The Wahya Consort is a group of seasoned musicians stretching the boundaries of jazz, classical and improvised music. The name “Wahya,” (pronounced way – ya) Cherokee for wolf, was specifically chosen by the group to represent the extraordinary beauty and expressions of nature that inspires the music they create. Together they contribute their talents through the instrumentation of vocals, percussion, piano, bass and occasional special guest artists. Whether they are collaborating on inventive improvisations, renditions of jazz classics or creating original compositions and lyrics, the Wahya Consort brings a conscious dimension to group performance. The members of the group include: Brad Dutz, Ellen Johnson, Bevan Manson, and Rick Shaw.

A Special Musical Tribute For Mother’s Day: From A Mother’s Heart CD

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIT19xTNrY

From A Mother’s Heart compilation CD has been called “a unique tribute to mothers” and “a thoughtful gift that offers more love and sentiment in eleven tracks than any greeting card.”

From A Mother’s Heart CD is rich with stories and musical imagery honoring each artist’s mother or their appreciation for mother earth through mostly original compositions. The CD includes a respected roster of musical artists like jazz icon Sheila Jordan, whose musical relationship with Charlie Parker inspired her to innovate jazz vocals and saxophonist Don Braden, who worked with jazz legendary greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard and Roy Haynes. Other artists that contributed to the project are guitarist John Stowell, vocalists Judi Silvano, Barbara Sfraga, Ellen Johnson, Ann Belmont. pianist/vocalist Mala Waldron (daughter of the late great Mal Waldron) and Peggy Duquesnel along with world music group Brasil Brazil, featuring Ana Gazzola and Sonia Santos.

The songs on this compilation are from the genres of jazz, world music, singer/songwriter, pop and there is even a guitar soundscape with poetry. From the joyous composition, "Ellie." to the intimate poem of ancient ancestors in dedication to the earth in "For My Chacoan Ancestors" the CD begins and ends with a deep understanding of the spirit of each mother's heart. Intimate ballads with tender lyrics as in "Song For My Mother", "With Every Kiss", and "You Know Me By Heart" intertwined with the humor of a mother's little girl in "Dat Dere" amidst the orchestrated and full arrangements of haunting messages in "Children's Playgrounds", Bougainvillea", “I Do Remember You” and the wordless "Song For Mother (She Is Made Of Love).” Each one has an individual message; some using lyrics while others capture the essence of their mothers through pure instrumental tones.

From A Mother’s Heart project encourages purchases through digital downloads to help promote a green environment and is available through iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon. There is a pdf download about the project that gives each artist's dedication to their mother and a printable CD cover to make a gift of the CD for your mother at: www.FromAMothersHeart.com. This is truly a one of a kind, special project to honor motherhood, women, family and mother earth,” spoke recording artist and producer Ellen Johnson, “we hope these songs will be joyfully shared with your mother or help heal the loss of your mother.”

For more information visit www.FromAMothersHeart.com or see the video on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIT19xTNrY.

Sheila Jordan/Ellen Johnson Workshop Featured in Ventura County Star Article

Jazz Stylist To Help Singers At Workshop

by Alicia Doyle

February 17, 2010

Ventura County Star

Called one of the most consistently creative of all jazz singers, Sheila Jordan thinks of herself as a messenger of this music.

On Sunday, Jordan will be in Ventura to co-lead a three-hour workshop with Ellen Johnson, a vocalist and educator from Ojai who teaches clinics, private vocal lessons and jazz workshops.

The following Saturday, Jordan will head to the San Fernando Valley to give two performances at Vitellos in Studio City with renowned jazz musicians Alan Pasqua, Peter Erskine and Tom Warrington.

Read entire article: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/feb/16/jazz-stylist-to-help-singers-at-workshop/

ELLEN JOHNSON SINGS MINGUS...and more

Called "superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality" by Jazz Journal International, Ellen Johnson will be sharing her unique style and repertoire of jazz vocals joined by San Diego jazz artists, pianist Rick Helzer and bassist Rob Thorsen. The concert is scheduled for Thursday, October 15 with one show at 9:00 PM at Tango Del Rey located at 3567 Del Rey Street, San Diego. The admission price is $15 General and $10 for students with an ID. For more information call 858-581-1114 or go to http://www.TangoDelRey.com for tickets. The concert will feature the music of Charles Mingus along with a tribute to jazz vocal icon, Sheila Jordan. Ellen recently featured both of these artists’ music on her CD These Days, writing lyrics to Mingus compositions and doing a duet with Ms Jordan on her song “The Crossing.”

