Cameron Johnson: "Who's Going to Tell You What You Need to Hear?" Ep. 166

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer and recording artist Cameron Johnson, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Cameron Johnson Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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Cameron Johnson has built a dynamic career as a professional trumpeter, touring internationally, leading big bands, and working across jazz, pop, R&B, and studio sessions.

Cameron recently came off the road touring with Lenny Kravitz on his Blue Electric Light tour, and we caught up with him at his home base in Los Angeles. Which in fact relates back to a central part of his story: the move from New York to LA, forging relationships, trusting his instincts and abilities, and making himself someone in demand. He explains the difference between jazz work, commercial work, and major pop tours, and why each requires a different kind of stamina, confidence, and preparation.

We reflect on the discipline behind great playing, the realities of life on the road, staying physically and mentally prepared for demanding performances, and why genuine relationships matter as much as talent. Cameron shares how he learned trumpet mostly by ear, developed his reading later, and built a career by combining musicianship with business sense, consistency, and genuine relationships.

His core advice: talent is not enough, the real edge is learning how to outthink the competition while staying honest and building trust.

I've  had the gift of good relationships, and I've always been around good people that wanted to see me do well. That's very important when you're  trying to make something out of any business. You have to figure out who's for you, who's against you, who's going to tell you what you need to hear, who's going to tell you why you're not getting that call. So I'd rather be around honest people, and I try to pride myself of being honest with people too." - Cameron Johnson

About Cameron Johnson:

New York native trumpeter and arranger Cameron Johnson started his professional career at the age of 16, honing his skills in New York City clubs, playing a wide variety of music from soul/funk/jazz/classical/gospel. His versatile musicianship has afforded him opportunities to perform, record and or tour with artists such as Justin Timberlake, The L.A. Opera, Sunday Service, Beyonce, Leon Bridges, Giveon, Booker T. and the MG’s, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Blake Shelton, Black Eyed Peas, Bebe Rexha, Dnce, Rachel Platten, Stevie Wonder, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Lionel Richie, Robin Thicke, Andra Day, Janelle Monae, Kirk Franklin, Pharrell, Raye, Cee lo, and Usher to name a few.

After attending The New School University for Jazz and Contemporary Arts, Cameron then eventually relocated to Los Angeles and has made himself a prominent call. As a studio musician, and has also made numerous television appearances on shows such as The Grammys, Jimmy Fallon, James Corden, The Voice, American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, Jimmy Kimmel and BET awards.

Cameron has played trumpet on Grammy award winning and also been a part of multiple Grammy nominated albums. In addition to being a studio musician, Cameron currently is a band member for Lenny Kravitz.

Episode Links:

• Find Cameron on Instagram

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• NCMEA Conference, November 8-9, Winston-Salem, NC
• Greg Black Mouthpieces, November 10, Mount Holly, NC

Podcast Credits:

• “A Room with a View“ - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - Courtesy Cameron Johnson
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg