Master Bassist
Embark on a journey with Alphonso Johnson, whose soulful mastery of the bass and Chapman Stick resonates globally. His multifaceted career weaves a tapestry of innovation across performing, teaching, and composing. Let Alphonso's profound musical narrative inspire you and stir your spirit with its authenticity and passion.
Strings in Motion: Alphonso Johnson on Bass and Chapman Stick
Alphonso Johnson, a legendary bassist and Chapman Stick artist, blends virtuosic skill with deep musical intuition. His innovative approach to these instruments has redefined their roles in jazz and fusion, captivating audiences and influencing musicians around the world with his dynamic and soulful performances.
Experience the Musical Journey of Alphonso Johnson
- Alphonso Johnson
1960s
Inspired by the everyday sounds of his Philadelphia neighborhood, Alphonso began to develop his foundational interest in music. Alphonso honed his skills under John Lamb, former bassist of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, at the Philadelphia Music Academy. By seventeen, he launched his touring career, simultaneously shaping his unique fusion style.
Early 1970s
Johnson starts his professional career as a session bassist, playing with several jazz musicians. His early gigs include time with Horace Silver, Woody Herman (1972), Chuck Mangione (1973), and Chet Baker. These experiences provide him with a wealth of knowledge and experience, laying the foundation for his future success.
1973-1975
Johnson joins the jazz fusion group Weather Report. His compositions like "Mysterious Traveler," "Scarlet Woman," and "Cucumber Slumber" help define the band's transition from avant-garde jazz to funk fusion. His innovative and fluid playing style is showcased in these performances.
Late 1970s
Johnson releases his solo albums "Moonshadows," "Yesterday's Dreams," and "Spellbound" under Epic Records. These albums highlight his compositional talents and his innovative approach to the bass guitar and the Chapman Stick.
Late 1975
Johnson announces his intention to leave Weather Report to join the Billy Cobham-George Duke band, further expanding his musical horizons.
1983
Johnson composes the film score for "Sound of Sunshine... Sounds of Rain." His score is evocative and sensitive, capturing the film's essence and showcasing his versatility as a composer, and earning him an academy award nomination.
1997
Johnson was invited to become the director of the bass department at The Los Angeles Music Academy in Pasadena, California. This role allowed him to share his extensive experience and knowledge with aspiring musicians.
1998
Alphonso Johnson, along with his longtime friend and fellow jazz luminary, drummer Billy Cobham, co-founded an all-new instrumental project called Jazz Is Dead. The band, which also included keyboardist T Lavitz and guitarist Jimmy Herring, was formed to interpret the music of the Grateful Dead in a jazz context.
2010
Alphonso was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Bass Player magazine, celebrating his enduring influence and mastery in music.
2014
Alphonso received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from California State University, Northridge.
Current
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Jazz Is Dead, Alphonso and the band returned to stages, demonstrating the lasting appeal and continuing evolution of their unique musical project.
A Journey Through Music
Alphonso Johnson's career exemplifies musical innovation, significantly impacting bass music and inspiring future generations. His improvisation skills lead to dynamic, unique performances, driven by spontaneous creativity.
His extensive collaborations include Santana, Weather Report, The Crusaders, Bob Weir, Chuck Mangione, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, and more, while his recording portfolio features contributions to projects by Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Phil Collins, Sarah Vaughan, and others.
Recently, he has been performing with Jazz Is Dead, reinterpreting Grateful Dead songs in jazz contexts, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
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Alphonso Johnson talks about his activities in music, education and more - Jazzaar Festival 2014
Shaping Musical Minds
Alphonso Johnson's teaching credentials are as extensive as his music career, having taught at notable institutions like Mesar Hause Institute in Tokyo, Bass School of Music in Cologne, and Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. He has conducted bass seminars globally, from Europe to Australia, and was the director of the bass department at The Los Angeles Music Academy in 1997.
His scholarly works include authoring "The Bass Guitar" for Oxford University Press and contributions to "The Guitar Teacher’s Handbook" and "Lessons with the Greats," reflecting his commitment to music education.
Crafting the Fusion-Funk Soundtrack
Alphonso Johnson's work with Weather Report, like "Mysterious Traveler" and "Scarlet Woman," transformed funk fusion and left a lasting impact. His solo albums, "Moonshadows" and "Spellbound," highlight his boundary-pushing creativity with instruments like the bass guitar and Chapman Stick.
A highlight of his composing career was his Academy Award-nominated score for "Sound of Sunshine... Sounds of Rain," which demonstrated his capacity to enhance narratives and convey deep emotions through music, underscoring his musical versatility.
A Journey Through Music
Alphonso Johnson's career exemplifies musical innovation, significantly impacting bass music and inspiring future generations. His improvisation skills lead to dynamic, unique performances, driven by spontaneous creativity.
His extensive collaborations include Santana, Weather Report, The Crusaders, Bob Weir, Chuck Mangione, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, and more, while his recording portfolio features contributions to projects by Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Phil Collins, Sarah Vaughan, and others.
Recently, he has been performing with Jazz Is Dead, reinterpreting Grateful Dead songs in jazz contexts, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
Shaping Musical Minds
Alphonso Johnson's teaching credentials are as extensive as his music career, having taught at notable institutions like Mesar Hause Institute in Tokyo, Bass School of Music in Cologne, and Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. He has conducted bass seminars globally, from Europe to Australia, and was the director of the bass department at The Los Angeles Music Academy in 1997.
His scholarly works include authoring "The Bass Guitar" for Oxford University Press and contributions to "The Guitar Teacher’s Handbook" and "Lessons with the Greats," reflecting his commitment to music education.
His extensive collaborations include Santana, Weather Report, The Crusaders, Bob Weir, Chuck Mangione, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, and more, while his recording portfolio features contributions to projects by Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Phil Collins, Sarah Vaughan, and others.
Recently, he has been performing with Jazz Is Dead, reinterpreting Grateful Dead songs in jazz contexts, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
Alphonso Johnson talks about his activities in music, education and more - Jazzaar Festival 2014
Crafting the Fusion-Funk Soundtrack
Alphonso Johnson's work with Weather Report, like "Mysterious Traveler" and "Scarlet Woman," transformed funk fusion and left a lasting impact. His solo albums, "Moonshadows" and "Spellbound," highlight his boundary-pushing creativity with instruments like the bass guitar and Chapman Stick.
A highlight of his composing career was his Academy Award-nominated score for "Sound of Sunshine... Sounds of Rain," which demonstrated his capacity to enhance narratives and convey deep emotions through music, underscoring his musical versatility.
His extensive collaborations include Santana, Weather Report, The Crusaders, Bob Weir, Chuck Mangione, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, and more, while his recording portfolio features contributions to projects by Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Phil Collins, Sarah Vaughan, and others.
Recently, he has been performing with Jazz Is Dead, reinterpreting Grateful Dead songs in jazz contexts, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
Follow Alphonso Johnson
Join Alphonso on a journey through sound and story. Follow him on social media, subscribe to updates, and never miss a beat. Engage with a community of fans and fellow musicians who celebrate the rich tapestry of Alphonso’s musical adventures.
Book Alphonso for your event
Experience the unique talent of Alphonso Johnson, renowned Bassist and Chapman Stick artist, through his captivating performances.