Leaving his country of origin at the age of 22, he lived for many years in Paris and made his way in the French scene forming a trio with maverick double bass player Alan Silva. Upon returning to New Zealand in 2009 he found himself in demand as a saxophonist, touring the world with respected New Zealand bands The Black Seeds and Lord Echo, as well as appearing as guest artist with visiting jazz luminaries such as Mulatu Astatke.

In recent years, Johnson has focussed on creating his own unique jazz sound, shrouded in wonder and mystique. His last album, “Wax///Wane” received rave reviews internationally, with France Musique calling it “Bewitching and Astonishing” and London Jazz News describing it as “Mystical, a touch retro and increasingly spellbinding”.

Johnson works in parallel as author and composer for theatre shows, such as Strasbourg 1518 and Lobsters by Borderline Arts Ensemble which have been presented at the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts and Auckland Arts Festival.

Winner of the 2021 Apra Amcos New Zealand Best Jazz Composer, 2018 Arts Foundation Friedlander Residency, 2017 and 2021 Wellington Theatre Award for Sound Design and Composition, Johnson has also lectured in composition at the University of Waikato since 2023.