Plas Johnson

Johnson leads a quartet through a hard-charging version of the bebop anthem

Plas Johnson, a studio musician for decades, is perhaps best known for playing the soulful tenor lead on Henry Mancini’s theme for the Pink Panther.

However, as this uptempo version of “How High The Moon” shows, Johnson could always play cooking jazz.

The live performance first features pianist Cedric Lawson playing seven choruses of “How High The Moon” at a rapid pace with the trio.

Plas Johnson, who is never upstaged, creates an exciting solo of his own, flying over the chord changes with ease.

Bassist Richard Reid and drummer Johnny Kirkwood also get to shine briefly before the colorful performance comes to a close.

Personnel:

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

– Scott Yanow