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Johan Eriksson Bio
Johan Eriksson is a versatile performer who is comfortable in the jazz club as well as in the
symphony hall. Originally from Onsala, Sweden, he is Assistant Professor of Saxophone and
Jazz Studies at the University of Montana. He is proud to be a Yamaha Performing Artist.
Johan teaches 14-16 saxophone music majors, 3 saxophone quartets, 2 jazz combos, history of
jazz, advanced jazz improvisation, and the saxophone portion of woodwind methods. His
students are well rounded musicians that are able to fit into any musical situation.
Johan has recorded two CDs with the Fred Hess Big Band released by Dazzle Records. This
group includes Downbeat Magazine Award Winner Matt Wilson on drums, saxophonist John
Gunther (Maria Schneider Orchestra, Village Vanguard Orchestra), Ron Miles (Ellington
Orchestra, “Finding Forrester” soundtrack) and other top jazz players from around the country.
Johan holds a D.M.A in saxophone pedagogy/performance from the University of Northern
Colorado. While in Denver he performed with ASCAP “Emerging Jazz Composer/Arranger”
award winner Tyler Gilmore’s group “9th and Lincoln Big Band”, a group featuring the top
musicians of Denver. He was also a member of the Colorado Jazz Orchestra led by great pianist
Dana Landry, drummer phenomenon Jim White and composer David Caffey. While at UNC, he
was played lead alto with the “UNC Lab Band One” a frequent winner the Downbeat poll for
best college big band and/or outstanding college big band performance. He also performed with
the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra.
Previous to Denver, Johan spent seven years in Chicago performing in both jazz and classical
contexts, including the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Chamber Singers (saxophone
soloist), Roosevelt Wind Ensemble, “Blue” Lou Marini (Blues Brother’s movie/soundtrack),
Bandarika Salsa Band (voted best Salsa group in Chicago) and numerous others.
Dedicated to music education, Johan spent four years as a band director in Illinois and has taught
public school kindergarten through 12th grade music. His students have won scholarships at
prestigious schools such as the University of Michigan, Juilliard Conservatory, Lawrence
Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, North Texas University, Cincinnati Conservatory,
Michigan State University, University of Northern Colorado, Northern Illinois University,
University of Oregon, and the New England Conservatory.
Johan has performed alongside distinguished musicians Dee Dee Bridgewater, “Blue” Lou
Marini, Slide Hampton, Hamiet Bluiett, Ron Carter, Dan Nimmer, Fareed Hague, Willie
Pickens, John Corigliano, Fred Wesley, Rufus Reid, Steve Turre, Greg Gisberg, Randy Brecker,
Brad Goode, Greg Ward, Brice Winston, Marlene Rosenberg, Art Davis, Boris Kozlov, Orlando
Cotto, Liam Teague, Harry Begian, Wayne Bergeron, Bill Holman, Ingrid Jensen, Chris Potter,
Johnathan Blake, Paul McKee, Matt Wilson, Ron Miles, Peter Sommer, Dominic Lalli, Steve
Roach, Mike Sakash, Lee Konitz, Grace Kelly, Donny McCaslin, and many others.
Johan is a member of the UM Woodwind Faculty Woodwind Quintet with Maxine Ramey,
Margaret Schuberg, Jennifer Cavanaugh and Christopher Kirkpatrick. He is a frequent performer
at the North American Saxophone Alliance National Conferences.
www.mojeeriksson.com