Podcast: Jonah Parzen-Johnson on the responsibility to take risks

The saxophonist plays a Tone Madison-presented solo show on June 6 at Café Coda.

Saxophonist and composer Jonah Parzen-Johnson’s solo work combines baritone sax and electronic instrumentation, and that opens up a whole lot of new dimensions when he performs live. Parzen-Johnson documents that process in a forthcoming live album recorded in Helsinki last year, titled Helsinki 8.12.18. It covers new material he’s been working on since he released his last solo album, I Try To Remember Where I Come From, in 2017. We at Tone Madison are bringing Jonah to town soon, for a June 6 solo performance at Café Coda on Willy Street. Ahead of the show, Parzen-Johnson caught up with us by phone, to discuss the origins of his musical approach, how he honors his influences, and how he interacts with live audiences.

Give the conversation a listen here, or subscribe to the Tone Madison podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider supporting us financially with a one-time or recurring donation.