Page of Madness: Suite For Improvisers
Phillip Johnston’s Page of Madness: Suite for Improvisers had its Australian premiere at SIMA’s Summer Series at The Sound Lounge, Seymour Centre in February 2016. This large ensemble piece had its US premiere as the finale of Johnston’s one-week residency at John Zorn’s venue The Stone in New York in March of 2015.
Saxophone Quartets
Johnston has always been drawn to the saxophone quartet (with or without rhythm section), and has amassed a large repertoire of original compositions and arrangements over the years. Here are a few samples.
Ensembles:
Saxophone Special
Phillip Johnston: soprano/alto saxophone, Peter Farrar: alto saxophone, Tim Clarkson: tenor saxophone, Jim Loughnan: baritone saxophone
The Microscopic Quartet
Phillip Johnston: soprano/alto saxophone, Don Davis: alto saxophone, Mike Hashim: tenor saxophone, Dave Sewelson: baritone saxophone
SNAP
Phillip Johnston: soprano/alto saxophone, Paul Cutlan: alto saxophone, Sandy Evans: tenor saxophone, Nick Bowd: baritone saxophone
The Prospectus Saxophone Quartet
Phillip Johnston: soprano/, Spike Mason: alto saxophone, Tristan Meffre: tenor saxophone, Danny Healy: baritone saxophone
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opening of Amscray (Johnston) by SNAP, from Boggy Creek Bop,
Saxophone Duos
Paul Cutlan and Phillip Johnston
Paul Cutlan: soprano, alto saxophone
Phillip Johnston: soprano, alto saxophone
I’m Squeamish (Johnston)
(short video excerpt from a performance at Johnston Street Jazz)
Chamber Music
Squibs (1991) Trio for flute, tuba and marimba.
Pontius Pilate Polka (1991) soprano saxophone, trombone, baritone saxophone, guitar, organ, bass, drums
Chillbone (1993) Octet for soprano saxophone, trombone, bass clarinet, tuba, marimba, organ
Song of Fear (1997) recorder, soprano saxophone, piano, harpsichord, vibraphone, violin, cello, bass
Squibs (Johnston) was commissioned by SingleTree. Bill Moersch: marimba, helen Campo: flute, Marcus Rojas: tuba. This is a demo recording they made; it has never been formally released.
Chillbone (Johnston) was performed by Big Trouble, and released on their eponymous CD on Black Saint in 1986.
Phillip Johnston: soprano saxophone, Steve Swell: trombone, Rob DeBellis: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet. Joe Ruddick: keyboards, Dave Hofstra: tuba, Kevin Norton: marimba.