| Author | Message | ||
| jimmyj
New Username: jimmyj Post Number: 5 Registered: 8-2008 |
John and Graeme, thanks for the welcome and the kind words. Yes, I'm sorry to miss Allan's UK trip later this month but you should always make the effort to hear him when he comes to your neighborhoods. His compositions and playing is like no other! Also, Ernest plays beautifully and I think he and Chad are a great combination so you can be sure it will be an insipring musical evening... I may be part of a tour with Allan and Gary Husband in and around Germany next March. I really hope that comes together because, well, I'm a Holdsworth nut too! And Graeme, we are hoping that James will bring the band to Europe again soon. It would be a blast to come over with the large group, we'll keep our fingers crossed on that one. Seeya, Jimmy J | ||
| white_cloud
Senior Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 457 Registered: 11-2007 |
Is there any other forum like this where you could talk music with one of your biggest influences?? The Alembic club is the ace of bass  P.S. Allan Holdsworths "Metal Fatigue" simply must be one of the finest recordings ever in my book. Jimmy's playing is as tasteful as always! John. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1882 Registered: 10-2002 |
That's one I'll have to look for John. I only have 'Secrets' and 'Sand' but do have some of Allans work on various Bruford albums. look out for me at the 'Ferry' I have my tickets ;-) Graeme | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 515 Registered: 8-2005 |
Anyone remember Allan when he played with TEMPEST?? I've got the album, and he was superb. Also plays violin! G | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 516 Registered: 8-2005 |
Yep-You can always be assured that Allan only plays with the best, and JJ is up there with the best ever! | ||
| white_cloud
Senior Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 458 Registered: 11-2007 |
Graeme, I will keep my eyes peeled! I have heard it rumoured that Allan likes to mingle and have a beer - that would be special, I for one would buy him a pint! George, I liked tempest too! Aparantly Allan took his legato technique from the violin and adapted it to the guitar - its all part of his unique magic! I got really switched on to Allan when he was with jean-luc Ponty and Bruford - awesome! John. | ||
| jakebass
Junior Username: jakebass Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi Jimmy, I've only recently got hold of 'Grasshopper' Great sound and great playing. You have inspired many aspects of my approach to bass and I'm utterly convinced by your contribution to recorded music that simplicity and serving the music are so important. Even when ripping it up with AH you are in my view the epitome of taste and great musical choice. Thanks so much for posting here, it reminds us that great players are often great (and real) guys too. I hope to speak with you more. Jake | ||
| bkbass
Intermediate Member Username: bkbass Post Number: 175 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hello Jimmy,thanks for coming out of the ah...roadcase. Somewhere on the time line of having your second set of SII's built,I also had my very first Alembic being made not only was that a big deal but I also was able to customize it. A double wow for sure. I ordered it with a drop dead goregous Walnut burl top which Mica had said was the remaining piece from which your beauties where crafted. So I've always felt a kinship to you in that regard. Best of luck, health,and many,many more years of great music. | ||
| jimmyj
New Username: jimmyj Post Number: 6 Registered: 8-2008 |
Jake, thanks for the kind words. Man, Grasshopper (and the above photos) were like 25 years ago... How time flies... Barry, I guess the Alembic World is a relatively small one but that's a cool coincidence... Your bass is probably an '89 then? I've gotten a lot of good mileage from those two basses. Isn't it great to have a company that can build whatever we can think of? Jimmy J | ||
| rraymond
Advanced Member Username: rraymond Post Number: 329 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Jimmy, As the other guys have said, "Thanks for stopping by." Reading your posts the last few days has made me revisit the JT "Pull Over" DVD and "Neon" CD by your namesake band. Great work on those. I love the duet intro on JT's "Millworker," and from "Neon," your solo piece "Fish Magic" is absolutely amazing! Also, any chance of a Flim and the BBs reunion? The BBs are pretty darn good, too! Thanks for all the great music, Reid | ||
| jimmyj
New Username: jimmyj Post Number: 7 Registered: 8-2008 |
Reid, thanks for the kind comments. I'm sure everybody knows that "Fish Magic" was TWO tracks of bass despite the liner notes touting "direct to two track, no overdubs". That was a bit embarrassing. We had lots of fun doing those BBs projects but it was never a serious hitting-the-road kind of "band". No plans for a reunion but we're all still playing so who knows... Jimmy J | ||
| daveski
Junior Username: daveski Post Number: 26 Registered: 10-2003 |
I am glad i discovered this thread as i had never heard of you Jimmy J.It's great how you can 'discover' fantastic bassists.I've youtubed you and i loved what i heard,do you have an album or to you could recommended me that you consider to be your best work,as i would love to hear more. Does anyone else have any Jimmy J must listens! cheers Dave | ||