This concert reunites Ms Johnson with her longtime musical partner, pianist Rick Helzer, Professor and Associate Director of Jazz Studies at San Diego State University and Rob Thorsen, whose current CD Lasting Impression was released this year on the San Diego based Pacific Coast Jazz label. Ellen, who is currently working on an all Mingus project, has written the lyrics to three Mingus compositions and recorded five songs with the permission of Sue Mingus. This event is co-sponsored by the San Diego Jazz Musicians Guild whose goal is to support and encourage a higher quality of Jazz education, appreciation and understanding in the community. For more information contact President Karin Carson at http://www.sdjmg.org. This event is also part of “Daniel Pearl World Music Days,” an entire month of worldwide "Harmony for Humanity" concerts in memory of the death of Wall Street Journal Reporter Daniel Pearl reminding the world of the principles by which Danny lived, the universal power of music and our shared humanity.

Ellen has recorded three of her own renowned CD’s, These Days, Chinchilla Serenade and Too Good To Title and is featured on several compilation CDs including: Illuminations, From A Mother’s Heart, and Jazz Improv Magazine. Her most recent release These Days, was called "one of the best albums to be heard from a no-nonsense jazz singer" in her feature article in Downbeat Magazine by Frank -John Hadley and a "sophisticated and successful album that raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch" by George Harris in All About Jazz. Just recently No Treble Magazine said that These Days, which features seven tracks of bass and voice duets with Darek Oles, "should be in every bassist's collection."

Ellen has performed, recorded and studied with many exceptional musicians including Charles McPherson, Louie Bellson, Bobby McFerrin, Roy McCurdy, Don Braden, Larry Koonse, John Clayton, Jay Clayton, Cameron Brown and her dear friend and mentor jazz icon, Sheila Jordan. Her amazing range, unique jazz phrasing, improvisational skills and imaginative vocal style delights audiences at concerts, festivals, colleges, and venues all over the world. Ellen, who enjoys wearing different hats, is a songwriter, lyricist, publisher, educator, creativity coach, writer, actress and the founder of Sound Visions Media Group which distributes, promotes and produces a roster of jazz artists and publishes educational CDs including You Sing Jazz, Vocal Builders, and The Vocal Warm Up CD. A former resident of San Diego, Ellen received her Master's Degree from San Diego State University, completed further studies at UCLA Extension Music Business Certificate program and has been on the faculties of California Polytechnic University at Pomona, University of San Diego (Old Globe MFA Program) and other colleges. She was one of the founding members and President of the Jazz Vocal Coalition (JZVOC), President of the San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Vocal Representative for the California Chapter of the IAJE and the Jazz Editor for Singer & Musician Magazine. Besides her professional recording and singing engagements she teaches jazz vocal workshops and private vocal coaching. She can be reached through her website at http://www.ellenjohnson.net or http://www.SoundVisionsMedia.com.

Ellen Johnson Gets Most Highly Recommended from Improvijazzation Nation

IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation
Issue #94 Reviews
by Rotcod Zzaj aka Dick Metcalf
http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z94Reviews.htm



Ellen Johnson - THESE DAYS: Female jazz singers are often "lumped" in a category (for reviewers, anyway) that says "later"... I don't know why that is, but know it often happens. A part of that could be the simple fact that there are many... well, in Ellen's case, letting the dozen tunes on her newly released CD "just slide" would be a mistake for anyone enthralled with true artistry. We reviewed another CD she produced ("A Mother's Heart) in issue #91, & were very impressed with her skills there, too. It is, of course, her voice that makes the difference & catapults the music on "These Days" to the top of the stack... what you hear is fresh & soulful, without pretense or gimmickry - excellent expression on every note! One of the most powerful tracks for this listener was "Inspiration"... simply beautiful, with great guitar by Larry Koonse & bass that stands right behind her penetrating vocal performance from Darek Oles! Oles bass lead-in on "You Don't Know What Love Is" is perfect for Ellen's silky & intimate style when she starts singing... another performance that will stay in your ears for months & years to come! In the overall, there is a real "slinky" quality to Johnson's voice that is so inviting you won't be able to move on to anything else until you've listened to the whole tune... & then the next track... & the next... & so on & so on. "These Days" is a definite jazz winner for all, players & listeners, & gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from this little corner of the jazz world! Get more information at www.ellenjohnson.net/ Rotcod Zzaj

