JAZZ FOR THE SOUL: Todd Johnson Quartet

The Todd Johnson Quartet is back at Jazz for the Soul at Jazzbird. Bassist Todd Johnson is joined this night by the Valley’s own Nicole Pesce on piano, Andrew Gross on tenor sax, and Robby Carrillo on drums.

All world-class musicians together featuring some greasy-soulful standards — favorite songs you’ll know and love with tunes from Todd’s new CD “Live at the Ravenscroft.” Don’t miss this!

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Music on a Mission is pleased to contribute 100% of all donations from this concert to a vetted local charity (TBA).

Todd Johnson is recognized as a pioneer of the six-string electric bass. With his Zon signature model six-string bass, Todd has developed an innovative technique where he plays chord changes and bass lines. Though Johnson dedicates himself largely to performing and recording, he also teaches courses and workshops in a variety of settings. As a seasoned performing artist, Todd Johnson has developed a rich philosophy encompassing his spiritual, educational and achievement-oriented sides. Johnson sees his talent as a “gift from God” to continually enhance and develop. A unique musician with a unique instrument, Johnson strives to stretch the limits, creating new sounds and directions in which the electric bass can go.   “Todd Johnson has found the freedom of extra strings, and as such has developed a distinctive solo voice on his instrument…” writes Jim Fisch. Time and again, Johnson is acknowledged as unique, creative and innovative in his musical talents. He brings more than mastery to the electric bass; Todd Johnson brings a new vision of the instrument that greatly expands its musical horizon.

Nicole Pesce – Recognized by the Arizona Republic as one of the “top ten musicians to hear in Phoenix”, Nicole has performed for Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, George Benson, Waylon Jennings, Shaquille O’Neal, The Gypsy Kings, and Brian Setzer.

Nicole enjoyed a residency as the house pianist at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Phoenix, AZ for over a decade…entertaining audiences with everything from Bach to Lady Gaga. With additional performances at such venues as the Tempe Center for the Arts, Herberger Theater, Desert Ridge Marriott, ASU Kerr Cultural Center, Mesa Arts Center, Phoenician Resort, Wrigley Mansion, & The Princess Hotel.

At age 14, Nicole played for Debbie Reynolds at Debbie’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. That same year, Nicole appeared on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon (which aired to over 65 million viewers) – and toured the USA with Jerry. Additional appearances include performances with American Idol contestant David Hernandez, The Moscow Ballet, Zowie Bowie, The Cast of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, Mamma Mia, and White Christmas.

Andrew Gross Tenor Saxophone – Saxophonist and  educator – is the Music Director for Young Sounds of Arizona. Andrew  studied with jazz musicians, Chris Potter, Rufus Reid, Rich Perry, Tony  Malaby, Dewey Redman and Reggie Workman. He performs regularly with the  Phoenix Symphony and is called on to play studio gigs for others as well  as recording three projects of his own. He has served as featured  soloist on GCU Faculty Recitals and Thunder Big Band as well as Mesa  Community College’s Big Band.

Robby Carrillo – Drummer, percussionist, and  educator, is based in Phoenix, Arizona. He began playing music  professionally at age 16. Carrillo attended Arizona State where he  received the Jazzbird Scholarship and studied jazz performance and  composition under Dom Moio and Michael Kocour. Carrillo has performed  with greats, Joe Lovano, Fred Forney, Michael Kocour, Armand Boatman,  Marty Ashby, Charles Lewis, and many others. He opened for Benny Golson  in Chicago at the famed Jazz Showcase. Carrillo is an in-demand drummer,  and seasoned studio musician. Currently, Carrillo is the drum set  instructor at Mesa Community College and Arizona Christian University.

All JFTS Concerts are FREE and open to the public. Doors open at 4:45pm. All donations received will benefit local and international humanitarian causes.

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