| jimmyj
New Username: jimmyj Post Number: 8 Registered: 8-2008 |
Oh Lord, I've been YouTubed! Thanks Dave. I've had the opportunity to play in a wide variety of musical situations but I have no solo projects as such. I consider myself a sideman. If you still want to hear more of my notes tell me what kind of music you like and maybe I can point you to something you might find interesting. thanks, Jimmy J | ||
| rraymond
Advanced Member Username: rraymond Post Number: 330 Registered: 6-2002 |
TWO tracks - say it ain't so! LOL Man, I don't care if it's six tracks, I still think it's a beautiful piece. I'm glad the other guys are still playing; the BBs was a talented bunch. Have fun, Reid | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1893 Registered: 10-2002 |
Daveski. Listen to any of James Taylor's later albums - New moonshine, Hourgalss and October road - all feature Jimmy's sublime playing. Also alot of Allan Holdsworth's work features jimmy and has been mentioned, he had a band 'Flim and the BBs' who are well worth listening to - you'll need to order them as imports from the USA as you're unlikely to find them over here. Graeme | ||
| daveski
Junior Username: daveski Post Number: 27 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks Guys,i shall start my hunt! | ||
| jakebass
Junior Username: jakebass Post Number: 47 Registered: 7-2007 |
Daveski, to add to Graeme's suggestion I would mention the James Taylor live album. Don Grolnick (sadly passed), Jimmy J, Carlos Vegas (also sadly passed) and Michael Landau make for a very special rhythm section. As live work it's as good as it gets. I love the album and the playing for how totally unselfish it is. James' songs are really beautiful and that band really pay homage to that beauty with sensitive and passionate musicianship. | ||
| jakebass
Junior Username: jakebass Post Number: 48 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi again Jimmy, I've also never really got on with bass amps, I will D.I where possible, full range does an Alembic justice. I see you use wedges, have you ever tried in ear monitoring? also, for wedges would you rely on what is provided by the venue/P.A company? Jake | ||
| jimmyj
New Username: jimmyj Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2008 |
Jake, Yes, I use in-ear monitors when available. But on smaller tours, when traveling light, I will play through whatever I can find. The PA is my main amp, what's on stage is mostly just for me. I don't play extremely loud so this usually works out. I say "usually" because there have been a few times when my cunning plan has backfired... Oh well. Jimmy J | ||
| pace
Advanced Member Username: pace Post Number: 378 Registered: 4-2004 |
Hi Jimmy, First time caller, long time listener.... For me, threads like this are what the internet is all about. all the best, -Mike | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1103 Registered: 2-2005 |
"Cunning plan". Do I hear Baldrick's voice in there somewhere? LOL Keith | ||
| white_cloud
Senior Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 470 Registered: 11-2007 |
Daveski - for some superb Jimmy J playing look no further than "Metal fatigue" or "Secrets" by the six string genius Allan Holdsworth. There are not only some supreme bass lines but also some extremely tasteful bass solo's featured! Oh, and yes - you will also get to enjoy some mercurial guitar work from Allan and some awesome drumming from Chad Wackerman! John. | ||
| jimmyj
New Username: jimmyj Post Number: 10 Registered: 8-2008 |
and Vinnie Colaiuta on "Secrets"... You guys all know where I've been! Thanks again for the kind words. Jimmy J | ||
| white_cloud
Senior Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 473 Registered: 11-2007 |
Absolutely Jimmy, Vinnie is excellent! I love Gary Novak too, he is a very tasteful stick man. I really admired Gary and Dave Carpenter as a rythm section..Dave is such a sad loss  Do you have any personal favourite Drummers to play with? John. | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2008 |
John, Yes, very sad to lose Carp, such a fixture in the LA jazz scene... Onward go the rest of us. I have gotten the chance to play with so many great drummers, I truly can't believe my luck. There is no best, no favorite (I mean favourite). Beyond school, in the real World, playing is never a competition. These guys all have strong and unique voices on their instruments and they are all a joy to make music with. Thanks, Jimmy J | ||
| white_cloud
Senior Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 477 Registered: 11-2007 |
Its not down to luck Jimmy! I think ability might well be a factor in your case! Reputations are built from the ability to deliver the goods - reputations lead to opportunities! John. | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 12 Registered: 8-2008 |
Thanks John but you're starting to embarrass me... Yes, I've put in some hours on the instrument in an effort to be prepared for whatever I'm asked to play. And I've followed my ears on the "gear quest" to the sound I wanted to make (which is why we are in THIS forum). But, I have indeed been lucky with regard to timing and opportunity. There are plenty of talented players out there who either don't get a break or can't wait around long enough for it to come. As a profession, it's the greatest "job" there is ... when you're working. For others, playing music as a second career works better - removing the pressure of doing it to pay the bills without decreasing the joy. And there are some amazing part-time players and songwriters out there! Pardon the ramble. I must be on the road. Thanks again, Jimmy J | ||
