ABOUT THE CD:
This CD is a collection of some of my favorite melodies of the Christian faith. I've heard them for years in church and have always been attracted to their simple, concise melodies and inspiring lyrics. But, as a "jazz musician" I've always "heard" these songs with more complex harmony and different rhythms.
With my 6-string bass, I'm playing everything except the percussion and string parts. The broad harmonic range of the 6-string bass and the possibilities available with the midi pick up allow me this harmonic freedom.
My hope is that this "solo offering" will be a blessing and encouragement to you, the listener - Todd Johnson
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Todd Johnson is recognized as a pioneer of the six-string bass. With his Zon signature model six-string bass, Johnson uses an innovative technique where he plays chord changes and bass lines simultaneously, giving him an uniquely rich and fuller sound that proves extremely useful in both solo and small combo work.
Since 1991, Johnson has recorded 6 CDs with the critically acclaimed jazz trio of guitarist Ron Escheté. The group is repeatedly hailed as the trio that sounds like a quartet.
In 2004, Johnson joined forces with acclaimed bassist and singer Kristin Korb to form The Kristin Korb/Todd Johnson Trio. "Get Happy," their debut CD produced by Johnson, features Korb on vocals and upright bass, Kendall Kay on drums, and Johnson providing the chordal structure and solos on his 6-string electric bass.
In his CD review, Cliff Engle of www.bassically.net notes that "Johnson's sophisticated chord melodies are unrivaled amongst his contemporaries. (He) has demonstrated that his innovative bass playing style is anything but traditional.(His) guitar-like chordal accompaniment style is reminiscent to that of the legendary jazz guitarists including Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, and Ron Escheté. Johnson's guitar-like performance is so convincing that as a listener, if you were not made aware that Johnson was not a jazz guitarist, you would never to able to decipher the difference."
In addition to his work with the Ron Escheté Trio and Kristin Korb, Johnson has performed and recorded with other artists, including Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, Scott Henderson, Jim Martinez, Barbara Morrison, Plas Johnson, Sam Most, Lew Tabackin, Jack Sheldon, Joe LaBarbera, Frank Potenza, Larry Koonse, Kendall Kay, Steve & Jennifer Barnes, Kate Reid, Tierney Sutton, Poncho Sanchez, Mundell Lowe, Paul Humphrey, and Frank Gambale.
As a seasoned performing artist, Todd Johnson has developed a rich philosophy encompassing his spiritual, educational and achievement-oriented sides. Johnson sees his talent as a gift to continually enhance and develop. Recognizing the bias against electric bass in standard jazz, he is determined to increase the acceptance of the instrument within the field while adding strength and beauty to the music. A unique musician with a unique instrument, Johnson strives to stretch the limits, creating new sounds and directions in which the electric bass can go.
"Todd Johnson has found the freedom of extra strings, and as such has developed a distinctive solo voice on his instrument..." writes Jim Fisch. Time and again, Johnson is acknowledged as unique, creative and innovative in his musical talents. He brings more than mastery to the electric bass; Todd Johnson brings a new vision of the instrument that greatly expands its musical horizon.
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