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Jimmy Johnson Archives

Evan Marien: The Genius of Jimmy Johnson on “You’ve Got A Friend”
Bass Videos

Evan Marien: The Genius of Jimmy Johnson on “You’ve Got A Friend”

Evan Marien shared a video focusing on the excellent work of Jimmy Johnson, and in particular, a great fill he played during a live performance of “You’ve Got A Friend” with James Taylor.

Jimmy Johnson to Join James Taylor for Summer Tour
Concerts & Tours

Jimmy Johnson to Join James Taylor for Summer Tour

James Taylor has announced he’ll hit the road for a North American tour with his All-Star Band this summer. Taylor announced the 2023 All-Stars lineup and it’s a set of fantastic musicians, including bassist Jimmy Johnson.

Lyle Mays’ Final Composition, “Eberhard”, Features Jimmy Johnson & Steve Rodby
New Albums

Lyle Mays’ Final Composition, “Eberhard”, Features Jimmy Johnson & Steve Rodby

The Lyle Mays Estate has released the final work of the keyboardist, who passed in 2020. “Eberhard” is a thirteen-minute “mini symphony”, dedicated to Eberhard Weber. Mays paid tribute with two great bassists: Jimmy Johnson and Steve Rodby.

Jimmy Johnson Anchors Michael Landau’s “Liquid Quartet Live”
New Albums

Jimmy Johnson Anchors Michael Landau’s “Liquid Quartet Live”

Michael Landau and his Liquid Quartet have just released a live album that captures the band during a performance at L.A.’s Baked Potato Jazz Club last year. The guitarist is joined in the band by Abe Laboriel Jr, David Frazee, and Jimmy Johnson.

Jimmy Johnson Anchors 1986 Allan Holdsworth Live Album
New Albums

Jimmy Johnson Anchors 1986 Allan Holdsworth Live Album

Three years after his passing, a new live album from guitarist Allan Holdsworth is available to the public. “Frankfurt ’86” features the incredible lineup of Gary Husband, Kei Akagi, and Jimmy Johnson.

Bass Players To Know: Jimmy Johnson
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players To Know: Jimmy Johnson

Keeping good company is a common theme of Ryan Madora’s “Bass Players To Know” column. Her latest BPTK - Jimmy Johnson - does just that. Check out what Ryan has to say (including some of her favorite tracks) and add your own to the list.

Jimmy Johnson Featured on New Steve Gadd Band Album
New Albums

Jimmy Johnson Featured on New Steve Gadd Band Album

Drummer Steve Gadd has rounded up his band once again for a new album. The new self-titled Steve Gadd Band recording brings together a cast of killer musicians to lock in on the groove-oriented tracks. “All the guys in the band are good friends of mine, people I like being around—not just musically but in general,” he says. “It’s great...

Bass Transcription: Jimmy Johnson’s Bass Line on Alan Holdsworth’s “Tokyo Dream”
Transcriptions

Bass Transcription: Jimmy Johnson’s Bass Line on Alan Holdsworth’s “Tokyo Dream”

I was sad to learn of the news of Allan Holdsworth’s passing. He left a great legacy to all guitarists and musicians in general, and his playing in the 70’s had a great impact on guitarists such as Frank Gambale, Bill Connors, Scott Henderson and even Eddie Van Halen. His way of playing the guitar was revolutionary, his legato style,...

Bass Transcription: Jimmy Johnson’s Bass Line on Allan Holdsworth’s “Spokes”
Transcriptions

Bass Transcription: Jimmy Johnson’s Bass Line on Allan Holdsworth’s “Spokes”

Today I’ll pay tribute to one of my bass heroes: Jimmy Johnson. His versatility always amazes me. He plays smooth jazz with his band Flim & the BB’s, he holds down the groove with James Taylor, and he always keeps the group together under complex harmonies with Allan Holdsworth. Johnson has a unique voice on the instrument, with very melodic...

Drummer Donati’s Latest Taps Pair of Bassists
New Albums

Drummer Donati’s Latest Taps Pair of Bassists

Drummer Virgil Donati’s The Dawn of Time features not one, but two bassists. The recording, which is orchestral, yet drum-centered, includes the work of bassists Jimmy Johnson and Hadrien Feraud. “The bass and drums are the impetus behind this music, with the orchestra arousing emotions, taking the listener on a transcendent journey,” according to Donati’s website. The Dawn of Time...

Roger Waters Reissue Arrives; Concert Film Due in Theaters in September
New Albums

Roger Waters Reissue Arrives; Concert Film Due in Theaters in September

Although Roger Waters released Amused to Death in 1992, its look at an entertainment-obsessed society still rings true, which helps make the remastered version of the album even more powerful. The record, featuring a slew of bassists (Waters, John Patitucci, Guo Yi, Tim Pierce, John Pierce, Randy Jackson, and Jimmy Johnson) has been given a new 5.1 surround sound remix...

Dave Weckl and Jay Oliver: Higher Ground
Bass Videos

Dave Weckl and Jay Oliver: Higher Ground

Drummer Dave Weckl and keyboardist Jay Oliver released Convergence this year. Among the tracks on the album was a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”. It cooks. This one has it all… bassist Jimmy Johnson laying down a great line, horns, two drummers and a great vocalist. Here’s the complete line up: Lead Vocal: Chrissi Poland Drums: Dave Weckl and...