| artswork99
Senior Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 458 Registered: 7-2007 |
Jimmy, Welcome! Real nice to have you here part of the forum. Great insight into the profession. Thanks for sharing. Play it Healthy! Art | ||
| jakebass
Junior Username: jakebass Post Number: 50 Registered: 7-2007 |
I'm interested to hear that you 'don't play extremely loud' Jimmy, I'm lucky enough to have made my living playing and I've found that others perception of how loud I am differs greatly from mine. I've come to the thinking that my heightened sense of the low end means that I can hear (in the bass) what others can't. I've arrived at this from a lifetime of being asked to turn up! Early on in my playing life I was reluctant, mainly through self consciousness but now I oblige, but still not too loud :-) | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 13 Registered: 8-2008 |
Thanks Art. Jake, I suppose volume perception is an individual thing (maybe I DO play extremely loud and only think I don't. Ha!) I think volume is also directly related to your tone. Alembics pass such a wide bandwidth signal that engineers are shocked to discover that there is actual content at 5k that can be EQ'd. But I think a consequence of this wide sound is that if it gets too loud it can take over the World. (Entwistle had permission to do so!!) A stock Fender by comparison is fairly narrow and doesn't "stray" from it's comfy home in the lower audio band area. So in a way, you can really crank up that kind of sound and it won't interfere with everybody else in the band. For me, I just want to be able to play dynamically and hear all the notes while the drums are roaring, usually right next to where I'm standing. Writing this out is an interesting exercise, thanks for the question. I always say my sound isn't for everybody. Sometimes engineers make a funny face when they see it come out of the bag but they almost always like the sound once they hear it. Most of them say "I'm not doing ANYTHING to your bass!" And I say "cool". later, Jimmy J | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 51 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi Jimmy, I've had that experience a couple of times in studios, as you say when they hear an Alembic I think they are mostly pleasantly surprised. I have done some pop sessions in London where they definitely want a Fender sound though so I always take my Jazz to sessions too. There are some producers that just can't see past the badge. With regards to taking over the world with sound, the first time I played a large venue with the Alembic (I've only had it for 18 months) I was stunned at the way in which it filled the room with sound. The most rewarding aspect of which was being able to maintain a very light and easy playing style without losing any impact of the sound. That makes me very happy as a player!! A little unexpected plus I found when getting into Alembic gear, I also use my F 1-X for my double bass, with a Schroeder 212L It is a great sound. (amplifying upright is even more difficult in my experience) Cheers. Jake | ||
| kimberly
Advanced Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 282 Registered: 1-2007 |
Wow, how very cool! Jimmy Johnson in the flesh so to speak. Just gotta love the net and the camaraderie of Alembic ownership. Hope to see you around more. Best regards and much respect. Kimberly | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1927 Registered: 10-2002 |
Well, We saw Allan Holdsworth last night and I have to say it was a superb gig. The interplay between the three musicians was bordering on telepathic. Ernest's playing was excellent (sorry Jimmy) although he was reading for alot of the tunes. The only thing lacking in his playing was that extra Alembic sparkle we all love ;-) Chad wackerman was on particularly spectacular form taking two solos during the gig. The guy is a drum monster - made it all look so natural too - no flailing arms or missed beats. Next time, it'd be really great to have Jimmy and Gary Husband (who we're seeing next sunday with Level 42) in the trio. BIG HINT ;-) Graeme | ||
| white_cloud
Senior Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 497 Registered: 11-2007 |
Greame..I totally agree! It was a night of absolute monster playing. Ernest was awesome, I really enjoyed his playing (I thought his bass tone was really good to be fair) - and Chad? wow! lets put it this way and give it a label...drumming virtuosity!! The best of all, however, was the man himself. Allan was superlative! I stood almost beside him for the entire gig and Im convinced he slipped into a trance whilst playing - he was definitely zoned out for sure! Oh, and I must say he made my night by taking and guzzling the bottle of beer I offered him between songs well, I am a BIG fan after all! One other thing that really surprised me - as I stood right beside him I was astonished at how he was shaking with nerves at the start of the gig...I mean , come on Allan, YOU ARE GOD OF THE SIX STRING AND RULE ALL YOU SURVEY!!! What an absolute pleasure to see Allan up here in Scotland...the highlight of my musical year so far! Wunderbar! John. | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 52 Registered: 7-2007 |
