Gordon Johnson

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Gordon Johnson, bassist (jazz upright, electric 5-string & fretless bass) is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music. In late 1989 he returned to the Twin Cities after having lived in upstate New York while attending college, and in Connecticut in more recent years. From 1982 to 1989 Gordon Johnson toured and recorded with flugelhornist Chuck Mangione. Prior to his work with Mangione, Gordy performed with various musical artists including; Maynard Ferguson, Roy Buchanan, Joe Williams and the Paul Winter Consort. Fourteen years of extensive touring took him to many corners of the globe. From a versatility standpoint, Gordon Johnson is fortunate to have had 16 years of classical music training and to have played with musical artists from diverse backgrounds; from mainstream jazz and jazz-fusion to country, blues, folk, rock & roll, and eclectic/ethnic styles.

His discography credits include major label releases; Outlasting the Blues with Arlo Guthrie, five recordings with Chuck Mangione, Montreux Summit with the CBS All-Stars, Sesame Disco for Sesame Street, There Is A Breeze with Michael Johnson, two recordings with the Paul Winter Consort and three recordings with Maynard Ferguson. Network television appearances take in TheTonight Show, Soul Train, Solid Gold, The Late Show, plus the Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas and Dinah Shore shows, to name just a few. He has also played on numerous nationally broadcast jingles for such advertisers as; Burger King, Toyota, Ford, Stouffer's, Coca-Cola, Wrangler Jeans, Vidal Sassoon and Dairy Queen.

His father, Cliff, played bass with the Minnesota Orchestra for 47 years. Thelma, his mother, is a well known pianist, accompanist and piano teacher in the Twin Cities. Younger brother Jimmy (Flim) is a highly acclaimed electric bassist living in L.A., currently working with James Taylor's band. Since Gordy's return to the Twin Cities he is much sought after as a live performer and clinician, CD & jingle producer and recording session player.

GJ4 Bassist Gordon Johnson returns with his fourth in a series of piano trio jazz recordings creating a wide variety of styles from subtle ballads to burning bebop. Here the musical empathy that is evident between unsung young pianists and drumming icons, some old friends from the road, and a celebrated pair of experimental darlings, is anything but common. Johnson proves to be as adept at assembling inspired one-off trios as he is brilliant on the bass. Features pianists Bill Carrothers, Laura Caviani, Frank Kimbrough, Bryan Nichols and Tanner Taylor, and drummers David King, Phil Hey, Steve Smith, Todd Strait and Matt Wilson. CD Price: $16.97

Trios Version 3.0 Piano, bass & drum jazz trios. From 4 unique & distinctive recording sessions. Featuring pianists; Giacomo Aula, Matthew Fries, Jon Weber & Benny Weinbeck, drummers; Jay Epstein, Steve Gadd, Phil Hey & Joe Pulice. The lucky part for listeners is that Johnson, the only mainstay on all ten tracks, is such an arresting, versatile, and fluid presence. Quite simply, the album is a treasure trove for those interested in the possibilities and artistry offered by phenomenal bass playing. - Stephen Latessa, All About Jazz. CD Price: $16.97

Trios V.2 A collection of piano, bass & drum jazz trios featuring a variety of pianists and drummers, including pianists; Kenny Werner & Phil Markowitz, drummers; Joe Bonadio & Gordy Knudtson. Minneapolis-based Gordon Johnson (brother of L.A. session great Jimmy) follows up his fine 1996 multi-trio disc with five new line-ups (which include pianists Kenny Werner and Phil Markowitz). Plucking his circa-1850 French upright, Gordon is big-toned in his keen support and expressive solos---most notably on Bob Dylan's "Watch(ing) The River Flow" and Steve Swallow's "Falling Grace". - Chris Jisi, Bass Player Magazine. CD Price: $16.97

Trios Jazz bassist Gordon Johnson has created a revolving door for pianists & drummers who are involved on this unique jazz trios disc, featuring drummer Peter Erskine & the late pianist Manfredo Fest among notable others. drums - Dave Anania, Jay Epstein, Peter Erskine, Gordy Knudtson, Dave Mancini, Joe Pulice Piano - John R.Burr, Bill Carrothers, Manfredo Fest, Biff Hannon, Chris Lomheim, Bobby Peterson, Benny Weinbeck. bass - Gordon Johnson Bringing in seven different pianists and six drummers for a series of 11 trio performances with bassist Gordy Johnson is an inspired concept, for it enhances the presence of a gently compelling stylist on the most self-effacing instrument in jazz. Johnson sounds both more adventurous and more at ease in the four tunes he plays alongside ex-Weather Report drummer Peter Erskine (who was Johnson's old cohort in the Maynard Ferguson band two decades ago) and local pianist Chris Lomheim, whose superb, harmonically oriented compositions and absorbing introspection stimulate creativity from the rhythm section. Highlights include a spirited "On The Trail" with pianist Bobby Peterson and drummer Gordy Knudtson, and a jam between Johnson, pianist John Burr and drummer Joe Pulice on "Face Lift" the rousing finale. (review by Britt Robson - Star Tribune). CD Price: $16.97

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