Jazz Articles about Marc Johnson

Marc Johnson: Shades of Jade

by John Kelman
September 6, 2005

Some would argue that it's impossible to call a recording classic until sufficient time has passed to determine its true staying power. Still, one can say that a recording has the makings of a classic--especially in its ability to be simultaneously of its time and timeless. Bassist Marc Johnson has only released a handful of albums under his own name since emerging in the late 1970s. And while they've all been very, very good, often in distinctly different ways--and experiences ...

Ralph Simon: As

by Glenn Astarita
March 1, 2000

As represents composer/saxophonist Ralph Simon’s second recording as a leader. Although originally recorded in 1981, As sounds remarkably fresh while consistently conveying a contemporary feel or vibe which is evident from the opening moments of Simon’s piece, “Kalimba”. Here, Simon and his bandmates elicit tropical themes enhanced by the late Gene Adler’s meticulous utilization of the kalimba along with vibraphonist Jeff Berman as Simon provides the ethereal treatments and acute expressionism via his soprano sax. Peppery yet low-key rhythms prevail ...

Bill Evans: Homecoming

by Douglas Payne
June 1, 1999

It seems virtually every one of piano great Bill Evans's (1929-80) performances were recorded during the last two years of his life, when he had his last - and arguably superior - trio with bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Joe LaBarbera. As more recordings continue to surface, it is evident that this was a most commanding unit.What makes this November 1979 recording, issued here for the time, so special is that the Evans trio was captured upon the ...

Bill Evans: Homecoming

by AAJ Staff
June 1, 1999

“The last two years I was here were perhaps the happiest years of my life.” This was Bill Evans, talking about Southeastern Louisiana College, where he graduated in 1950. You know what happened: he went to New York, had a memorable stay with Miles Davis, and became one of the most influential pianists in jazz. His school also knew; now a university, they gave Bill their first Distinguished Alumnus award in 1969. Ten years later came a special event: a ...

Marc Johnson: The Sound of Summer Running

by Douglas Payne
April 1, 1998

The poetry implied in the title of Marc Johnson's latest disc is very much a part of who he is and the way he creates music. He's one of those bassists who makes his presence felt rather than known. Listen to how he coalesces with Bill Evans on Turn Out The Stars (Warner Bros.) or both volumes of the still-not-on-CD gem Paris Concerts. He follows deeply explored paths, without tripping for effect or falling all over the soloist to capture ...

Marc Johnson: The Sound Of Summer Running

by Ed Kopp
April 1, 1998

Legions of jazz guitar fans have eagerly awaited this meeting of superstar guitarists Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. The wait was worth it because the dynamic duo really delivers. The Sound Of Summer Running is a rich melodic affair that marries Metheny's early heartland sound with Frisell's country-jazz accents.

The album offers up ten original tunes, seven composed by the acoustic bassist Johnson. Frisell and Metheny prove to be a very sympatico pair, while Johnson is the glue ...