Alphonso Johnson- Moonshadows

StanFan · #1 06-07-2007, 01:58 PM

If you've heard this album, what do you think of it? I'm really digging the first 2 tracks on it (all I've heard so far). I saw the album at a used CD store and since I've never even seen it before, couldn't turn it down. I'm a fan of his work with Weather Report and with Billy Cobham and George Duke, and this album is sounding pretty cool so far (some musicians of note on it include Lee Ritenour, Ian Underwood, and Alphonse Mouzon).

Dr. Cheese · #2 06-07-2007, 02:15 PM

I had it as an lp years ago. Alphonso Johnson never made a great solo recording, IMO, but all of his stuff had some nice tracks. My favorite Non-Weather Report Alphonso Johnson fusion is the George Duke-Billy Cobham Band. Critics at the time did not like it, but I really loved all of those funky fusion grooves.

jerry · #3 06-08-2007, 03:06 PM

I dug the first two Alphonso Johnson albums when they came out, and I still dig them. His sound on fretless those days was all his own, and I love his use of effects. His second album ' Yesterdays Dreams' also has some great music on it.[special mention to the song Scapegoat where Alphonso and Grover Washington dual it out] All his solo stuff was re-released last year on CD, and usually go for under ten bucks.

JimK · #4 06-08-2007, 03:39 PM

Thank God the cds were just re-issued...I passed on these the first go-round (in the '70s) & had been kickin' myself for not buying them back then.

Another cool album with Alphonso from that era is Eddie Henderson's Sunburst.

jerry · #5 06-08-2007, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimK

Another cool album with Alphonso from that era is Eddie Henderson's Sunburst.

Your responsible for me getting that album years ago Jim, and I'm still very thankful. One of the must-haves in the Alphonso Johnson canon IMHO.

mcrracer · #6 06-08-2007, 03:54 PM

Check him out on fretless on Bahama Mama. Too smooth!!!

peekster · #7 06-08-2007, 05:38 PM

Love that recording!--my old band used to play the track 'On the Case'--although I think next recording Yesterday's Dreams was even better.

And anyone who aspires to be funky should check out Al's grooves on 'Cucumber Slumber' on Weather Report's Mysterious Traveller. There's a bass lesson, or two, right there!

AJ was a huge influence on me.

JimK · #8 06-08-2007, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry

Your responsible for me getting that album years ago Jim, and I'm still very thankful. One of the must-haves in the Alphonso Johnson canon IMHO.

No problema, Jerry...you have turned me onto a thing or two.

(My wallet has become a lot thinner with all your suggestions).

JimK · #9 06-08-2007, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcrracer

Check him out on fretless on Bahama Mama. Too smooth!!!

Nice verion of "Bahama Mama" on the Montreux Summit album.

mcrracer · #10 06-08-2007, 06:41 PM

I have both, but that was the one I was referring to. That live version smokes!!!!! I have it on LP and guess I will have to buy another turntable.

jerry · #11 06-08-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimK

Nice verion of "Bahama Mama" on the Montreux Summit album.

Thats ONE album I wish CBS would give up the rights to, so somebody like Wounded Bird Records can reissue it. Alphonso just kills on it with great solo on 'Blues March'.

JimK · #12 06-09-2007, 05:59 AM

Montreux Summit is OOP?
I guess I lucked out when I picked it up from AI a few years back.
...and it stays on the iPod.