Re: Crusaders/Nancy Wilson

Jim Ayson (jra@europa.com)
Wed, 13 Sep 1995 02:16:34 +0900

At 05:47 AM 9/12/95 -0800, Michal the Milkman wrote:
>> As for the funky bassist on the title track,
>>that was Alphonso Johnson I believe (used to be with Weather Report and
>>later, the Crusaders). Wonder what he's been up to lately though, I'm
>>getting nostalgic for yet another cover of "Bahama Mama". :)
>>
>
> As a bass freak, I'm pretty hip to who's who out there. I have
>every Crusaders album I could find and I don't remember Alphonso playing on
>any of them. Saxman Wilton Felder did most of the bass playing along with
>Pops Popwell and Chuck Rainey. "Put It Where You Want It" is from
>"Crusaders 1" (1972) - Chuck on bass.

I remember seeing Alphonso Johnson live on two occassions - One was with
this "CBS Fusion All Stars" bill that had Freddie Hubbard, Harvey Mason,
Wilie Bobo on the bill. Second time was a Crusaders concert in Manila.
Personnel was Stix Hooper on drums, Joe Sample on piano, and Wilton Felder
on sax, and Alphonso on bass. But I guess he never recorded with them.

As for Weather Report - didn't Alphonso compose the carribean-influenced
"Black Market"? Great song that opened the 8:30 live album. So I'd guess
that puts him right up there in the Weather Report bass hall of fame along
with Miroslav Vitous and Jaco.

----
jim ayson / metro manila, philippines / jra@europa.com
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