Alphonso Johnson: Difference between revisions
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'''Alphonso Johnson''' (born February 2, 1951)<ref name="LarkinGE">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1992|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-939-0|pages=1292/3}}</ref> is an |
'''Alphonso Johnson''' (born February 2, 1951)<ref name="LarkinGE">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1992|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-939-0|pages=1292/3}}</ref> is an American [[jazz]] [[bass guitar|bassist]] active since the early 1970s. Johnson was a member of the [[jazz fusion]] group [[Weather Report]] from 1973 to 1975, and has performed and recorded with numerous high-profile rock and jazz acts including [[Santana (band)|Santana]], [[Phil Collins]], members of the [[Grateful Dead]], [[Steve Kimock]], and [[Chet Baker]]. |
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==Biography== |
==Biography== |
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Born in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], United States,<ref name="LarkinGE"/> Johnson started off as an [[upright bass]] player, but switched to the [[bass guitar|electric bass]] in his late teens.<ref name="LarkinGE"/> Beginning his career in the early 1970s, Johnson showed innovation and fluidity on the electric bass. He sessioned with a few jazz musicians before landing a job with [[Weather Report]],<ref name="am">{{cite web|title =Alphonso Johnson: Biography |first=Scott|last=Yanow |publisher=Allmusic| url ={{ |
Born in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], United States,<ref name="LarkinGE"/> Johnson started off as an [[upright bass]] player, but switched to the [[bass guitar|electric bass]] in his late teens.<ref name="LarkinGE"/> Beginning his career in the early 1970s, Johnson showed innovation and fluidity on the electric bass. He sessioned with a few jazz musicians before landing a job with [[Weather Report]],<ref name="am">{{cite web|title =Alphonso Johnson: Biography |first=Scott|last=Yanow |publisher=Allmusic| url ={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=alphonso-johnson-p90895|pure_url=yes}} |access-date =15 July 2011}}</ref> taking over for co-founding member [[Miroslav Vitous]]. Johnson debuted with [[Weather Report]] on the album ''[[Mysterious Traveller]]''. He appeared on two more Weather Report albums: ''[[Tale Spinnin']]'' (1975) and ''[[Black Market (Weather Report album)|Black Market]]'' (1976) before he left the band to work with [[drummer]] [[Billy Cobham]].<ref name="am"/> During 1976-77 he recorded three solo albums as a [[band leader]], for the [[Epic Records|Epic]] label, in a fusion-funk vein. |
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Johnson was one of the first musicians to introduce the [[Chapman Stick]] to the public. In 1977, his knowledge of the instrument offered him a rehearsal with [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]], who were looking for a replacement for guitarist [[Steve Hackett]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forbassplayersonly.com/Interviews/Alphonso-Johnson.html|title=forbassplayersonly.com: Alphonso Johnson|access-date=1 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502001637/http://forbassplayersonly.com/Interviews/Alphonso-Johnson.html|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Being more of a bassist than a guitarist, Johnson instead recommended his friend ex-Sweetbottom guitarist and fellow session musician [[Daryl Stuermer]], who would go on to remain a member of Genesis's touring band until the 2007 reunion tour. |
Johnson was one of the first musicians to introduce the [[Chapman Stick]] to the public. In 1977, his knowledge of the instrument offered him a rehearsal with [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]], who were looking for a replacement for guitarist [[Steve Hackett]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forbassplayersonly.com/Interviews/Alphonso-Johnson.html|title=forbassplayersonly.com: Alphonso Johnson|access-date=1 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502001637/http://forbassplayersonly.com/Interviews/Alphonso-Johnson.html|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Being more of a bassist than a guitarist, Johnson instead recommended his friend ex-Sweetbottom guitarist and fellow session musician [[Daryl Stuermer]], who would go on to remain a member of Genesis's touring band until the 2007 reunion tour. |
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Later in 1996, Johnson toured Europe and Japan with composer and saxophonist [[Wayne Shorter]], pianist [[Jim Beard|James Beard]], drummer Rodney Holmes, and guitarist [[David Gilmore]]. |
Later in 1996, Johnson toured Europe and Japan with composer and saxophonist [[Wayne Shorter]], pianist [[Jim Beard|James Beard]], drummer Rodney Holmes, and guitarist [[David Gilmore]]. |
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In 2014, he earned the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree from the [[Department of Music at California State University, Northridge]]. As an undergraduate student, Johnson performed as a member of the CSUN Wind Ensemble. |
