Band member of the month: Curtis Johnson!

Curtis E. Johnson

Fast Facts

Instrument: Saxophone, Flute, and Clarinet

How long have you been playing?: For 43 years

What do you do when you’re not playing with Landau?: I teach music and freelance with many different groups.

Who are some other notable artists you’ve played with or gigs you’ve played?: In pop music: Ray Charles, Issac Hayes, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, The Fifth Dimension, Lou Rawles, The Temptations, Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review, Jim Nabors, Aretha Franklin, Carol Lawrence, Dean Jones, Barbara McNair, The Platters, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Drifters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Leslie Gore, Lou Christie, Myron Floren, Henry Cuesta, Ralna English, Don Ellis, Matha Reeves and the Vandellas, and many others. In jazz: Jeff “Tain” Watts, Maynard Ferfuson, Christian McBride, Ahmad Jamal, Sean Jones, and many others.

What’s your most memorable Landau gig?: Our first gig ever, in Charleston. The thousands of fans were electric!

What’s your favorite part of playing with Landau?: Hanging out with Landau before the gig. He is genuine, kind, and FUNNY!

What are some of your hobbies and other interests?: Music, music, music! I also like to watch college and professional football.

What advice do you have for young musicians?: Work as hard as you can, take lessons from REAL professionals, and try to be ready for any opportunity that may come up. Prepare early because those opportunities sometimes come quickly… you may not have time to prepare for an immediate need!