Jun 5, 2019
Gerald Johnson’s professional career commenced with The Sweet Inspirations as an opening act for Elvis on The Strip in Las Vegas. A left-handed player who utilizes a righty Fender P inverted, Gerald’s soulful pocket playing, warm resonant tone, and engaging stage presence earned him a position at the top of his profession as an in-demand session player, concert performance sideman, and vocalist. Akin to such bass icons as Sir Paul, James Jamerson, and Willie Weeks – Gerald Johnson is that rare player who renders bass lines that also serve as hooks to whatever song he’s playing. As a soloist, Gerald never surrenders the groove as evidenced on his killer breaks found on Dave Mason’s Certified Live (1976) rendition of “Gimmie Some Lovin’ or on Miller’s“Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma” and the title track to Steve’s aforementioned classic LP from 1973.
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
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