A highly acclaimed jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader, known for his work with Bill Evans and his own eclectic ensembles, blending jazz with elements of classical and rock music.
Marc Johnson, an American jazz bass player, composer, and band leader, is renowned for his exceptional skill and versatility in the jazz arena. With a career spanning over four decades, Johnson has worked with some of the most iconic figures in jazz, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
At just 19, Johnson was already working professionally with the Fort Worth Symphony, and later, he played in the One O'Clock Lab Band and was the principal bassist in the NTSU Symphony while attending the University of North Texas.
In 1978, Johnson joined pianist Bill Evans in what would be Evans' last trio, touring and recording with him until the pianist's untimely death in 1980. This collaboration had a profound impact on Johnson's musical development and instilled in him a deep appreciation for the lyrical and introspective aspects of jazz.
In 2007, Johnson released the tribute album Something For You, a heartfelt homage to Evans, which he recorded with his wife, the Brazilian jazz pianist and singer Eliane Elias.
Johnson's credits include albums with an impressive array of jazz luminaries, such as Joe Lovano, Michael Brecker, Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Gary Burton, John Abercrombie, Bill Frisell, Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, and many others.
As a leader, Johnson has fronted several bands, starting with Bass Desires, a quartet that featured Bill Frisell and John Scofield on electric guitar, with Peter Erskine on drums. This group gained international recognition following two ECM recordings in the mid-1980s.
He also recorded two albums with his group Right Brain Patrol for JMT Records, followed by his Sound of Summer Running release on Verve. His ECM release Shades of Jade (2005) was featured in The New York Times as one of the five top jazz releases of the season.
Shades of Jade was selected by the Chicago Tribune as one of the 10 best jazz recordings of 2005 and also received the Danish Music Award for Best Foreign Release in 2005.
As a follow-up to Shades of Jade, Johnson released the ECM recording Swept Away in 2012.
Marc Johnson is married to the talented Brazilian jazz pianist and singer Eliane Elias, with whom he has collaborated on numerous projects, including the tribute album Something For You.
Born on October 21, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska, Johnson grew up in Texas, where he developed a passion for music from an early age.
Marc Johnson's remarkable career has been marked by his incredible technical mastery, lyrical sensitivity, and dedication to the art of jazz. As a bassist, composer, and bandleader, he has left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring generations of musicians and audiences alike.
Through his work, Johnson has demonstrated the power of jazz to evoke emotions, spark creativity, and bring people together. As a testament to his enduring legacy, his music continues to captivate and inspire, ensuring his place as one of the most celebrated jazz bassists of our time.
96 Years Old
A highly influential and innovative jazz pianist and composer, known for his lyrical and introspective playing style, which expanded the possibilities of jazz harmony and improvisation.
83 Years Old
A virtuosic vibraphonist and jazz educator, known for his innovative four-mallet technique and influential teaching style that has shaped generations of musicians.
71 Years Old
A virtuosic guitarist and composer, blending jazz with elements of rock, folk, and classical music to create a distinctive, genre-bending sound. Known for his versatility and innovative style.
72 Years Old
A highly acclaimed jazz keyboardist and composer, known for his intricate, nuanced playing style and collaborations with Pat Metheny, creating a distinctive sound that blends jazz, rock, and folk elements.
85 Years Old
A highly influential jazz bassist and composer, known for his work with Gary Burton, Carla Bley, and his own eclectic solo projects. He's a master of melodic bass lines and intricate compositions.
