He is a giant of the 1970s jazz fusion era who also expanded his artistry into rock and pop music. Alphonso Johnson began his musical journey on trumpet, then on to upright bass, then to the electric where his virtuosity shone brightest.

Barely into his 20s, Alphonso was in the studio and on stage with Weather Report, taking over the bass chair from Miroslav Vitous. His three slabs with the band: Mysterious Traveller (1974), Tale Spinnin’ (1975) and Black Market (1976) which he split with Jaco – are world music touchstones. Johnson’s Fender Precision tone was cited by Darryl Jones in this testimonial: https://youtu.be/ltDn-gZzeF0

An educator, solo recording artist, collaborator, bandmember, and clinician, Alphonso also brought the Chapman Stick to the forefront, and has recorded extensively on extended range and fretless.

I highly advise you visit Alphonso’ website wherein he explains his approach to the instrument – and his latest releases and live dates.

He is among the handful of bassists you need to experience live! http://embamba.com/

My choice Alphonso tracks which span funk, world, soul, rock, pop and every permutation thereof:

“Cucumber Slumber” from Weather Report’s Mysterious Traveler (1974) https://youtu.be/5gsk-ae_y8I

“Man in the Green Shirt” from Weather Report’s Tale Spinnin’ (1975) https://youtu.be/gdstJfWHqx0

“Hip Pockets” from Billy Cobham – George Duke Band Live on Tour in Europe (1976) https://youtu.be/PK4Ox-EJeOE

Title track from Flora Purim’s Open Your Eyes You Can Fly (1976) https://youtu.be/L-yYZg-DQYQ

“Stump” from Alphonso’s Moonshadows (1977) https://youtu.be/F8VM8NZPcmw

“Children Are the Spirit” from Dee Dee Bridgewater’s Just Family (1978) https://youtu.be/v9St6i68Eok

“Book of Rules” from Bob Weir’s Bobby & the Midnights Live (1981) https://youtu.be/YjAhM6e1D-o

“I Missed Again” from Phil Collins’ Face Value (1981) https://youtu.be/yr-SNCtoyPk

“Brotherhood” from Santana’s Beyond Appearances (1985) https://youtu.be/kOjaaIPYahk

“Fountain of Salmacis” from Steve Hackett’s Genesis Revisited (1997) https://youtu.be/VwFZd0i0nb8

Jazz Is Dead’s Laughing Water (1999 ) https://youtu.be/UzpeMhtxrF4

“Waters of March” from Sergio Mendes’ Encanto (2008) https://youtu.be/PwrtN3l7-xQ