Pre-Order: Jeff Johnson - Meanwhile [CD]

Though well-represented through the many dozens of Origin releases he's featured on, it's bassist Jeff Johnson's own recordings where his singular aesthetic is most clearly revealed. Almost exclusively, they've come from documenting particular inspiring moments rather than from planning ahead. In the case of "Meanwhile... ," one moment was at the end of a 2015 Oregon tour with pianist Randy Porter and drummer Todd Strait, while another was a 2023 session with Los Angeles pianist Miro Sprague, along with longtime musical mates, Hans Teuber on woodwinds and drummer John Bishop. It was only through hindsight that these two sessions would join as one, as much for the musical engagement created as it was that the compositions represented many significant points along his 50-year career path. "... angular twists and complex abstractions coated in a profound voicing, reaching out in every which way, they work as a solid unit inspiring and prodding each other to move forward." JazzTimes "... a trailblazing approach to composition and melodic improvisation that, like his signature playing on bass, stands out as original and fearless." All About Jazz