Alphonso Johnson
| Alphonso Johnson | |
|---|---|
Johnson in Rochester, New York, 1977
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alphonso Johnson |
| Born |
February 2, 1951 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, jazz fusion, funk |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Bass, Chapman Stick, Warr guitar |
| Years active | 1970-present |
| Associated acts | Weather Report, Bobby and the Midnites, Jazz Is Dead |
| Website | www |
Alphonso Johnson (born February 2, 1951) is an American jazz bassist, who has been active since the early 1970s.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Johnson started off as an upright bass player, but switched to the electric bass in his late teens. Beginning his career in the early 1970s, Johnson showed innovation and fluidity on the electric bass. He sessioned with a few jazz musicians before landing a job with Weather Report, taking over for co-founding member Miroslav Vitous. Johnson first debuted with Weather Report on the album Mysterious Traveller. He appeared on two more Weather Report albums: Tale Spinnin' (1975) and Black Market (1976) before he left the band to work with drummer Billy Cobham. During 1976-77 he recorded three solo albums as a band leader, for the Epic label, in a fusion-funk vein.
Johnson was one of the first musicians to introduce the Chapman Stick to the public. In 1977 his knowledge of the instrument offered him a rehearsal with Genesis, who were looking for a replacement for guitarist Steve Hackett. Being more of a bassist than a guitarist, Johnson instead recommended his friend ex-Sweetbottom guitarist and fellow session musician Daryl Stuermer, who would go on to remain a member of Genesis's touring band until the 2007 reunion tour.
Johnson was one of two bass players on Phil Collins's first solo album, Face Value, in 1981.
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