Neil Johnson plays saxophone, flute, and clarinet as a freelance musician in New York City.
Comfortable in a variety of musical situations, Neil has found his niche playing in the theater. Currently playing at Back to the Future: The Musical on Broadway, Neil brings a special blend of woodwinds and styles to every situation. He has performed with Harry Connick Jr, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Peter Dinklage, Jessica Vosk, and has worked with the composers Jason Robert Brown, Alan Slyvestri, Glen Ballard, and Marc Shaiman. In addition to the theater, he has performed on saxophone with the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center and Saratoga Performing Arts Center. As a sideman, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theater, Glastonbury Festival, and Montreal Jazz Festival. He has toured in over 25 countries with ska legends The Toasters, The Planet Smashers, and many other bands. Neil can be heard on the soundtrack to Pixar's Incredibles 2, Documentary Now! (IFC), the Tom Pierson Big Band Last Works and Sam and the WOMP's #1 UK hit Bom Bom, and the cast recordings of Prince of Broadway and Some Like it Hot.
Neil is passionate about teaching jazz improvisation and woodwinds, with 20 years' experience guiding others from a multitude of backgrounds. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Neil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, a Master’s degree in Multiple Woodwinds from New Jersey City University, and is a D'Addario Woodwinds artist.
Comfortable in a variety of musical situations, Neil has found his niche playing in the theater. Currently playing at Back to the Future: The Musical on Broadway, Neil brings a special blend of woodwinds and styles to every situation. He has performed with Harry Connick Jr, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Peter Dinklage, Jessica Vosk, and has worked with the composers Jason Robert Brown, Alan Slyvestri, Glen Ballard, and Marc Shaiman. In addition to the theater, he has performed on saxophone with the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center and Saratoga Performing Arts Center. As a sideman, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theater, Glastonbury Festival, and Montreal Jazz Festival. He has toured in over 25 countries with ska legends The Toasters, The Planet Smashers, and many other bands. Neil can be heard on the soundtrack to Pixar's Incredibles 2, Documentary Now! (IFC), the Tom Pierson Big Band Last Works and Sam and the WOMP's #1 UK hit Bom Bom, and the cast recordings of Prince of Broadway and Some Like it Hot.
Neil is passionate about teaching jazz improvisation and woodwinds, with 20 years' experience guiding others from a multitude of backgrounds. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Neil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, a Master’s degree in Multiple Woodwinds from New Jersey City University, and is a D'Addario Woodwinds artist.