John, Allan is a human being just like all of us :-) | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 14 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Graeme and John, Thanks for posting these reports! I'm so glad you got out to support the team and get an earful of amazing music. I agree that all 3 of those guys are playing at an extremely high level and Allan is truly in another orbit altogether. He is a super nice guy and very humble. He never tells the band what to play (sometimes we wish he would) but his command of harmony, melody and musical form is really, really unusual and amazing. He is a "one-off". The chordal solo he does as an intro to the ballad "Above And Below" is completely different each night, a fully-formed, IMPROVISED choral / orchestral composition. Worth the price of admission right there... I'm a fan of Tibbs as well. I like that he can play solid "bass" and then switch to very fluid soloing. He'd sound good on an Alembic too! (Had to get that in). And Chad's command of of the kit is a treat to observe. He looks so relaxed while playing so intensely - really great. It's also good to hear that band in its different forms. Allan's music is always great and changing just one of the 3 musicians alters things in interesting ways. I miss being out there and playing the music but hopefully I'll see you guys next time around. Thanks again for the posts! Jimmy J | ||
| white_cloud
Senior Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 499 Registered: 11-2007 |
Well, I for one was extremely sad when I found out that you wouldnt make the UK gigs Jimmy. It would have just been the icing on the cake to have seen you in the flesh doing what you do best! Kudos to Ernest though - fantastic player (he made it look easy) and a very very cool guy! For me Allan has always been my number one six stringer - his music touches me emotionally and intelectually...I just totally get "it" whatever undefinable thing "It" is lol! Allan seemed embarrassed by the warm reception he got - what a lovely humble man. He genuinely surprised me with his stage fright - but then again I can only imagine that there is a certain pressure when so many expect so much!!!! Do me a favour Jimmy, make sure you make the trip to Scotland on the next trip (hopefully soon) We always offer the warmest welcome to our friends! Thanks for keeping up to date with the posts - its appreciated! John. | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 1003 Registered: 11-2004 |
The Dec 08 Bass Player cover story is about Anthony Jackson's invention and development of the 6-string bass. In the interview he was asked, "Are there other 6-string bassists you've come to admire?" He answered, "...Another name that bears mention is Jimmy Johnson, who very early on took his chances and made an impact down low playing a 5-string -- in addition to being one of the finest bass guitarists ever to play the instrument." Congrats, Jimmy. That's quite a compliment. Rich | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 17 Registered: 8-2008 |
Rich, Wow, what a kind thing for him to say. AJ is one of my all time favorite players. Great notes, great time, amazing sound, a true Artist on the instrument. And he probably was the first guy to "go low" (and high at the same time) with his 6-string "contrabass guitar". An excellent idea! Thanks for posting, I'll go buy the mag. Jimmy J | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 55 Registered: 7-2007 |
The journey downwards was a great moment in the instruments' history from both you and AJ Jimmy, I also play upright and have always loved the low notes available from C extensions, particularly Arco, there is nothing quite like a long D or Db. I also think AJ is an absolute master. His groove is very deep and his ideas so musical. A joy. Jake Edit: I just had to add, that he would also sound awesome on an Alembic!! (Message edited by jakebass on November 16, 2008) | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 1010 Registered: 11-2004 |
The Jan 09 issue of Bass Player has the following in its recommended CDs section: GJ4 With his fourth CD featuring multiple piano trios, Minneapolis-based Gordon Johnson (brother of L.A. bass ace Jimmy) has become a scholar of the form, equally adept at anchoring, soloing, and group discourse. As hard-swinging host to the five piano-drum tandems here, Johnson steps forward to spin the unison melody of "Bouncing with Bud" and launch "Blues for C.J." with a deep rubato moan, remaining a cohesive force throughout. Jimmy, sounds like the household where you grew up was really grooving. Rich | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 24 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Rich, thanks for posting that. Brother Gordon makes playing upright sound easy. (I never even got a permit to operate one of those and can't imagine how he does that...) Dad played bass too so yeah, lot's of low end around our house! Jimmy J | ||
| fmm
Advanced Member Username: fmm Post Number: 241 Registered: 6-2002 |
Gordon was a _huge_ influence for me when I was starting to play bass. Gordon's website is here: http://homepage.mac.com/tonalities/website/index.htm He plays most Fridays at D'Amico Cucina in Minneapolis. When he was playing with Maynard Ferguson in the mid 70s I must have seen him 50 times. He was always extremely gracious and accessible to all of the young people who wanted to talk to him. When I was a freshman, he came to my college, and I ended up lending him my speaker cabinet, because he had blown his up the night before. This was one of my proudest moments as a musician, as I was able to help out one of my major bass heroes. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2036 Registered: 10-2002 |
