Maurice Johnson
May 5, 2017 | 3:30pm Stage 1
Jazz Guitarist/Composer/Author/Producer
Milwaukee born guitar veteran, Maurice Johnson first gained notice in 1985 shortly after forming the Oklahoma City based, “After Five” band. Considered the young lions of jazz, “After Five” gained a great deal of popularity, sharing the stage with major acts including, George Benson, George Howard, Norman Brown, Nancy Wilson, Al Green, Alex Bungon, Stanley Turrentine, Little Melton, Mary Wright, Ronny Laws, Jennifer Holiday, Freddy Jackson, Larry Coryell, Barney Kessel and many others. In 1991 the group signed with New York label, Warlock Records and released the EXPRESSIONS CD. After a nearly ten-year stint, “After Five” would ultimately disband.
As the early 90’s unfolded, Maurice found himself at the helm of a unique industry as co-founder of D’Leco Acoustic Instruments with luthier / partner James W. Dale. The two built and marketed handcrafted archtop guitars.
Working closely with the family of legendary Jazz great, Charlie Christian they designed and licensed two exclusive lines of Charlie Christian guitar models to American manufacturer, Gibson Guitars and Samick Musical Instruments in Korea. The two would later handcraft a guitar commissioned by wealthy, New Jersey collector, Scott Chinery for the exclusive, Blue Guitar Collection, displayed at the Smithsonian Institute.
Between 1996 and 2003 Maurice authored three nationally published music related books with Mel Bay Publishing, Mix Books and Artist Pro Press. Titles include, The New Working Musician's One Year Organizer; Build and Manage Your Music Career and Gigorama. During this time he would develop the popular windows based, Gigorama software.
Maurice Johnson currently has two albums to his credit, released under his own indie label, JAZZ DROPS RECORDS. They include the 2010 debut release, TONIGHT and 2013 release, PEACE, LOVE & JAZZ. Fans can listen to Maurice’s music on Pandora Radio, Apple Music, Spotify and many others.
Maurice has also been interviewed and featured on a wide assortment of independent internet radio stations, including Nigerian based, iGroove Radio and UK, KJazz Radio.