Darren Johnston - Here Comes The Nice Guy Trio

[GA Russell]

Darren Johnston is a Bay Area trumpeter. His sound is amazing. His tone reminds me of the Chet in Paris discs from the mid-50s.

He has assembled two other guys (accordion and bass) and formed The Nice Guy Trio. Their album is called Here Comes The Nice Guy Trio.

First of all, it is not a trio album. There are six guest artists appearing at various times. I love this music, but it's hard to call it jazz. It swings, no doubt about it. But there is no blues to be found. It is more like Django Reinhart music than anything else I can think of. Maybe it is the accordion that gives it its European flavor.

The guests play instruments such as tablas, violin, clarinet and cello. You get the idea. It's a unique album.

I would love for Sirius to pick up on this one, to lighten up their programming.

[jlhoots]

His Clean Feed CD Edge Of The Forest is really good.

Edited November 17, 2009 by jlhoots

[rpklich]

He's come through Chicago and I got to hear him a couple of times this past summer. Once with a trio that consisted of two bass players and him. The other time with a an octet with among others Aram Shelton and Josh Berman. Berman was the one who told me about him in the first place and Josh is right: he's a good player.

[GA Russell]

I see that Here Comes The Nice Guy Trio can now be heard at lala.com.

http://www.lala.com/#album/165760614007413...e_Nice_Guy_Trio