Bass Player: Jimmy Johnson

Jimmy Johnson has a long career dating back to the 1970s which includes time spent with the Wayne Johnson Trio, James Taylor, Allan Holdsworth, Billy Childs and a host of other celebrated artists. One of the projects he was associated with was a band that featured Flim with two other musicians, drummer Bill Berg and pianist Bill Barber. The band joined saxophonist Dick Oats for the album ‘Tricycle’ which qas recorded direct to digital when that was a new thing. A pioneer of the five string bass (he got his Alembic in 1976), Johnson’s playing is known for it’s crystal tone and clarity.

This is Johnson’s bass part for the title tune of the CD ‘Tricyle’, released in 1983. DOn’t turn up your stereo when it starts; that first Ab will crash your speakers. NB. The transcription is prepared in order to allow most of it to be played on a 4 string bass (Bilbo’s weapon of choice). It drops below E a couple of times but you will figure it out.