Josh Johnson Unveils Solo Album 'Animative' with Star-Studded Collaborators
The composer and multi-instrumentalist will release 'Animative' on October 23 physically and November 10 on streaming, his debut for International Anthem/Nonesuch. The album features guest appearances from Meshell Ndegeocello, Macie Stewart, Marquis Hill, and Ben Lumsdaine. Johnson has also scheduled release shows in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn with a trio.
The ten-track record represents Johnson's debut on the International Anthem/Nonesuch label, with physical copies arriving before streaming. He co-produced the album with Paul Bryan. Guest musicians include Ndegeocello—whose 2023 album Johnson produced—along with Stewart, Hill, and Lumsdaine. A single titled "Reece" is already available.
Johnson will perform with a trio featuring Butterss and Lumsdaine at release shows in three cities this fall and winter. This release follows a busy stretch of collaborations, including work with SML, the Openness Trio, and production duties on Flea's latest album.
This release could bolster the visibility of experimental jazz within mainstream music circles, leveraging the star power of collaborators like Ndegeocello. The label partnership may signal a growing appetite for adventurous sounds on larger independent platforms. Additionally, the physical-first rollout might encourage other artists to prioritize tangible formats, potentially reshaping release strategies for niche audiences.