Kevin Johnson

No Treble managing editor Kevin Johnson got his start on bass in middle school playing double bass in the orchestra, eventually picking up an electric bass in high school to form a metal band with his best friend. Kevin was introduced to Jazz in college at Shenandoah University, where he graduated with a major in Music Production and Recording Technology.

Since then, he has been a freelance bassist throughout Virginia and has had the pleasure of playing workshops with artists such as clarinetist Eddie Daniels and drummer Ignacio Berroa. He also plays bass for the Ambrose Band.

Though his performances revolve around jazz, Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. A trip to Mali sparked his interest in world music, especially African artists including Toumani Diabate, the Four Brothers, and bassist Bakithi Kumalo.

Kevin is a true bass enthusiast and activist. In addition to writing for No Treble, he is a board member for the Bass Coalition, which seeks to foster community and education through promoting local bass events including workshops, performances, and other events.

Kevin is always happy to hear from No Treble readers. Feel free to contact him with news, events, or just to say hi!

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Articles by Kevin Johnson:

Bass of the Week: KR Guitars Ursa

This week we check out the Ursa from KR Guitars, a striking multi-scale bass that’s handmade by luthier Kevin Robertson in Vallejo, California. While the bass can be built with whatever woods are requested, this particular bass caught our eye with its 5A California Claro Walnut top and 5A flame maple back. The rest of...continue reading »

Custom Shop: Revsound

Started in 1983, Revsound is a company that offers handmade bass cabinets. Proprietor David C. Luke’s deep interest in sound and sound production has driven his work to create powerful cabinets with an emphasis on staying lightweight. Luke builds all of the cabs to order in his Effingham, New Hampshire workshop. The RS series includes...continue reading »

Alex Bershadsky: Via Dolorosa

Here’s a cool tapping tune from Alex Bershadsky, who employs a constant pulse in his left hand with arpeggios while bringing out a beautiful melody with his right hand.continue reading »

In Memoriam: Trevor Bolder

Trevor Bolder, who played with David Bowie’s backing band Spiders From Mars, has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 62. Born in Kingston Upon Hull, England, Bolder was a prominent member of the local R&B scene in the ‘60s before replacing Tony Visconti in Bowie’s band. He appeared on the albums Hunky...continue reading »

Bobby McFerrin Releases “Spirityouall”, Featuring Esperanza Spalding and Larry Grenadier

Master vocalist Bobby McFerrin has released Spirityouall, a thirteen track album compiled of classic spirituals as well as original compositions. Integrating many of McFerrin’s musical influences, the effort pays homage to the legacy of the singer’s father, the late baritone Robert McFerrin, Sr., who was the first African-American to sign a contract with the Metropolitan...continue reading »

Deftones’ Final Album with Chi Cheng Closer To Being Released

The Deftones were nearly finished with their album Eros in 2008 when tragedy struck and a car accident left bassist Chi Cheng in a coma. After some time, the band decided to shelve the project out of respect for Cheng and recruited bassist Sergio Vega to start a new album, Diamond Eyes. Eros turned out...continue reading »

Atoms For Peace Announces 2013 Tour Dates

Atoms for Peace have announced a world tour for 2013 in support of their debut album, AMOK. The group, which is comprised of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, producer Nigel Godrich, drummer Joey Waronker and percussionist Mauro Refosco, will be in full force as they take the stage starting in Europe. The...continue reading »

Höfner Violin Bass History Detailed in New Book

Höfner’s iconic Violin Bass is getting a thorough examination in the new book Höfner – The Complete Violin Bass Story, written by Höfner aficionado Steve Russell and the company’s own Nick Wass. The 320-page book chronicles the bass’s history from its inception to the present using photos and information from Höfner Company Archives as well...continue reading »

Goby Labs Introduces “Thingy” Series Accessories

Accessories company Goby Labs has introduced the Thingy Series, consisting of the Goby Labs Guitar-hook Thingy and the Stand-top Thingy for iPad. The whimsically-named gadgets attach to microphone stands to provide simple, portable solutions for gigging musicians The Guitar-hook Thingy is an instrument hanger which attaches to a tripod microphone stand with a patent-pending grip...continue reading »

Mike Mills: No R.E.M. Reunion

Fans of the defunct alternative rock band R.E.M. shouldn’t hold their breath for a reunion. Though the group decided to “call it a day as a band” on good terms, bassist Mike Mills recently told Rolling Stone that the chances of them getting back together is likely not in the cards. “We said we’re done...continue reading »

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