Art Johnson

A lyrical guitarist who has never achieved the recognition he deserves, Art Johnson has a remarkable resume but not much fame. He arrived in Los Angeles in 1969 and was soon playing and recording with a new group called The Advancement which included vibraphonist Lynn Blessing. Soon he was working with Willie Bobo, Paul Horn, Tim Weisberg and John Klemmer, recording with the latter three. Johnson's musical experiences went way beyond jazz including playing eccentric country tunes with "Gas, Food & Lodging," being featured on violin, mandolin and guitar with Pat Boone, touring with Tim Buckley (1974-75), movie soundtracks, studio work, and working with Lena Horne, O.C. Smith, the San Diego Symphony and even Engelbert Humperdinck. Johnson, who teaches jazz guitar at San Diego State University, has recorded duo albums with pianist Duane Smith for Mobile Fidelity (1984) and with pianist Joanne Grauer for ITI (1989).