NO TREBLE REVIEWS ELLEN JOHNSON "THESE DAYS" CD

A look back at Ellen Johnson’s “These Days”
by Evan Kepner

FULL REVIEW AT: http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2009/08/12/a-look-back-at-ellen-johnsons-these-days/

These Days has been on the shelves for a bit, but it should be in every bassist’s collection.

Ellen Johnson performs with bassist Darek Oles to create beautiful mixtures of voice and bass. It is not an exclusively duet album, other featured artists include Shelia Jordan, Roy McCurdy, Larry Koonse and Ana Gazzola.

The album was dedicated to Johnson’s friend and mentor, Shelia Jordan. Jordan was one of the early innovators with vocal and bass duets and began her first duet work with bass legend Charles Mingus. Johnson also shares a passion for Mingus and his work, evident by her arrangements of “Noddin’ Ya Head Blues” and “Nostalgia in Times Square,” where she adds lyrics to both songs (with the permission of Sue Mingus).

Master Guitarist, John Stowell Brings His Unique Sound to Ojai with Concert & Workshop

featuring special guest vocalist,
Ellen Johnson

Friday, August 14 (8 PM - 11 PM)
at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Saturday, August 15 (Noon - 2 PM)
at Vocal Visions Studio
info@vocalvisions.net


A world class guitarist, John Stowell is known internationally as a musician with a unique sound supported by a sophisticated harmonic concept. As a result John has shared the stage with some of the most respected musicians and singers in the world including Milt Jackson, Lionel Hampton, Paul Horn, David Friesen, and many others. John will be performing in concert with guest vocalist, Ellen Johnson, on Friday August 14 at the Ojai Valley Inn located in Ojai at 905 Country Club Road. There will be two shows, one at 8 PM and one at 9:30 PM. On Saturday, August 15th from noon to 2 PM, John will present a guitar workshop. The workshop will not only cover guitar techniques but will be open to singers who are interested in observing his accompaniment style (assisted by vocalist Ellen Johnson). For more information on how to register please contact info@vocalvisions.net or 805-272-8125.

John Stowell began his successful career in the early 1970's with private study with guitarist Linc Chamberland and pianist John Mehegan. Both men were valuable mentors to John, allowing him to play with them as he progressed in his development. Several years later he met bassist David Friesen in New York City, and they formed a duo that recorded and toured prolifically for seven years, with performances in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. In 1983, John and David joined flutist Paul Horn and Paul's son Robin Horn (on drums) for a historic tour of the Soviet Union. This was the first time in forty years that an American jazz group had been invited to play public performances in Russia. In 1993, 1995, and 1998 John returned to Russia, playing in numerous cities. His two sold-out performances in Kursk may have been the first appearances there by an American jazz musician.

John continues to tour, record and teach internationally spending half of his time in the New York scene and the other in scenic Portland, Oregon. He has been Artist-In-Residence at schools in Germany, Indonesia, Argentina, and in the United States and Canada. He served as assistant director and performer in Oregon Public Broadcasting's PDX Jazz Summit in 1991, and since 1995 has been a contributing columnist for a number of magazines, including "Downbeat", "Guitar Player", Canadian Musician", "Soundcheck" (Germany), and "Guitar Club" (Italy). John is featured along with bassist David Friesen on the soundtracks of two Academy Award Nominated short films (Will Vinton Studios, Portland, OR, and Bosustow Studios, Los Angeles, CA). The album "Through the Listening Glass" with David Friesen was chosen one of the Ten Best Jazz Albums of the Decade by the Los Angeles Examiner and John was chosen Talent Deserving Wider Recognition by Downbeat's International Critic's Poll in 1978 and 1979. He has also been featured in Japan's "Swing Journal”, "The Jazz Guitar" (Ashely Mark Publishing, England), and the Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz (Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler) along with appearances on BET Jazz Discovery and Guitar Series television shows.

