Russell Johnson

Russell Johnson is a Professor of Jazz at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where he serves as Director of Jazz Studies. He transitioned from 23 years in New York City's jazz scene to the Midwest, maintaining an international presence through performances in over 40 countries. His work includes 7 leader/co-leader recordings and over 75 sideman performances, collaborating with jazz legends like Lee Konitz and Bill Frisell.

Education: MFA in Music from the Manhattan School of Music (2000).

Research interests focus on jazz performance, improvisation, and education. His recent albums Meeting Point and Still Out To Lunch! garnered critical acclaim, including 4-star ratings from Down Beat Magazine. Upcoming projects include a 2017 release by his Headlands Quartet.

• Awards: 2016 Stella Gray Teaching Excellence Award, 2020 Research & Creative Activity Award

Teaching and service: Active as an educator/clinician across U.S. and Europe. Advising/mentoring is central to his role at UW-Parkside, though specific student names are not listed. No grants explicitly noted.

Labs/Teams: Directs Jazz Studies program, leading ensembles and festivals including recent performances at Chicago's Winter Jazz Fest and Bergamo Jazz Festival.