Marc Johnson – Bass

One of my ‘Mount Rushmore’ players, Marc Johnson first came to the attention of the Jazz universe through his work with the late pianist Bill Evans who he toured and recorded with for the last two years of his career (Evans passed away in 1980). He then worked with a comprehensive series of A-listers that has included everyone from Micheal Brecker and Joe Lovano to guitarists John Scofield, Bill Frissel, Pat Metheny and John Abercrombie. His own records as a leader are immensely satisfying and his contribution to contemporary bass is immeasurable.

This track comes from one of my all-time favourite albums, Joe Lovano’s ‘Landmarks’ (1991) and is the saxophonist’s tribute to drummer and legendary Coltrane sideman, Elvin Jones. The piece is called ‘Emperor Jones’ and, whilst the part is not difficult to play, I was never able to get it down before as Johnson’s sound is often lost in the mix. Fast forward to 2026 and the MOISES app and we are away. There will be more from this album but this track is an absolute favourite.