This Thursday Night Jazz performance offers a touching tribute to Pittsburgh’s own Ahmad Jamal, spearheaded by City of Asylum fan favorite, James Johnson III.

After being bitten by the percussion bug at the age of five in his Pittsburgh hometown, it was only a matter of time before James Johnson found his way to CAPA, Downtown’s Creative and Performing Arts high school. After a few years of study and incredible mentorship, James graduated CAPA ready to take on the jazz scene. One day, he got a call from none other than local legend Ahmad Jamal: Would James like to join Ahmad on tour? A definitive Yes! was the only possible answer.

Touring with Ahmad, James got his big break as a professional jazz musician, complete with the opportunity to tour the world and learn from one of his heroes. The tour took the band to Russia, Portugal, Italy, Réunion (an island off of Madagascar), and all over the United States. To show his gratitude and revisit a beautiful turning point in his life, this concert features James’ favorite songs that he performed with Ahmad Jamal.

Featured Musicians
James Johnson: drums
Cliff Barnes: organ
Tommy Lehman: trumpet
Joseph Seman: saxophone
John Shannon: guitar
Dr. James Johnson Jr: piano