If it wasn't for the slightly differing hairstyles it'd be near impossible to tell them apart ;-) graeme | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2099 Registered: 10-2002 |
Well Jimmy, I've just paid for my tickets to see you and James in Manchester this June. I'm really looking forward to this seeing as I've been a huge JT fan since the mid 70's and this is the first (and possibly the last) chance I've had to see him. It'll be great to see the full band and it would be nice to know who's going to be in the line-up apart from yourself. I assume Arnold McCulloch and David Lasley will be in the chorus aswell as Kate Markowitz (hopefully) and I'm really hoping you'll be bringing Luis Conti. I'll be travelling down to Manchester with Mike Pisanek, a fellow Alembician (and New Mexican) and our wives, so we'll be having a couple of days away from work. Who knows, maybe we'll bump into you if James lets you out after soundcheck ;-) In the unlikely event that James is taking requests, Blossom is my favourite JT tune and It would be excellent if you could play the duet intro to Belfast to Boston as you do on the Pull Over DVD. The only surprise, considering James' Scottish ancestry, is that he's not playing further north. (If he adds a Scottish date later I'll scream;-0!!!) Graeme (Message edited by jacko on February 06, 2009) | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 30 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Graeme, Great of you to arrange the trip down to Manchester! That does appear to be as far north as we will get this time, not sure why. I'm a longtime JT fan too. The guy can write songs like nobody. The lineup for our EU trip is expected to be Steve Gadd, Larry Goldings, Michael Landau, Arnold McCuller, Kate Markowitz and Andrea Zonn. It is apparently still to costly to bring the full compliment of horns and percussion (when you start adding BUSSES things quickly get out of control...) And Lasley is very uncomfortable flying so he usually passes on anything overseas. Although we will miss Lasley, Fowler, Marini and Conte, this is a still great band and I expect there to be some nice musical moments in the show. (It's worth it just to hear Gadd!) "Blossom" comes and goes from the set so that's a possibility. It's been years since we did Belfast to Boston - until just last month when an orchestral arrangement surfaced for a gig in Philadelphia. Don't hold your breath on that one. The set isn't assembled until rehearsal time. I haven't seen a detailed itinerary yet but maybe there will be an opportunity to say hello to you and your gang. That would be great! Jimmy J | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2100 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thanks for the reply Jimmy. regardless of who is playing and what songs are in the set, The show is guaranteed to be special. I can sympathise with David not wanting to fly as I'm not the best air passenger - whenever I have to travel south on business I'll take the train. Not good for someone planning a 50th birthday visit to Alembic in a couple of years ;-) Graeme | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 57 Registered: 7-2007 |
Graeme thanks for bringing the JT tour to my attention, I shall try to get to the O2 show (last time I was there was playing it) Jimmy I too would love to say hello while you're in London. I did see you guys in Sheffield a few years back and I thought the dynamic between yourself, Gadd and Larry Goldings was to die for. Larry has such beautiful placement and stated ideas. I agree that JT is a world treasure when it comes to songwriting, he seems to have his finger on the pulse of the history of mankind and it chimes with many of us when he sings his beautiful songs. Jake | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 31 Registered: 8-2008 |
Graeme, if you had the time and the dough you could take a boat to NY and then AmTrack across to San Fran... Or get it over with and fly Lufthansa from Edinburgh to San Fran via Frankfurt... Method one would take you about 2 weeks (each way!), method two about 17 hours... Jake, thanks for the kind words, maybe we'll see you at the O2. I agree Goldings has an amazing touch. He is a super musical player. We're all hoping James writes some new songs soon, it's been a while. And the World is not lacking for inspirational material... We're keen to hear what he has to say and how he says it. It's quite magical. Jimmy J | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 58 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi Jimmy, I might not be able to make the London show as I may have a gig in Dubai (silver lining) So I may try to make the Bournemouth gig instead. I hear you guys are coming over on the QM2, that should be a nice experience, I have worked on the QE2 once it was a gas. I wonder Jimmy, how do you normally transport your precious Alembic? I have not had to fly with mine as yet as I always opt for a provided instrument but I am currently working with an artist for whom I would always want to use the Alembic and I fear putting it in the hold of a plane. Any suggestions? Jake (Message edited by jakebass on February 18, 2009) |
