As well as performing original arrangements of their favourite standards, the band also perform a program of new music written by Bradley. Paying homage to some of the influences on Brad's playing, the set will take you on a musical journey that explores the development of guitar playing over the course of the last one hundred years. Influences include: Pat Metheny, Joe Pass, Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, John McLaughlin, Martin Taylor, Michael Brecker, Dave Holland.
After a special one-off performance at the King's Hall, Newcastle University, the trio have started to feature saxophonist, Keith Robinson.
Paul Grainger - Double Bass Paul has quickly become an indispensable and highly in-demand player on the North East scene and further afield, working with a huge array of musicians across a wide range of music. In addition to being part of the Bradley Johnston Quartet, Paul also works with the Andy Lawrenson Trio, the Alan Law Standards Trio, Mick Shoulder's Swing Manouche, and the Niffi Osiyemi Trio, as well as being a founding member and resident bass player for the Newcastle based Jazz Cafe ‘Jam Sessions’.
Russ Morgan - Drums Russ has been a professional jazz drummer for 25 years. He studied with Trevor Tomkins, and trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He was a member of 'Short Stories' with Julian Siegel, Martin Speake's trio and quartet, Pete Oxley's 'Curious Paradise', and the Flanagan Ingham Quartet (F.I.Q.). He has played with Julian Arguelles, Gillad Atzmon, Alan Barnes, Bobby Wellins, Tony Kofi, Mark Lockheart , Tim Whitehead, Ivo Neame, John Etheridge, Jim Mullen, Alec Dankworth, Jacqui Dankworth, Christine Tobin, Anita Wardell and Bob Monkhouse!
He has gigged, toured and recorded around the UK, Germany, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Israel and the Czech Republic. When not hitting the drums he runs Diril Cymbals UK, the UK's only retailer for Diril cymbals.
Keith Robinson - Alto / Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet and Flute Best known in the region as an alto saxophonist, Keith was a founder member of the jazz saxophone quartet, Saxophonics, and the jazz sextet Alter Ego, enjoying highly acclaimed performances at jazz venues and festivals around the North East region, including the Sage Gateshead International Jazz Festival on more than one occasion. Very much at home playing in larger ensembles too, he has played with John Warren's Splinter group, and he was the musical director and lead alto with the Customs House Community Big Band for many years. Back in 2013, he was selected to play alongside International jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard at the Gateshead International Jazz Festival, playing tenor on this occasion.
Currently, he is also a member of Newcastle based Strictly Smokin’ Big Band, which has included performances sharing the stage with Anthony Strong, Hailey Tuck, Joe Stilgoe, Bruce Adams, and Paul Booth. Throughout the day, Keith is a woodwind tutor at schools within the region.