Saxophonist Kwanae Johnson is a dynamic performer and musical collaborator across the vibrant St. Louis jazz scene, from intimate Jazz St. Louis combos to Dave Weckl’s Big Band. Offstage, Kwanae applies the same dedication to his role as a horn shop technician at St. Louis Music, where he helps oversee the superior quality of our instruments and prepare them for their new players.
Can you walk us through your journey as a musician? When did you first pick up the sax and when did you realize this is what you wanted to pursue long-term?
I started in 6th grade; I was allured by the promises of a trip to Germany when I got to high school. I’d never even been out of state in middle school but knew that music would offer me a way to see the world! Shortly after that trip in high school it was time to decide on a career path in college and I figured music has treated me so well, and I’ve met many incredible and inspiring people, so why not stick with this! The traveling didn’t hurt either…
You play with Dave Weckl’s big band – what’s that like? Are there any other gigs that have been watershed moments in your playing career?
Getting to play in Dave’s big band is definitely a dream come true! I’ve been listening to records with him since I was in high school. I first came across him while listening to Chick Corea records and remember being enamored with the dynamic conversations between drums and everyone else. Shout out to Dave Dickey for providing the connections to make that opportunity happen!
I've had a few other incredible moments, from performing with American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, to being a regular member of the Jazz St. Louis big band under the direction of Victor Goines!
Educating young musicians is also a part of your musical life. Has that experience shaped the player you are? How?
Absolutely! I also work at Jazz St. Louis in the education department and specifically work with kids from middle school to high school. Preparing them for the challenges of being a working musician – and teaching them to be a decent person to work with – helps remind me of the things that are important as well! Teaching makes you aware of what you yourself are doing, and how to best disseminate that information to students. What works for one person may not work for another and learning how to be flexible has definitely only helped with my own playing!
How long have you been working in SLM’s horn shop? It’s pretty meticulous work; what part of it do you find most engaging? Any favorite tools?
I’ve been working at SLM for about a decade now, but just started my instrumental repair journey about two years ago! If someone told me fixing saxophones would be even harder than playing them, I’d be a trombone player! (Just kidding, no shade trombone players). I really enjoy understanding how it all works together – saxophone that is! Much like being a mechanic only helps to improve your experience operating your vehicle, learning saxophone repair has really aided my growth as a player! As far as favorite tools go, I’d say brass-jawed pliers. I use them often and I just enjoy their versatility!