Ellen Johnson & Scott Hilzik Special Blend of Jazz

Ellen Johnson, vocals
&
Scott Hiltzik, piano


Jazz Duo


At the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
Saturday, August 1st


"Johnson raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch." - George Harris, All About Jazz

Ellen Johnson and pianist Scott Hiltzik Duo on May 15th

Ellen Johnson Featured Event on RadioOjai.com

The Ojai Moment with Lisa and Matt: Matt Spins & Tweets

http://radioojai.com/2009/04/18/the-ojai-moment-with-lisa-and-matt-matt-spins--tweets.aspx


Lisa talks to Matt about the joys of spinning at Bryant Street Gym, Lisa's Lab chews up Simon and Garfunkel and Matt is tweeting on Twitter. Current events: Ellen Johnson 4/24, Elvis in Ojai 4/25 and The Ojai Tennis Tournament 4/23-26.


"Johnson has released a challenging, sophisticated and successful album that raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch. While other singers are rehashing the great American songbook, Johnson is puttinng it through the meat grinder and crea(ng a whole new menu.”
‐George Harris, All About Jazz

“Ellen Johnson's These Days is one of the best albums to be heard from a no‐nonsense jazz singer in the past year; she and her recording are worthy of serious consideration for placement in the 2007 DownBeat Cri1cs Poll.”
‐Frank‐John Hadley, DownBeat

"As "These Days" proceeds the soul of Ellen Johnson emerges, and she leaves no doubt about the wide range of her talents.In addition, the album reminds us of the fresh ideas, impressive technique and passion for the music that Ellen Johnson offers listeners. "These Days" is a true delight. “
‐Bill Donaldson, Jazz Improv

“Ellen Johnson’s new release “These Days” is a complete breath of fresh air. Johnson who is not afraid to go where no vocalist has gone before presents a CD of taking chances. A standing ovation for Ellen Johnson. Thank you for showing the world of Jazz vocals that there is so much to explore.”
‐James Rosen, Inside Connection

"The blue‐eyed blonde is gorgeous and so is her voice. She has very firm intonation, unique jazz phrasing and can scat well."
‐Harvey Siders, JazzTimes

Featured on RadioOjai.com

Guitarist John Stowell

Featured on RadioOjai.com
http://radioojai.com/2009/02/25/john-stowell-the-river-is-near.aspx

From his CD "Swan Tones, Volume 1," John Stowell's "The River Is Near" is one of 13 songs John plays on the album on a custom made Soloway Swan LN6 No-Hole Bolivian Rosewood top Guitar. The CD is available for download at Sound Visions Media.

SPECIAL CONCERT AND WORKSHOP with John Stowell
Guitar Mastery and Improvisation Techniques
featuring vocalist, Ellen Johnson

Sunday, March 1, 2009
Concert: 4 PM - 5:30 PM, Workshop: 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Ojai Location, LIMITED SEATING SO RESERVE NOW!
$50 for workshop and concert, $10 for concert only
info@SoundVisionsMedia.com
www.soundvisionsmedia.com
www.johnstowell.com
www.ellenjohnson.net

"With Every Kiss"
(From A Mother's Heart CD)
by Ellen Johnson





featured on RadioOjai.com

http://tinyurl.com/careol

RadioOjai.com is featuring the original music of Ellen Johnson in lieu of her upcoming performance on Wednesday, February 18th (8 PM - 11 PM) at the Ojai Valley Inn located in Ojai, CA.

The CD was one of 11 songs from the download only CD, "From A Mother's Heart" which is a musical tribute to mothers, mothers day and mother earth. The song "With Every Kiss (Song For Frances)" was dedicated to Ellen's mother along with the rest of the songs dedications to each artist's mother or to a cause for mother earth.

