Marc Johnson interviewed by Pablo Held

Marc Johnson - one of my favorite bassists of all time. I was always drawn to his warm sound and fluid way of playing, always taking risks, always propelling the music forward. The first time I saw him live was in 2004 during a concert of the John Abercrombie Quartet at the Domicil in Dortmund - a night I’ll never forget! I often go back to my memories of this particular concert. It was a great pleasure for me to finally talk to him and I’m excited to share our conversation with you.
a few pointers 👉
support the "Pablo Held Investigates" Podcast on Patreon: / pabloheld
check out my music here: pabloheld.bandcamp.com/
follow me on Instagram: / pabloheldmusic
get the "Investigation Notes" notebook here: pabloheld.bandcamp.com/merch/...
my website: pabloheld.com

[@fabianmartin7126]

Ufff... I'm almost 51 years old, and became a full time double bass player because of THIS man, and specifically because what he played on a duo take on Kern's "Up with the lark" on that Paris Concert (edition one) recording. I it is the very first time I hear his voice. I can't thank you enough, Pablo!

[@paxwallace8324]

this bassist is so enegmatic legendary and illusive for the jazz lovers. So many pianists who wish we could play with him .

[@Admojazz]

Fantastic! Marc’s Bass Desires records are some of the most influential in my life!

[@tiluriso]

6:25 - Now hat he mentions playing w/ Peter Erskine, I immediately think of Marc Johnsons' Bass Desires' 'Second Sight' (w/ John Scofield and Bill Frisell), but also of a great 1993 ECM record called 'November', w/ John Abercrombie and John Surman, two amazing records. Another great example of Marc's masterful playing is on Lyle Mays' double live album 'the Ludwigsburg Concert'.

[@subschool5]

Amazing interview! I was introduced to Marc through his Concepts for Bass Soloing book. Thank you for all the great music and knowledge, Marc!

[@zbass21496]

Thanks again so much!!

[@docnelson2008]

I recall seeing the John Taylor Trio in Sheffield, UK, back in 2003 or maybe 2004 with Marc and Joey in the trio-it was magical-a pity that trio was short-lived. I would have liked to hear Marc's thoughts on Bass Desires but the ground that was covered was very interesting nevertheless-thank you.

[@dmitryalekseev6676]

Hey Pablo. That is an amazing interview, thank you! I think the greatest thing about such an interview is that a viewer can learn so many unknown facts (to the listener) about great jazz musicians, that one can go out to search and explore the 'unknown' or re-explore the 'forgotten'. I certainly watch such interviews and take notes (!!!) and then go back to them and explore (re-explore) the names, facts and most importantly the masterpieces of the greatest. Thumbs up Pablo. Sadly enough, there aren't many views of this video wich is a shame on us jazz listeners.

[@NeilRaouf]

Hey Pablo! Wor haben uns nie getroffen. Aber ichdanke dir für diese Interviews. Es ist wichtig, diese Leute zu hören. Speziell in deren späteren Lebensphase...Marc reflektiert wirklich. Er ist ehrlich und will ehrlich sein. Grandios. These guys keep me pushing :-). Diese Leute sind auch für mich die Hauptverantwortlichen, warum Ich jeden Tag übe. Ob am Instrument oder in Gedanken. Lieber Gruss N

[@laurieverchomin8638]

Beautiful interview. Great questions. And Marc is simply a brilliant human being. Enjoyed this so much. Thank you.

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Thank you Laurie. It was a pleasure to talk to Marc!

[@TomTailor-kb8xj]

Hallo Pablo, ich mag alle deine Interviews mit allen diesen wunderbaren Musiker/ Musikerinnen. Ich kann dabei so viel lernen. Als Bassist, kein Profi, finde ich dieses erstklassige Interview mit Marc Johnson einfach so inspirierend. Marc Johnson ist einer meiner Lieblingsbassisten. Danke Pablo!

[@alasnoaxis]

ah, that was such a masterclass, wow. Thanks for another great interview Pablo!!

[@PabloHeldmusic]

thanks for checking it out Jim!!!

[@mauriciopedrao]

Great!!! Thanks again Pablo! Marc's music is fantastic! The Three Sounds is great!

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Cheers Mauricio!

[@mitchkahle314]

Another great interview. I'm surprised Marc didn't cite the great Richard Davis, coming so much from a classical background, or Cecil McBee for his melodic solos and fat tone.

[@petrikrzywacki4901]

Thank you for the nice interview. Blue Genes, a new favorite. 😊

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Thx for listening to our conversation, Petri!

[@theodorwadorno]

...and of course I immediately listened to "Blue Genes" on KZbin and I can fully relate...like Errol Garner getting a rhythmic treatment by Questlove...irresistible

[@wolfgangschaufler3783]

Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and the incredible intros of Nardis ... it wouldn't have come to my mind. But yes, listening to both I understand (or think to understand...) what Bill Evans inspired. It was a therapy for him and it is a therapy for me. Thank you for the great interview!

[@reisserjean-michelakabeeth8551]

Andy Simpkins was Ray Brown's student, for info. This is a very great video. Thanks a lot !

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Thank you Beethoven!

[@mitchkahle314]

BTW, I want to say again, how wonderful your new record is. I've played it for many of my friends here in Michigan and everyone digs it.

[@PabloHeldmusic]

aw thanks man. Really appreciate this!!

[@mitchkahle314]

May I suggest an interview with Torsten de Winkel? We went to Berklee together. He's played with Pat Metheny group and Vital Information.

[@mitchkahle314]

Hey Pablo, which recording is "The John Scofield Quartet plays live"?

[@PabloHeldmusic]

it was an unofficial bootleg recording that came out, I think without Sco's approval. www.discogs.com/The-John-Scofield-Quartet-The-John-Scofield-Quartet-Plays-Live/release/1309389

[@mitchkahle314]

@@PabloHeldmusic Damn. I'd love to have that.

[@gigirossi9835]

45 minuits of interwiev and not a Word about 40 years of collaboration with Enrico Pieranunzi if not for some words by Marc! Any problems?