Bradley Johnston

Bradley Johnston has become firmly established on the North East jazz scene in the UK. He has studied jazz guitar with Dr. James Birkett at Sage Gateshead since the age of 14, and graduated from the BMus degree programme in 2016 at Sage Gateshead with a First Class Honours classification, followed by PGCE teaching qualification at Newcastle College. Bradley is also a graduate of Newcastle University, holding its prestigious MMus (Master of Music) degree. In his role as featured soloist in Jambone (the Regional Youth Jazz Ensemble) he has also performed alongside numerous jazz artists from the UK, USA, Cuba and Brazil. Brad has also performed at some major jazz festivals in the UK, including: Gateshead International Jazz Festival; Manchester Jazz Festival; Isle of Skye Swing Jazz Festival; Callander Jazz Festival. He has also performed at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards at the Portcullis House (Houses of Parliament) with Jambone, led by Rick Taylor. For several years he has been presenting duo concerts with James, and their first CD (entitled Together) presents a variety of jazz repertoire for two guitars. Brad also works regularly with the duo Hand To Mouth, presenting repertoire sung and performed by Ella and Joe Pass. He works regularly as a sideman and session musician throughout the region. Brad teaches at the prestigious Music Education Centre, Sage Gateshead (UK).