Ellen Johnson, described by Bruce Crowther of Jazz Journal International as “superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality”, has three critically acclaimed CD’s (These Days, Chinchilla Serenade and Too Good To Title). “These Days”, dedicated to jazz icon Sheila Jordan, was called “one of the best albums to be heard from a no-nonsense jazz singer” (Frank –John Hadley, DownBeat ) and a “sophisticated and successful album that raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch” (George Harris, All About Jazz). The CD features two duets with Sheila Jordan and continues her bass and voice innovations with beautiful interplay with bassist Darek Oles, guitarist Larry Koonse and drummer Roy McCurdy. Ellen has performed, recorded and studied with many other exceptional musicians including Charles McPherson, Louie Bellson, Bobby McFerrin, Wiliie PIckens, Jay Clayton and John Clayton. Her amazing range, unique jazz phrasing, improvisational skills and imaginative vocal style delights audiences at concerts, festivals, colleges, and venues all over the world. Ellen is also a songwriter, lyricist, publisher, educator and is the founder of Sound Visions Media Group which distributes, promotes and produces a roster of jazz artists and publishes educational CDs including “You Sing Jazz” and “Vocal Builders”. Ellen received her Master’s Degree from San Diego State University and has been on the faculties of California Polytechnic University at Pomona and the University of San Diego among other colleges as well as jazz vocal workshops and private coaching. She can be reached through her website at www.ellenjohnson.net

www.ellenjohnson.net

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www.ellenjohnson.net.

"In A Mellow Tone" music of Sheila Jordan and Ellen Johnson

November 14, 2008

PLAYLIST for "In A Mellow Tone" on

NOVEMBER 19, 2008

Ron Sweetman's “In A Mellow Tone” can be heard on CKCU-FM every Wednesday from 9 to 11 PM EST at 93.1 FM in the Ottawa region and around the world on Internet Radio.

Ron Sweetman

Ron Sweetman has been an activist for jazz and blues since arriving in Canada in 1969. He was a founder member of L’Atelier de Musique Experimentale (1972), Jazz Ottawa (1976), and Music Now (1997). He has written for CODA magazine since 1970, and has been a member of the Down Beat International Critics Poll since 1982. He has hosted his weekly jazz and blues radio show “In A Mellow Tone” on CKCU-FM 93.1 since May 1976. In his spare time, Ron is a management consultant. Ron can be reached via email at: ronsweetman[at]kalixo[dot]com.

SHEILA JORDAN


The greatest living jazz singer, Sheila Jordan, turns 80 on November 18th. In this tribute program, we’ll trace her recording career from 1962 to 2008.

Artist: Sheila Jordan with Aki Takase
Album: ABC
Tune: I Hear Your Music
Label: Eastwind

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Portrait of Sheila
Tune: Am I Blue
Label: Blue Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Portrait of Sheila
Tune: Falling In Love with love
Label: Blue Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Portrait of Sheila
Tune: Hum Drum Blues
Label: Blue Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Portrait of Sheila
Tune: Let’s Face the Music and Dance
Label: Blue Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan with George Russell Sextet
Album: Things New
Tune: You Are My Sunshine
Label: RLM

Artist: Sheila Jordan with Roswell Rudd
Album: Blown Bone
Tune: Blues for the Planet Earth
Label: Emanen

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Lost & Found
Tune: The Very Thought of You
Label: Muse

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Lost & Found
Tune: Anthropology
Label: Muse

Artist: Sheila Jordan with Vienna Art Orchestra
Album: Quiet Ways: Ballads
Tune: If You Could See Me Now
Label: Amadeo

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Jazz Child
Tune: Everything Happens To Me
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan & Theo Bleckmann
Album: Jazz Child
Tune: Oh Henry
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Little Song
Tune: Little Song
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Little Song
Tune: Blackbird
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Little Song
Tune: Barbados
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Celebration
Tune: Blue Skies
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Celebration
Tune: All Blues
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Celebration
Tune: Freddie Freeloader
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Celebration
Tune: Humdrum Blues
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Celebration
Tune: Mood Indigo
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: Celebration
Tune: Sheila’s Blues
Label: High Note

Artist: Sheila Jordan & Ellen Johnson
Album: These Days
Tune: Little Messenger
Label: Vocal Visions

Artist: Sheila Jordan & Ellen Johnson
Album: These Days
Tune: The Crossing
Label: Vocal Visions

Artist: Sheila Jordan
Album: From A Mother’s Heart
Tune: Dat Dere
Label: Vocal Visions