Airport People is the moniker of Leon Todd Johnson. Indianapolis based, he is a composer and as he gears up for his first solo album release, fans of Nils Frahm, Penguin Cafe and nu-jazz are in for a treat. Airport People’s debut will be titled “From Nine Mornings” and each piece was written on nine separate mornings at key upheavals in Johnson’s life. Upheaval has been a constant companion for Johnson, who takes his name Airport People because he spent a lot of time in airports across the USA and Africa. He accompanied his grandfather who actively organised against the apartheid. Airports feel transitional by nature but also have an air of straightforward grit to them too.
“From Morning No.2” is the lead single and showcases the piano-based nu-jazz/classical hybrid that Airport People creates. Alongside the piano, you’ll find upright bass, cello, drums and field recordings alongside orchestral samples. What struck me about the single was how panoramic the sound was as it felt uplifting with a dash of drama and melodies that felt simple on the surface but complex when looking into the detail.
The single “From Morning No.2 ” is out now and you can enjoy the track below. “From Nine Mornings” is due for release on 5th August 2022. For more information on Airport People, visit their Bandcamp.
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