J. J. Johnson
Trombone Solo on
Drifting on a Reed

About

J. J. Johnson's trombone solo is the 2nd of 5 on this recording, spanning two choruses at approximately 211 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 12-bar Blues form and the key of B♭, the solo navigates the chord changes with purpose. Positioned between Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, Johnson bridges the conversation between the two. The inclusion of Johnson, the foremost bebop trombonist, adds a new color to Parker's ensemble and the three-horn front line creates richer ensemble textures. The groove sits in a comfortable medium-up zone, encouraging flowing melodic invention.

J. J. Johnson was 22 to 23 years old at the time.