As an in-demand studio musician in New Orleans and Chicago, Plas Johnson, a veteran tenor-saxophonist who started working in the late 1940s and was still active 70 years later, has appeared on a countless number of sessions in his career.

While he has been heard in all types of settings, Johnson is essentially a big-toned and soulful jazz saxophonist.

The title of “Hittin’ The Jug” does not refer to liquor but instead to its composer, tenor-saxophonist Gene “Jug” Ammons, who had a similar style and sound as Johnson.

Taken from the early 21st century, this live performance of the medium-tempo blues (at a concert sponsored by the Tucson Jazz Society) has Johnson putting plenty of feeling into his solo and also includes a relaxed spot from pianist Cedric Lawson.

Personnel:

Plas Johnson, tenor
Cedric Lawson, piano
Richard Reid, bass
Johnny Kirkwood, drums

– Scott Yanow