Darren Johnston

Darren Johnston is a versatile and innovative Canadian trumpeter and composer who has made a significant impact on the jazz and avant-garde scenes. Born in Canada, Johnston has called the Bay Area and Brooklyn home, frequently traveling to Chicago to collaborate with local musicians. His music defies easy categorization, drawing from a wide range of influences including jazz, purely improvised music, Balkan music, reggae, and contemporary classical. As a bandleader, he has led notable ensembles such as The Nice Guy Trio, The Darren Johnston Quintet, and the genre-bending Broken Shadows. Johnston's discography includes critically acclaimed albums like "Wild Awake" and "Breathing Room," showcasing his unique compositional voice and virtuosic trumpet playing. With a diverse range of collaborations, including work with the ROVA Saxophone Quartet and Ches Smith, Darren Johnston continues to push the boundaries of musical expression, making him a standout figure in the world of creative music.