Gordon Johnson on "GJ4"

Bassist Gordon Johnson
Bassist Gordon Johnson
Photo courtesy the artist

Twin Cities bassist Gordon Johnson is out with another "Trios" album. This is the fourth in a series of recordings featuring Gordy, along with a variety of different jazz pianists and drummers. "GJ4" includes drummers Steve Smith, Matt Wilson, Todd Straight, Phil Hey and Dave King; and piano players Bill Carrothers, Laura Caviani, Frank Kimbrough, Bryan Nichols and Tanner Taylor.

Johnson is one of the premier bassists in town when it comes to jazz, but he also has been known to play rock, bluegrass, folk and even classical. His late father Clifford (whom Gordy dedicated this album to) was a bassist with the Minnesota Orchestra and started Gordy on flute in grade school. He went on to study and major in flute performance at Eastman School of Music and during that time took up the bass. Right out of school, he played professionally in New York City, and eventually went on the road with Maynard Ferguson's big band, the Paul Winter Consort and Chuck Mangione.

Gordy Johnson stopped by the Morning Show to chat about the making of "GJ4" with Dale and Jim Ed.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.