Jimmy "Flim" Johnson

[JimmyJ]

Joey,
 
My dad was also a piano tuner and I think it was hanging out under the grand piano while he used his karate chop on the bass notes that might have altered my brain.  Ha!  No kidding, I think it's more of a acoustic piano thing for me.  Having wound up here with a wide open Alembic tone has allowed me to fit into several different musical scenarios because the sound is not very electric-bass-like, its more like an acoustic instrument.  My sound seems to get along well with piano or acoustic guitar.  Any Quiet Riot or Billy Idol appearances must be considered purely accidental - that's not really where I live (fun visiting though).
 
I also got into commercial recording work pretty early on and at that time, in the studios I was working in, DI was the thing.  So I got used to it.
 
Yeah, it's wild, everybody sounds like themselves pretty much regardless of their gear.  I've seen this played out over and over again.  But the gear changes DO make a difference to the player.  Moves that seem subtle to others may be huge to you, and there is always room for improvement.  Just like there is always some new combination of notes to discover on the instrument.  And I'm saying that after plunking away on it for about 40 years!  Yikes!
 
Thanks man, seeya somewhere,
Jimmy J

[Bradley Young]

Jimmy,
 
I just found out that James Taylor (and Band) are playing the Puyallup Fairgrounds on Saturday.
 
Will you be there?
 
Bradley

[JimmyJ]

Oops, pardon the late reply Bradley.  
Yes, it was a nice night at the fair - cool but no rain.  Good crowd.  Great fried anything on a stick.  Under the grandstands next to the taffy, kitchen gadgets, roofers, and tool salesmen, the local distributor for Eminence Speakers had a booth set up...  State fairs are full of surprises.
Jimmy J

[Bradley Young]

No sweat.
 
Next time?    I'll buy you a Fisher scone.
 
Bradley

[tbrannon]

Jimmy,
 
Is this song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naUdueljRas&feature=related) as much to play as it sounds like it would be?  I'm guessing by the smile on your face in the video that it must be.  I love this track and listen to it a couple times a week... just had to get your opinion on it.

[JimmyJ]

Tony,
Yes, a great song with a great groove - way fun to play.  It was originally recorded for New Moon Shine in '91, Danny Kortchmar producing that track with Steve Jordan on drums.  Jordan has an amazing feel, especially with this kind of in-between straight and swing vibe.  The clip you linked to was from a Beacon Theater show in '98, the first gig we played after Carlos Vega's passing.  Jordan was kind enough to join us for that and part of the tour that followed.
Cheers,
Jimmy J

[dannobasso]

Just putting in my humble and heartfelt endorsement for Allan Holdsworth Group Then! (Live). Got it on iTunes and it is a thrilling recording. Thanks Jimmy!
1. Zone I (4:08)  
2. Proto-Cosmos (5:42)  
3. White Line (9:39)  
4. Atavachron (4:42)
5. Zone II (5:30)  
6. Pud Wud (8:05)  
7. House Of Mirrors (4:26)  
8. Non-Brewed Condiment (5:44)
9. Zone III (7:39)  
- Allan Holdsworth / guitar, baritone guitar
- Steve Hunt / keyboards
- Gary Husband / drums
- Jimmy Johnson / bass

[JimmyJ]

Thanks Danno.  
That recording includes some very serious blazing by Allan and Gary in particular.  I feel lucky to have been along for the ride.  Recorded live in Japan in 1990, the tapes sat around for a dozen years before Allan decided to mix and release it.  We're glad he did!
Jimmy J

[jacko]

Hey Jimmy.  
By sheer coincidence I've just had an email notification of Allan's upcoming European tour. I don't suppose you know who'll be in the band and how far north they'll be coming ?  ;-)
Don't worry if you're not allowed to say, sometimes anticipation is half the pleasure. hah!
Graeme

[JimmyJ]

Hi Graeme,
 
I think what you're hearing about is an April tour of the Bozzio / Mastelotto / Levin / Holdsworth project, and I believe it's mostly Central EU.  This is a group that Terry put together and not meant to be advertised as a Allan's band or music.  In fact, there is NO fixed music as such.  It's an evening of free in the moment performance by these talented guys listening and playing off of each other.  I have yet to hear the band but any of these individuals would be worth hearing in person so the combination is likely to produce some very interesting moments.
 
Cheers,
Jimmy J

[jacko]

Thanks for the update Jimmy, the email from holdsworth's website didn't give any details. If they come close enough I'll most likely try to see them, Tony Levin is another of those 'must see' bassists that I need to tick of my list ;-)
 
All the best
 
Graeme
 
edit: Just checked Terry Bozzio's site and it doesn't look like they'll be coming any further west that Germany. bummer ;-(
 
(Message edited by jacko on February 16, 2010)

[djbass]

Jimmy, I've just been enjoying your work on JT's Covers and Hourglass albums. I've picked up the bass again after a many-year layoff to play in our church ensemble which plays many moderately complex arrangements. Your work is a fine example of how to craft rich and tasteful basslines. I especially like your use of thirds and other tones to substitute for the tonic creating a natural progression. With your experience, are you able to do this on the fly or do you usually study the score and work out your part before recording? And when is the Jimmy Johnson bass primer coming out?!

[JimmyJ]

Hey Doc (hope that's an OK usage),
 
Welcome to the Alembic forum.  Glad to hear you have found an opportunity to bust out the bass and play again, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
 
Thanks for the kind words, I'm proud to have been a part of those two records.  As I've said before, almost all the notes I play with JT are simply doubling what he's playing on guitar so that makes creating the bass lines pretty easy!  
 
Generally speaking bass parts are worked out at the recording session, but it varies.  Occasionally somebody will send a chart in advance or even an audio demo, but I am usually fine-tuning the bass part right up until the final take.  Sometimes even after the final take - as an overdub!
 
I've never had much interest in teaching, writing or talking too much about what I do (except for all my blabbering here in this forum...).  Maybe because I never studied bass or maybe because I'm not sure what I'm doing!  I've been at this a long time, playing these same instruments, and am happy to share some of my experiences with friends here.  But don't hold your breath for any how to manuals.  My only suggestion is to listen to all kinds of music and then play and see what comes out.
 
Jimmy J

[muller1007]

Jimmy,
 
Am I hearing you play the 'Bic on Our Town by JT??
 
Duncan

[JimmyJ]

Hey Duncan,
 
Funny you should ask me about that one.  I did play on that soundtrack - great writing by Randy Newman - and we did cut a version of Our Town during those sessions.  But the track they used in the film, and I believe on the soundtrack recording, was reworked to be more orchestral and that included underdubbing the drums and bass.  I recognize some of the notes but it doesn't sound like me (the giveaway is the high register notes that don't sustain...)  I don't think they ever released an alternate version so I don't think you heard me.  Maybe you just knew I'd BEEN there?  Ha!.
 
That's a great song and quite an emotional moment in that movie.  In my opinion Randy is on the short list of America's greatest songwriters.
 
Jimmy J