Johnson, Marc: Overpass

A renowned jazz bassist who has played with many of the greats of the genre over the last forty years, Marc Johnson originally made his name in one of the last iterations of the Bill Evans Trio. On this, his true ‘solo’ debut (in that there are no other accompanying musicians or instruments), there is a mix of three standards (which he played regularly during his Evans days) amid original compositions. Of the standards, Eddie Harris’s "Freedom Jazz Dance" is a propulsive opener on which Johnson shows great skill in keeping up a good rhythm whilst alternately teasing out the melodies - no overdubs on this one either. Both "Nardis" (a Miles Davis composition) and Alex North’s "Love Theme From Spartacus" are more reflective and gentle pieces, where the space between notes seems almost as important as the notes themselves.

Of the originals, the two standouts are "Samurai Fly", which as the title implies has an eastern feel and is one of two tracks to feature overdubs, with Johnson bowing the strings as well as plucking them (the latter being his predominant style on this album); meanwhile, "And Strike Each Tuneful String" is an uptempo number which again seems to live up to its title, with Johnson seemingly exploring the limits of what sounds he can get from his bass.

Overall this is an atmospheric, evocative album well suited for late night listening. You probably do have to be in the right mood for it, and a solo jazz bass album is never going to excite everyone, but for those intrigued by the prospect this is a well worked album by a master of his craft.

Tracklist:
1. Freedom Jazz Dance
2. Nardis
3. Samurai Fly
4. Love Theme from Spartacus
5. Life of Pai
6. And Strike Each Tuneful String
7. Yin and Yang
8. Whorled Whirled World

Added: October 30th 2021
Reviewer: Tom De Val
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ ECM Records
Hits: 473
Language: english

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