He recorded a number of popular albums with fellow trombonist Kai Winding, as well as many solo albums, and was a sideman on many classic jazz recordings. Several of his compositions, including "Wee Dot," "Lament," and "Enigma" are considered jazz standards. He was part of the Third Stream movement in jazz music in the late 1950s and early 1960s and wrote a number of large-scale works which incorporated elements of both classical and jazz music.
In his early twenties he developed a remarkable, flawless technique and was the first trombonist to rise to the challenge of bebop music, remaining unchallenged at the forefront of modern jazz throughout his career. In 1970 he ceased performing in public for most of 17 years, before a comeback in the late 1980s. From the mid fifties on, he was a perennial polling favorite in jazz circles, even winning Down Beat's "Trombonist of the Year" during years he wasn't active. Voted into Down Beat's Hall of Fame in 1995, J. J. Johnson's recording career spanned 54 years, from 1942 to 1996.
He has long been regarded as the greatest trombonist of the post-Swing Era, a pervasive influence on other jazz musicians, and one of jazz's legendary figures.
What's New
J.J. Johnson Lyrics
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How is the world treating you?
You haven't changed a bit
Lovely as ever I must admit
Oh, what's new?
How did that romance come through?
We haven't met since then
What's new? Probably I'm boring you
But seeing you is grand
And you were sweet to offer your hand
I understand, adieu
Pardon my asking what's new
Of course you couldn't know
I haven't changed: I still love you so
Oh, what's new? Probably I'm boring you
But seeing you is grand
And you were sweet to offer your hand
Mama, I understand, adieu
Pardon my asking what's new
Of course you couldn't know
I haven't changed: I still love you so
The lyrics of J.J. Johnson's song "What's New" are a conversation between two people who haven't seen each other for a while. The singer is asking the person they are speaking to how they've been and what's been happening in their life ("What's new? How is the world treating you?"), and expresses pleasure at seeing them again ("Gee, but it's nice to see you again"). The singer also subtly references a past romance they shared ("How did that romance come through? We haven't met since then"), and admits to still having feelings for the other person ("I haven't changed: I still love you so"). The song ends with the singer saying goodbye and expressing gratitude ("You were sweet to offer your hand, Mama, I understand, adieu"), but also acknowledging that their feelings for the other person haven't changed.
The lyrics are poignant in their simplicity, and capture the mix of nostalgia, longing, and sadness that can accompany reconnecting with someone after a long time apart. While the song doesn't reveal much about the nature of the relationship between the two people, it hints at a past romance that didn't seem to work out, yet still lingers in the mind of the singer. The repetition of the question "What's new?" highlights the sense of wanting to know what's been happening in the other person's life, while also subtly underscoring the fact that time has passed and things have inevitably changed.
Line by Line Meaning
What's new?
Asking if anything of significance has recently happened.
How is the world treating you?
Inquiring about the person's overall well-being and life experiences.
You haven't changed a bit
Noting that the person's appearance or personality has remained consistent.
Lovely as ever I must admit
Complimenting the person's attractiveness and charm.
Oh, what's new?
Reiterating the initial question about recent events or updates.
How did that romance come through?
Asking about the status or outcome of a previous romantic encounter.
We haven't met since then
Noting that a significant amount of time has passed since the last encounter.
Gee, but it's nice to see you again
Expressing happiness and gratitude for the opportunity to reunite.
What's new? Probably I'm boring you
Acknowledging the possible tedium of discussing the same topic repeatedly.
But seeing you is grand
Emphasizing the excitement and joy of reconnecting with the person.
And you were sweet to offer your hand
Appreciating the person's gesture of friendship and warmth.
I understand, adieu
Politely indicating the end of the conversation and farewell.
Pardon my asking what's new
Apologizing for potentially repeating the same question multiple times.
Of course you couldn't know
Recognizing the person's inability to provide new information due to limited communication.
I haven't changed: I still love you so
Affirming that the person's feelings for the other have not diminished over time.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY BURKE, BOB HAGGART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind