Josh Johnson: Beyond Technique to Pure Feeling

Musician Josh Johnson, known for his work with artists like Meshell Ndegeocello, has released his second solo album, "Animative." This new collection of songs shifts the focus from technical mastery to the primacy of feeling in music.

Johnson, who also produces for acclaimed artists, stated that a core intention for "Animative" was to prioritize visceral emotional responses. He wants his complex, experimental jazz-influenced compositions to connect with listeners on a physical level, bypassing purely intellectual engagement.

The album "Animative" explores this concept through an expanded sonic palette. Compared to his 2024 debut, "Unusual Object," the new record features a wider array of guest musicians and instruments, including drums, bass, violin, and trumpet. The opening track, "Idiofone," blends austerity with Johnson's experimental approach, utilizing his saxophone as a percussive element. Tracks like "High Step" showcase collaborations with Ndegeocello on bass and multiple drummers, introducing new voices into his musical framework.