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.
Yesterdays
J.J. Johnson Lyrics
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Right tide, right place, right weather
Yesterdays rain seems so far away
If I had more money, honey
There's no where I'd rather be
Then here on this beach
Right next to you, right next to me
Cause that sun couldn't shine no brighter
That water couldn't be more blue
This smoke couldn't get me no higher
cnd that two piece couldn't look better on you
Sittin here sippin' second hand tequila off your lips
Baby, life don't get no better than this
Good vibes turned up to eleven
cin't no place this side of heaven
Closer to God then this sandy spot and
If I had more money, honey
I'd spend it on being right here
Drinking this beer
Watching these worries disappear
I like them sunny days sip'n on them cold drinks
Cruis'n on them ole bikes, roll'n down them ole streets
We got those good tunes, vib'n with those eats
cnd damn my shorty's sexy when she step out in that two piece
You can find me the ocean I'm just float'n with my clique
Kelly got the camera, get a pic of me and Nick
Yesterday we had the rain, not the sun it came to play
So we just soak'n up them better days while let'n worries fade away
Yesterdays rain seems so far way
The lyrics to "Yesterdays" by J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding convey a sense of contentment and joy in the present moment. The singer expresses his love for when things come together as planned, particularly in the context of being in the right place at the right time with perfect weather. The rain from yesterday seems distant and insignificant compared to the beauty and happiness of the present.
The song reflects the idea that money cannot buy the happiness and fulfillment that comes from being in a special place with a loved one. The singer would choose to be on the beach, next to the person he cares about, over any other destination. The sun shines brightly, the water is crystal blue, and the experience is elevated by the presence of the other person. Life feels complete and blissful, symbolized by sipping tequila off their lips. In this moment, the troubles and worries of life disappear, and the singer appreciates the simplicity and joy that the present brings.
In summary, "Yesterdays" celebrates the beauty of the present moment, the joy of a well-executed plan, and the happiness found in the company of loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
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@NOIJAZZMAN
This is probably my favorite trombone solo by anybody at anytime. JJ's mastery of the instrument through all ranges and the consistency of his tone...clarity of his runs....Ridiculous! RIP JJ
@jazzbonept
Somehow (and luckily) a staple of mine and my brother's growing up...grew up with that sound and didn't even know it. Every year it becomes more and more apparent how masterful he truly was.
@EricScottReed
Paul Mazursky's "Next Stop Greenwich Village (1976) led me here. The movie is set in 1953, but this concert didn't take place until 1957. Still glad it was used in the movie. LOL!
@alanwitton5980
Wonderful
@AljoniMusiCo
Tight 'bone solo!