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The best kept secret in music
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DOUG JOHNS
Cleveland bassist Doug Johns has done it. He has found the formula to a great sounding bass recording. The combination of funk and fusion mixed with the Hammond B-3 and horns has created a diverse musical adventure. Johns’ first solo release has raised the bar for musicians t strive for, and has pushed bass playing to a higher plateau.
The disc opens with “Pimpasaurus Rex,” which features the writing core of Johns, drummer Chris Ceja, and Buddy Miles Hammond B-3 player Mark Leach leading a stellar horn section through an old-school sounding funk free-for-all.
“Frog On My Face” and “HHP” continue in the same approach to the compositional attitude until the hauntingly beautiful “Indian Summer” changes the tone of the disc temporarily. It is a memorable ballad that reminds the listener of a much different place.
Other notable songs on the disc are a Led Zepplin classic, “Stairway To Heaven,” “Gig Shirt,” and a duet with bassist Victor Wooten called “The Claw.”
This disc will continually surprise you with the different directions and textures to the eclectic bassists musical personality. Simply called Doug Johns, this 17-track monster will not disappoint. Outstanding beginning to end! You can catch up with Doug through his website at www.dougjohns.com.
--Randy Allar—
WCSB
- Randy Allar The Fusion Show WCSB Cleveland
Doug Johns
Doug Johns
(self-released)
dougjohns.com
Cleveland bassist Doug Johns has finally released his own CD after over a decade of work with artists such as the Buddy Miles Express. It kicks off with a couple of blasts of horn-driven funk, "Pimpasaurus Rex" and "Frog on the Face," which are more band efforts than bass showcases. Mark Leach's swathes of Hammond organ, Joe Miller's bright trumpet and a dusting of random vocal samples give "HHP" a relaxed, summery sound. He mixes in some laid-back balladry such as the gentle "Indian Summer" and the swollen Tower of Power/early Blood, Sweat and Tears-like "Are You Free?", the only track to feature vocals. But yes, there are some bass showcases. They include: a brief, offbeat takeoff on "Stairway to Heaven;" "Yeti Boy," a driving duet with co-producer/drummer Chris Ceja; and a dexterous two-bass face-off featuring Flecktones bassist Victor Wooten. — AP
- Anastasia Pantisos
Discography
Dougs current solo cd can be heard streaming on live 365 on 'Fusion Groovin', as well as Randy Aller's 'The Fusion Show' in Cleveland, Ohio.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Cleveland-based musician Doug Johns has more than 25 years of bass experience. Performing on local, national, and international stages, Doug has had the opportunity to play with many great talents, developing and furthering his own playing style and technique. Going on the road at a very young age, he honed his groove on stage with many soul, funk, blues and jazz bands, realizing they were all connected by the rhythm of the soul.
Doug’s raw presence, energy, and all-around crowd-wowing prowess can be heard on numerous recordings and stages. Believing that a good musician surrounds himself with great musicians, Doug has had the privilege of working with such greats as Victor Wooten, Buddy Miles, Dweezil Zappa, Dana Rasch, the LA Mass Choir, Grammy-winning producer Aaron Lindsey, Steve Smith, and many others. The culmination of these musical experiences has led to the 2006 release of Doug Johns’ self-titled, debut CD.
Currently, Doug is back in the studio, recording his second CD, to be released in 2008. Doug can also be seen on national stages with his two-man project, The Doug Johns Duo, featuring drummer Chris Ceja. In addition to numerous club, clinic and festival bookings, look for Doug and Chris at the 2007 BassQuake, Bass Player Live, and the 2008 BassBash.
Doug Johns is a great talent, a professional studio musician, and an undeniable stage presence; however, he would rather you think of him simply as a hard working, loyal, and well-rounded person. When he’s not playing music, Doug finds time to design and fabricate professional drag race cars. He can also be found hiking the primitive backcountry of Utah’s canyonlands. In any arena, he’s a man worth meeting.
Visit Online:
www.myspace.com/dougjohns
www.dougjohns.com
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