Johan Eriksson is professor of saxophone and Jazz Studies at the University of Montana. Originally from Sweden, he now resides in Missoula, Montana. Johan is a versatile performer who is as comfortable in jazz, funk or salsa clubs, as he is in the symphony hall. Johan recently recorded the second album with drummer Matt Wilson, trumpeter Ron Miles, bassist Ken Filiano, saxophonist John Gunther and trumpeter Brad Goode as a member of the Fred Hess Big Band. The CD will be available in the late summer of 2010. Their first album is available at http://indra.com/~fhmusic/. Johan has also recently recorded his own jazz projects, which ranges from jazz duo to octet (see the music link).
Johan has backed up such artists as Slide Hampton, Dee Dee Bridewater, Chris Potter, Rufus Reid, Hamiet Bluiett, Randy Brecker, Bill Holman, "Blue" Lou Marini, Vince DiMartino,Wayne Bergeron, Steve Turre, Tom Garling, Jay Sanborn, Greg Gisberg , Willie Pickens and many others.
While working on his doctorate at the University of Northern Colorado, Johan was often seen with the Ninth and Lincoln Jazz Orchestra led by ASCAP "Emerging Composer" award winner Tyler Gilmore and with the Colorado Jazz Orchestra led by great pianist Dana Landry, drummer phenomenon Jim White and composer David Caffey.
While Johan is an in demand jazz saxophonist, he also works extensively with classical groups. He has performed with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Roosevelt Wind Ensemble, as saxophone solist with the Chicago Chamber Singers and with composer John Corigliano. Johan performs regularly at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences, most recently held at the University of New Mexico. His saxophone quartet, UNC Saxophone Quartet One, won the prestigious 2009 Southard Competition. He has performed under Harry Begian, Thomas Leslie, Dennis Zeisler, Don Wilcox, Kenneth Singleton, David Holsinger and John Locke.
Before moving to Denver in 2007, Johan lived in Chicago for six years where he performed with musicians such as Dan Nimmer, Greg Ward, Doug Stone, Joey Sellers, Ron Carter, Tom Garling, Fareed Haque, Art Davis, Bandarika Salsa Band (voted best salsa band in Chicago) and many others.
While freelancing in Chicago, he worked as a band director in the Dekalb School District. Johan has taught every grade from K through 12th.
Johan is currently finishing up a doctorate in saxophone at the University of Northern Colorado where he performed with UNC Lab Band I, UNC Combo I, UNC Wind Ensemble I, and UNC Saxophone Quartet I.
Education:
Full Resume (Curriculum Vitae)Doctor of Arts, (in progress) - Northern Colorado University
Masters of Jazz Pedagogy, 2003 -Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Music, 2001 -University of North Carolina at Greensboro