Young jazz basist reaches for the top
Ever since he was in diapers, Englewood resident Daryl Johns has been drawn to jazz music.
Whether listening, studying or playing it, jazz has always been a huge part of his life. Now at the age of 13, Johns continuously shocks listeners with his musical talent – especially on bass.
The son of drummer Steve Johns and saxophonist Debbie Keefe, Daryl was born in Bronx, N.Y. His exposure to music, however, began in the womb.
"I have been listening to jazz music since before I was even born," Daryl said. "My parents would put headphones around my mom’s belly and I would listen to all the great jazz artists. Ever since then I have liked it."
Growing up, Daryl tried out the many instruments strewn throughout the house. Approximately six years ago he came across a broken bass in his basement and quickly showed interest in learning how to play.
Through his parents’ guidance, help from knowledgeable instructors like Englewood resident Tony Cimorosi and Bill Mouring, and plenty of practice, Daryl has become a renowned bassist locally and beyond.
"We have a rehearsal studio in our basement and so many well known and great musicians have come into the house to rehearse with my husband or just for a jam session," Keefe said. "When they meet Daryl and see his bass, every bass player wants to give him a mini lesson. He has learned something from everybody who has visited, and a lot of musicians don’t have that opportunity."
In addition to being in his school orchestra and jazz band at Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, Daryl studies at the NJPAC’s Wachovia Jazz for Teens program every Saturday. The Director of Arts Training at NJPAC Jeff Griglak said that Daryl’s talent is remarkable.
"Daryl is exceptionally talented for his age and represents the high caliber of young artists found in NJPAC’s Wachovia Jazz for Teens Program and other arts training programs," Griglak said.
It was from NJPAC’s program that Daryl chose two musicians to form his jazz trio: drummer Robin Baytas and pianist David Zaks, both 17. In addition to playing numerous gigs a month in the tri-state area, the trio recorded their first CD in October at Bennett Studios in Englewood.
"When Daryl invited David and Robin over to our house to rehearse, they went down to the music studio in the basement and Steve and I listened from upstairs," Keefe said. "These kids had never played together because they were all in different ensembles and I was totally in awe at how they sounded. It’s unusual to hear young kids play on such a high level."
The big stage
Daryl keeps a busy schedule, constantly attending concerts and competitions. He said that one of his most memorable experiences took place at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition held approximately a month ago in Washington, D.C.
In October, he was chosen as one of 15 semifinalists out of many prestigious musicians from around the world, age 30 and younger. Daryl was the youngest bass player to participate in the competition and came in fourth place. He said he had the chance to perform for many bassists he has listened to his entire life.
"I hung out with all of my bass heroes, all of the greats that I look up to like John Patitucci, Christian McBride, Dave Holland and others," Daryl said. "They were all the judges for the competition."
Daryl also got the chance to play with former Yankees player Bernie Williams at Queens College in New York City Nov. 17. A Yankees fan and former baseball player, Daryl was excited about the experience.
"A great jazz trumpet player named Jimmy Owens, who plays with my dad, recorded a couple of songs with my trio for our record," Daryl said. "When he heard us play he wanted us to join him and Bernie Williams at his gig at Queens College. Bernie is a great guitar player and it was fun to play with him and meet him."
On the horizon
His parents said they are proud that Daryl has followed in their footsteps and look forward to seeing where this journey takes him. Steve said that he hopes Daryl’s age will inspire other young musicians and listeners of jazz music.
"Hopefully Daryl will be the one in his generation to bring it to the younger generations – he will be able to make that connection and make jazz appealing to the younger crowds," he said. "Musicians are already heralding him as the next great bass player."
He and his wife credit Elisabeth Morrow as one of the important institutions that has helped Daryl reach the point he has.
"I think his experience at Elisabeth Morrow School is one of the main factors to his success, not only as a musician but as a person," Stave said. "I really want to thank them for his foundation both in education and in music. He is graduating this year and they have been so supportive."
After the many amazing experiences Daryl has had over the past few years, he said he is looking forward to accomplishing many goals in the future.
"I want to be a world renowned bass player as soon as possible," he said. "I want to get my named recognized in the music world, not just in the jazz world, and I want to play with a lot of great musicians, which I am already lucky enough to be doing. I also want to get better – much better."
For more information on Daryl Johns, visit his Web site at www.DarylJohns.com.
E-mail: driggs@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6700.