For recent college graduate and Thelonious Monk Institute bassist Joseph Johnson, Loyola has proven to be a fertile ground, not only for his musical career, but for his faith as well.

Johnson, who received his bachelor’s in jazz studies this spring from the University of North Texas in Denton, initially applied for an audition on a whim while considering his post-graduation plans.

“One of my professors suggested (the institute),” he said, “and by the grace of God, I got in.”

Since moving to New Orleans in August, the city, and especially its music scene, has taken the musician by surprise.

“The … scene is really great because the citizens of the city love to hear live music,” he said. “This is something I’m not used to, and it was a wonderful shock when I did my first gig in August. Also, everyone in the city seems to know how to play an instrument, which was astonishing to me.”

Johnson, who is 24, comes from a family of musicians. His father and two older brothers played instruments as a hobby, but they weren’t the ones responsible for his passion.

“It was my mother, who had no musical background, that put me on Suzuki piano lessons at age 3,” he said.

This love of music followed Johnson throughout his adolescence and high school career. He graduated from Rockhurst High, a Jesuit school in his native Kansas City, Mo., during which he also spent three summers at the prestigious and now defunct Henry Mancini Institute in Los Angeles. The institute, named for the famous composer and pianist, only accepted 85 applicants every year, each of who were awarded full tuition and received formal training from professional artists.

During college, Johnson took the opportunity to play with his school’s notable jazz big band. The band later visited Washington, D.C., where they performed and recorded one of the performer’s own compositions live. He also toured with the classic country artist Ray Price in what he calls his “first senior year.”

These experiences have refined Johnson’s musical talents and disciplines. His current performance as a bassist for the Thelonious Monk Institute has garnered him much appreciation from his colleagues.

“I’ve known Joseph since April … we met at the auditions,” said Vadim Neselovskyi, Monk Institute pianist. “(He) is simply one of the best bass players I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He has an incredible command of his instrument, and besides that he is a (true) musician; he writes wonderful music (and) has his own vision. One cannot ask for more.”

This talented student still manages to include other favorite pastimes in his life, despite the stresses of performing and training under Terence Blanchard, one of the world’s premiere trumpeters. Johnson also practices his skills in the kitchen, as well as pursuing his love of running, on which he has developed a personal philosophy.

“What I like about running is that it is a group and individual sport at the same time,” Johnson said. “You have to find something within yourself to go farther and faster than you could before.” When there are others competing with you, he said, it “carries you through the times you doubt your abilities.”

Running also helps foster his faith, which plays a very strong role in his life.

“There is a huge parallel in religious life (to running), where you have a personal relationship with God, but through the church and sacraments you are united to the community around you,” he said.

Loyola’s Jesuit foundation appeals strongly to Johnson, who cultivated a love for the college and the city. He is a good friend to a number of the Jesuits, including the Rev. Marvin Kitten, S.J., and the Rev. Peter Bernardi, S.J., with whom he often attends theatrical productions in the city.

“Of course it takes getting used to a new town … (there is) a lot of tension,” he said, “(but) the Jesuit identity has made it very comfortable.”

This regard for the Jesuit ideals are apparent in his personality.

“Joe (is) really somebody who says what he feels; quite a rare quality these days,” Neselovskyi said. “I can trust him. (He is) talented, deep, honest, gentle.”

This musician’s devotion to his religion is an important facet in his consideration of future plans.

“I am considering the priesthood as a possibility, but that is God’s choice, not really mine,” he said. “It’s my responsibility to respond to whatever God calls me, and right now, that is developing my musical abilities to the highest possible level.”

Despite the numerous opportunities that await any graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute, Johnson still manages to avoid thinking too much about the future and prefers to dwell on the present.

“Working for Terence Blanchard, a legend, has breathed a lot of motivation and life back into me,” he said. “I don’t look at the program as a graduate (being preoccupied with career options) – I’m just here to play.”

John Sequeira can be reached at [email protected].