In 2014, he earned the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree from the [[Department of Music at California State University, Northridge]]. As an undergraduate student, Johnson performed as a member of the CSUN Wind Ensemble. |
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He has an extensive experience as a bass teacher and has conducted bass seminars and clinics in Germany,<ref name="Warwick">{{cite news|author =Wetzel, Michael|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ln9H3y71L8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/2ln9H3y71L8| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Video: German Warwick Bass Guitars|newspaper=[[Deutsche Welle|Deutsche Welle TV]]|date=11 September 2013|access-date=8 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author =Herrera, Jonathan|title=Warwick Bass Camp 2013: The Best of the Bass|url=http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/19723-warwick-bass-camp-2013-the-best-of-the-bass|access-date=23 February 2015|newspaper=[[Premier Guitar]]|date=30 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Pilger, Georg |author2=Schmitz, Ralf |url=http://www.jazzrocktv.de/jazzrocktv-75-warwick-bass-camp-2013/|title=Video: Warwick Bass Camp 2013|newspaper=JazzrockTV|date=5 January 2014|access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://basscamp.gitarrebass.de/dozenten/Alphonso-Johnson.html|title=Alphonso Johnson|newspaper=Gitarre & Bass Magazine|access-date=27 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204072034/http://basscamp.gitarrebass.de/dozenten/Alphonso-Johnson.html|archive-date=4 December 2013}}</ref> England, France, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil and Argentina. |
He has an extensive experience as a bass teacher and has conducted bass seminars and clinics in Germany,<ref name="Warwick">{{cite news|author =Wetzel, Michael|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ln9H3y71L8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/2ln9H3y71L8| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Video: German Warwick Bass Guitars|newspaper=[[Deutsche Welle|Deutsche Welle TV]]|date=11 September 2013|access-date=8 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author =Herrera, Jonathan|title=Warwick Bass Camp 2013: The Best of the Bass|url=http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/19723-warwick-bass-camp-2013-the-best-of-the-bass|access-date=23 February 2015|newspaper=[[Premier Guitar]]|date=30 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Pilger, Georg |author2=Schmitz, Ralf |url=http://www.jazzrocktv.de/jazzrocktv-75-warwick-bass-camp-2013/|title=Video: Warwick Bass Camp 2013|newspaper=JazzrockTV|date=5 January 2014|access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://basscamp.gitarrebass.de/dozenten/Alphonso-Johnson.html|title=Alphonso Johnson|newspaper=Gitarre & Bass Magazine|access-date=27 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204072034/http://basscamp.gitarrebass.de/dozenten/Alphonso-Johnson.html|archive-date=4 December 2013}}</ref> England, France, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil and Argentina. |
Revision as of 07:50, 1 January 2022
Alphonso Johnson | |
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Background information | |
Born | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | February 2, 1951
Genres | |
Occupations |
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Instruments |
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Years active | 1970–present |
Labels | Epic/CBS Records |
Website | www |
Alphonso Johnson (born February 2, 1951)[1] is an American jazz bassist active since the early 1970s. Johnson was a member of the jazz fusion group Weather Report from 1973 to 1975, and has performed and recorded with numerous high-profile rock and jazz acts including Santana, Phil Collins, members of the Grateful Dead, Steve Kimock, and Chet Baker.
Biography
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States,[1] Johnson started off as an upright bass player, but switched to the electric bass in his late teens.[1] Beginning his career in the early 1970s, Johnson showed innovation and fluidity on the electric bass. He sessioned with a few jazz musicians before landing a job with Weather Report,[2] taking over for co-founding member Miroslav Vitous. Johnson debuted with Weather Report on the album Mysterious Traveller. He appeared on two more Weather Report albums: Tale Spinnin' (1975) and Black Market (1976) before he left the band to work with drummer Billy Cobham.[2] During 1976-77 he recorded three solo albums as a band leader, for the Epic label, in a fusion-funk vein.
Johnson was one of the first musicians to introduce the Chapman Stick to the public. In 1977, his knowledge of the instrument offered him a rehearsal with Genesis, who were looking for a replacement for guitarist Steve Hackett.[3] Being more of a bassist than a guitarist, Johnson instead recommended his friend ex-Sweetbottom guitarist and fellow session musician Daryl Stuermer, who would go on to remain a member of Genesis's touring band until the 2007 reunion tour.
