| Johnny Ferreira: Saxophonist | |
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King of the sax, international performer, avid hockey nut. This is Johnny Ferreira, whose throne is the world of music. Ferreira combines style, resilience and genius in his performances. He has toured internationally, playing throughout the United States, England, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Hungary and Canada. Born in Portugal, his family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1963. Music had a calling for him in late youth when he picked up the accordion at 11 years of age. His infatuation with the sax began late in high school when he was 17. "It was the sound that attracted me," he recalls. "It's the instrument that closest resembles the human voice." By 19, he was wailing on the sax. "Two years seems like a long time when you're a kid," he reflects. His first group was an Italian disco band that catered to weekend high school dances. His music education continued at North Vancouver's Capilano College, then on to the University of British Columbia where he pursued a music degree but withdrew after hooking up with new kid in town Colin James. "I felt more comfortable on stage than in the classroom." In 1986 Ferreira was recruited as an original member of James' band. A whirlwind 11 years passed quickly, touring with some of history's most profound rock names, including The Rolling Stones, Steve Winwood, Robert Plant, ZZ Top, Keith Richards, Santana, Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He left Colin in 1998 to pursue his solo career and founded "Johnny Ferreira and the Swing Machine." He discovered new fans and excitement fronting his own band, which was in demand constantly. Touring and releasing CDs continued, and in 2001, he teamed up to co-write with award-winning singer-songwriter, Anet Ducharme (Tom Cochrane, Amanda Marshall). Some of Ferreira's songs have weaved themselves into Movies and television. His new material has pivoted him into a genre of catchy, soulful, pop-rock that captures the sax player's infectious style. Awards are numerous for this aficionado: Best Canadian Saxophonist (1998 Real Blues Magazine), Best Canadian Swing/Jump Blues Band (1998 Real Blues Magazine), Horn Player of the Year (Toronto Blues Society), Best Saxophonist of the Year (West Coast Blues Review). Respect and professionalism are top priorities for Johnny. Working with rock n' roll luminaries early in his career taught him to appreciate people and find their best attributes. He's a consummate professional who strives for perfection in his music, business relationships and personal development. Ferreira's unmistakable sax sound is featured on 20 CDs, many of which have reached gold and platinum status. He stays rooted to his sax, flirting with many sounds from swing to rock to pop. He continues to write, sing and perform, carving out soulful songs that grab the listener from deep within. Infectious melodies and grooves infuse his sound with emotion and passion.
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