“Shaun Johnson splits the difference between the dulcet urbanity of Michael Bublé and the campy yowl of the Stray Cats’ Brian Setzer.” – Star Tribune
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience: They’re not famous. Yet. And they’re not exactly a tribute group. Which would make it easier for you to know what to expect. They are something else. Literally.
Shaun’s won an Emmy and the band’s first full-length album debuted on Billboard‘s Top Five. More importantly, the Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience is leading a “jazz pop renaissance” (The Guardian).
Johnson seemed destined for a life of music from the very beginning. “One of my earliest memories,” he says, “is performing at state fair talent shows with my little sister. We’d sing Sonny and Cher songs, a capella when neither of us was quite tall enough to reach the microphone.”
Originally from the small town of Saint Joseph, Iowa, Shaun attended Saint John’s University. Then, he moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he began his career with the nationally known vocal group, Tonic Sol-fa. This quartet has sold over two million albums independently and has been featured in Newsweek and on the Today Show. Also, Shaun is still an active member.
In 2018, Shaun put together a group featuring some of the best instrumentalists and arrangers in the Midwest. Additionally, members have toured with numerous luminaries, are Music Educators of the Year and are integral members of collegiate jazz faculties. Thus, his vision was to create a contemporary jazz-pop sound. The BBE honors legends like Frank Sinatra, with a nod to Michael Bublé and Lake Street Dive. Also, Johnson gives the music his own twist, performing songs ranging from the “Spiderman Theme” to increasingly popular original works.
Recommended for fans of Tonic Sol-fa, The Manhattan Transfer, Christian McBride Big Band and Rockapella.
