Listen
Press
“Gentle breathy phrases are punctuated by guttural rasps, before the delicate run begins again.“
“Autechre-esque pings, burbles and boings swirl together in the back as Parzen-Johnson takes deep, chest-rattling sax solos.“
“With every melodious note, circular breath and heavy drone, Parzen-Johnson delivers a work of intense beauty.“
“A rare specialist in that most challenging of disciplines, the solo recital.“
“This album showcases Parzen-Johnson’s remarkable ability to create enigmatic, deeply moving and mystical soundscapes and narratives. “
Sounds Like
Jonah (NYC) on baritone saxophone & synthesizers assembling deeply evocative electro-acoustic sound worlds, utilizing circular breathing, multiphonics, and explosive levels of sound. Always rooted in melody.
Experimental, melodic, captivating
*Available as fully acoustic set for non-traditional venues, and also with electronics
Details
Band Members
Jonah Parzen-Johnson – Baritone Saxophone
Discography
Solo
2024 – You’re Never Really Alone (We Jazz Records)
2020 – Imagine Giving Up (We Jazz Records)
2019 – Helsinki 8.12.18 Live EP (We Jazz Records)
2017 – I Try To Remember Where I Come From (Clean Feed Records)
2015 – Remember When Things Were Better Tomorrow (Primary Records)
Collaborative
2025 – Jonah Parzen-Johnson & Lau Nau, A Few We Remember (We Jazz Records)
2024 – Berke Can Özcan & Jonah Parzen-Johnson, It Was Always Time (We Jazz Records)
Video
About
Jonah Parzen-Johnson makes music for baritone saxophone that challenges listeners with experimental textures & forms while embracing them with warm approachable melodies. A Chicago native and longtime Brooklyn resident, Jonah has performed solo in more than a dozen countries across four continents. His solo performances are a deeply intimate experience, as he endeavors to share who he is, how he sees our world, and the temporary moments of community that we can all embrace together.
Jonah released his fifth solo saxophone album, You’re Never Really Alone, on We Jazz Records in March 2024. Across eight tracks, he explores the technical limits of his baritone saxophone without ever making the listener feel like he has something to prove. You will find circular breathing, multiphonics, and explosive levels of sound, but more importantly, you will enjoy every moment of musical storytelling and compositional skill. This music is made for repeat listening.
Photos
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