LaMont Johnson -

LaMont Johnson (Oct. 1, 1941 — Oct. 21, 1999) was an American jazz pianist and composer who released the 1972 album Sun, Moon and Stars on Mainstream Records. In 1976, he reemerged with Nine… A Mystical, Musical Allegory on Masterscores, followed by the 1979/80 titles Aces and New York Exile.

Background

James LaMont Johnson was born Oct. 1, 1941, in New York City. At age seven, Johnson sang on WPIX as a member of Star Time Kids. At 13, he recast the medieval morality play Everyman as Everycat. Johnson composed music for the production and appeared in the cast. He entered the U.S. Air Force in February 1959 and served as a flight-crew member at Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany.

Johnson played piano in the David Feathers Rhein Main AFB Jazz All Stars. The group included trumpeter David Feathers and tenor saxophonist Joseph D. Jackson. Bassist Sam Scott and drummer Phillip D. “Philly Joe” Welch completed the rhythm section around Johnson. After a John Coltrane concert in Frankfurt on Nov. 29, 1961, Johnson joined a Jazzkeller session with Eric Dolphy and Leo Wright. Elvin Jones and Bob Cunningham also played in the session. Johnson completed his Air Force service in December 1962, then attended Manhattan College and Syracuse University.

Back in New York, Johnson entered the Jackie McLean circle and helped develop regular jazz bookings at Slugs’ on East Third Street by the mid-1960s. Johnson and his brother Keith established Down East Records at 53 Pitt Street in 1966 with backing from Manhattan production company MBA. They operated a small recording studio behind the label offices, which attracted musicians from nearby Slugs’ for sessions and demos.

Johnson played piano with the Jackie McLean quartet alongside bassist Scotty Holt and drummer Billy Higgins at the Famous Ballroom in Baltimore on Dec. 18, 1966. The quartet entered RCA Victor Studios in February 1967 for “Embraceable You” and “Old Folks,” which appeared on From the Newport Jazz Festival Tribute to Charlie Parker. Johnson joined McLean and Ornette Coleman for New and Old Gospel at Van Gelder Studio the following month. He returned to Van Gelder Studio for ’Bout Soul in September and Demon’s Dance in December. Johnson also contributed the compositions “Big Ben’s Voice” and “Erdu” to ’Bout Soul.

Johnson played on the Hank Mobley album Reach Out! in January 1968, which included his composition “Beverly.” Johnson and Keith ended Down East operations in 1969. Johnson subsequently relocated to the West Coast and played piano on the 1971 Beaver & Krause album Gandharva. In 1972, he produced and played keyboards on the Mokie, J.J. & R.O.B. album Speed of Light for Sun, Moon & Stars Records. Johnson next made his first album as a leader, Sun, Moon and Stars, for Mainstream Records.

Discography: