Jimmy "Flim" Johnson

[eddievig]

Jimmy J,

Just recently got to check out Hiromi on DVD in the trio with Anthony Jackson and Simon Philips (yeah, I'm late to the party on that one)...then I hear that you are doing a recent leg of the tour! That looks like a really fun gig. Do you know if any of these shows will be filmed/recorded for release?

Best,

Ed V

[JimmyJ]

Hey Ed,

Yes, I am indeed out here having a good time trying to keep up with Hiromi and Simon and this wild Trio Project music!  It's an honor to be asked to sub for one of my bass heroes!  And we're all hoping AJ can fully recover and get back to his unique style of low-note wrangling.  He is a one-off player, that's for sure.

I've worked previously with Simon and he lives near me so we were able to get together and run through the music a few times in advance.  Then I happened to be in the EU with the Gadd Band just before this tour was to begin so it made sense for me to stay over here and help out.

I would be disappointed to hear this band without Anthony ... but Hiromi, Simon, and the audiences have all been very kind to me under the circumstances and the concerts are being well received.  I'm only a temporary sub so I don't expect anything to be recorded (which is actually ok with me.  HA!)

I'm finishing this part and then playing 3 shows in North America before tagging off to Hadrien Feraud who will play a few US shows and continue on to Japan with the trio.  Now THAT should be an amazing combination!

Jimmy J

[lbpesq]

Hey Jimmy, I saw in this morning's sports section, of all places, that JT is playing AT&T Park (S.F. Giants baseball stadium) next summer!  Sounds like the making of a mini-gathering - Alembic takes over the left field stands!

Bill, tgo

[jacko]

I saw that too Bill. Bonnie Raitt sharing the bill. We've been thinking of maybe having a 30th anniversary trip next summer and this gig would be high on my list of 'must Do's'. Would be great to catch up with everyone again.

Graeme

[edwardofhuncote]

Funny - I just heard about this on the local sports news this afternoon and immediately wondered if Jimmy J will be playing at a ball park near here! 

I usually do take in at least one game a year... I'm not a fan of any team in particular, don't even care who wins, just like to sit in the stands and watch. Sometimes the stands are more entertaining. At least until JT is on deck.

*by the way, after being inspired by the intro to "Millworker", I began working out a similar little counterpoint with our band's guitar player on one of our originals. (this is the same kid I told you about that can pull off a convincing cover of "Frozen Man") I like having a fence to swing for.

[keith_h]

According to JT's website he will be playing at Washington Nationals Park in July of 2017.

[videomagician]

Hello Everyone - It only took me about ten years (off and on) to read through this entire thread about my favorite bassist Mr. Jimmy Johnson!  But I finally did it!  And I even registered just to comment.

I don't get to play bass as much I'd like to lately, and don't have an Alembic, but I've enjoyed reading through the thread - this is a great group.

I hope you keep on doing your thang for a long time to come Jimmy!

David

[David Houck]

Hi David; welcome to the Alembic club.

[videomagician]

Thanks!

[jacko]

Well, we decided as we've already been to the west coast we'd go to Washington DC for the July 14th gig. Somewhere in the first 15 rows but I can't be sure till I get the allocation email in the next couple of weeks.  We're going to have a week around DC then either Chicago or New Orleans for a week.  Can't wait. We'll give you a wave from the front of the stage Jimmy :-)

Graeme

[to_81_0190]

Hi Jimmy,

Finally I booked Steve Gadd Band at Bluenote Tokyo on 12/5 1st show. I'm looking foward to see great band again!

Toshiaki

[JimmyJ]

Hey friends,

Sorry I've missed a couple rounds here.  First a welcome to David, thanks for the encouraging words.  You don't need to play an Alembic to hang out in here, it's a nice bunch of folks.  Thanks for wading through this lengthy thread, now you know more about me than I can remember.

So yeah, the giant baseball stadiums here in the 'States have discovered that instead of sitting idle while their teams are out of town they can erect a stage at the back wall, cover the outfield with a floor and seating, bring in a Shure Vocal Master PA (Beatles reference), and have two or three bands play over a period of several nights.

In 2015 we played Fenway Park in Boston with James and Bonnie Raitt. Attached below (maybe) is a view of this intimate setting.  HA!  Tough to pull of a ballad when much of your audience 1/4 mile away!  It was a perfect fall evening, not too hot, no rain, no wind, and the concert was a success.  Management of course was VERY excited ... so we did two more last year with Jackson Browne and this coming summer apparently they've booked four.  I see where this is going.

Glad to see Bonnie on the bill again, that's a great combination.  We're all big fans of her and her band and I would say they have a similar if not overlapping audience.

The weather gamble is scary.  Last year we did Fenway again and Wrigley in Chicago and at that gig there was a line of thunderstorms approaching for the entire afternoon.  Amazingly, it remained clear until the concert was over.  Nerve-wracking though, and really I don't know if the experience would be much fun in bad weather.  But everybody involved understands the risks so ... fingers crossed for this summer.

Graeme, glad to see you're coming over at that moment, I'll look for you.  DC has a lot to see, N.O. has a lot to eat, and we like Chicago too.  That should be a good trip.

Hey Toshiaki, glad you're coming to hear the SGB.  I will try to find you if I can.


Jimmy J

[David Houck]

Cool picture, Jimmy.

[keith_h]

Nice pic.

So your saying they've rediscovered the 70's. Of course in the 70's we had to sit on the grass or dirt with general seating. Nothing as fancy as a floor or chairs.

Not sure if we will make the Washington DC concert. Rene works in a year round school and that is the beginning of the school year. They are off the previous week so I'm not sure she can take the time needed to drive up on Friday and be there by the 7PM showtime. It would be a nice way to get in our annual trip to Alexandria and DC though.

[rv_bass]

Kieth, yes the 70s for the stadium shows and multiple band billings.  Last time I saw James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne (and others) all play together was at the No Nukes shows at MSG in 79.  Great combination of performers that compliment each other well!