Johnson was one of two bass players on Phil Collins's first solo album, Face Value, in 1981.
In early 1982, Johnson joined Grateful Dead member Bob Weir's side project Bobby and the Midnites. He would reunite with Weir in 2000, playing bass in place of Phil Lesh on tour with The Other Ones. He has also performed fusion versions of Grateful Dead songs alongside Billy Cobham in the band Jazz Is Dead.
In 1996, Johnson played bass on tracks "Dance on a Volcano" and "Fountain of Salmacis" on Steve Hackett's Genesis Revisited album.
Later in 1996, Johnson toured Europe and Japan with composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist James Beard, drummer Rodney Holmes, and guitarist David Gilmore.
In 2014, he earned the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree from the Department of Music at California State University, Northridge. As an undergraduate student, Johnson performed as a member of the CSUN Wind Ensemble.
He has an extensive experience as a bass teacher and has conducted bass seminars and clinics in Germany,[4][5][6][7] England, France, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil and Argentina.
Johnson serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Southern California[8] and the California Institute of the Arts.
Equipment
Electric basses
- Chapman Stick
- Lobue Custom
- Warwick Alphonso Johnson Custom Shop Bass Guitar[4][9]
- Warwick Infinity
- Vigier Arpege 5 fretless
- Modulus Quantum 5 String Fretted and Fretless Bass
Acoustic basses
- Washburn AB45
Discography
As leader
- Moonshadows (Epic, 1976)
- Yesterday's Dreams (Epic, 1976)
- Spellbound (Epic, 1977)
As sideman
With Santana
- Beyond Appearances (Columbia, 1985)
- Freedom (Columbia, 1987)
- Spirits Dancing in the Flesh (Columbia, 1990)
With Weather Report
- Mysterious Traveller (Columbia, 1974)
- Tale Spinnin' (Columbia, 1975)
- Black Market (Columbia, 1976)
With Bob Weir
- Bobby and the Midnites (Arista, 1981)
- Where the Beat Meets the Street (Columbia, 1984)
With others
- Hermeto Pascoal, Slave Mass (Warner Bros., 1977)
- Abraxas Pool, Abraxas Pool (Miramar, 1997)
- Chet Baker, You Can't Go Home Again (Horizon, 1977)
- Dee Dee Bridgewater, Just Family (Elektra, 1977)
- George Cables, Shared Secrets (MuseFX, 2001)
- Phil Collins, Face Value (Virgin, 1981)
- George Duke, Liberated Fantasies (MPS, 1976)
- Steve Hackett, Genesis Revisited (Camino, 1996)
- Eddie Henderson, Sunburst (Blue Note, 1975)
- Allan Holdsworth, Velvet Darkness (CTI, 1976)
- Flora Purim, Open Your Eyes You Can Fly (Milestone, 1976)
References
- ^ a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 1292/3. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
- ^ a b Yanow, Scott. "Alphonso Johnson: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
- ^ "forbassplayersonly.com: Alphonso Johnson". Archived from the original on 2 May 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ a b Wetzel, Michael (11 September 2013). "Video: German Warwick Bass Guitars". Deutsche Welle TV. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
- ^ Herrera, Jonathan (30 September 2013). "Warwick Bass Camp 2013: The Best of the Bass". Premier Guitar. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
- ^ Pilger, Georg; Schmitz, Ralf (5 January 2014). "Video: Warwick Bass Camp 2013". JazzrockTV. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
- ^ "Alphonso Johnson". Gitarre & Bass Magazine. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
- ^ "Alphonso Johnson | USC Thornton School of Music". music.usc.edu.
- ^ "Video: Warwick Custom Shop Basses: Jack Bruce Signature for Alphonso Johnson". Warwick. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
External links
- 1951 births
- Living people
- American jazz bass guitarists
- American session musicians
- Chapman Stick players
- Epic Records artists
- Weather Report members
- 20th-century American bass guitarists
- 21st-century American bass guitarists
- Guitarists from Philadelphia
- American male bass guitarists
- The Other Ones members
- Bobby and the Midnites members
- Jazz musicians from Pennsylvania
- 20th-century American male musicians
- 21st-century American male musicians
- American male jazz musicians
- Jazz Is Dead members
- Catalyst (band) members