In 2011, CapitalBop’s Luke Stewart dubbed Allyn Johnson the “Dean of D.C. Jazz.” That moniker nods to the pianist’s role as the director of Jazz Studies at the University of the District of Columbia, but it’s about something bigger, too. Johnson embodies the D.C. scene; his deep sense of swing and harmonic ingenuity serve as a testament to the sort of musicianship this city can cultivate, and his technical mastery and rock-solid command of the bandstand are a living history of the U Street clubs of the 1990s where he cut his teeth.
Johnson doesn’t talk about himself much, and he doesn’t have to: His music speaks for itself, and when it speaks, you listen. But he graciously agreed to be featured on the first episode of our CB Sessions relaunch, and it’s an honor to share that conversation with you. // Jamie Sandel, CapitalBop
CB SESSIONS presents: Allyn Johnson
recorded April 13, 2025 at Takoma Station, Washington, DC
Allyn Johnson — piano
Dana Hawkins — drums
Will Ledbetter — bass
Lyle Link — saxophone
“Family Photo Album” composed by Allyn Johnson (as featured on 2024’s The Big Comeback )
Produced by: Jamie Sandel / All Power Media
Production + post-production support: Alex Hamburger, Giovanni Russonello, Kayla Wallace
Cameras: Jamie Sandel, Kayla Wallace
Audio mix + video edit: Jamie Sandel
Special thanks to Allyn Johnson, Michael Phillips/Jazz Kitchen Productions, Takoma Station
The editing and publication of this video was supported by a grant from HumanitiesDC as part of the Humanities Grant Program, an initiative funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.