Martin Johnson
Hammond B3 Organist
Martin Johnson Biography
Martin Johnson
Born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England in 1966, Martin started playing organ at the age of 12 and was gigging at 14. He has played with some of the world’s most respected musicians, Dave Bronze - Bass (Eric Clapton, Eric Bibb), Snowboy - Percussionist, (Lisa Stansfield, Snowboy & The Latin Section), Neil Robinson - Drums (James Taylor Quartet).
He toured with Jump Jive legends Rent Party and also played synths with Jazz/Funk super group Turntable.
He was founder & Musical Director of the United Christian Gospel Choir leading a choir of 40 and 7 piece band for 11 years which played extensively throughout the UK.
His latest EP features Davide Giovannini (Paul McCartney, Roy Ayres, Steve Winwood) on drums and legendary Percussionist Snowboy.
Martin plays the Hammond B3 portable together with Leslie 3300 and is one of the very few B3 burners fluent in playing bass pedals if the session requires.
2 of Martin’s tracks (Yatra Ta & 500 miles High) are featured on Colin Curtis Presents Jazz Dance Fusion Volume 3.
You can buy the album on Vinyl or CD directly from ZR records https://www.zrecords.ltd.uk/store/
Martin is currently working on original material in the House Gospel Vibe which will be released soon.
His gigging quartet is:
- Martin Johnson - Hammond B3
- Jim Mullen - Guitar
- Snowboy - Percussion
- Davide Giovannini - Drums
Hammond B3 Information
Hammond B3 Organ
One of the things that sets Martin apart is that he plays a genuine Hammond B3 Portable,
one of the few UK organists to do so.
As pictured on the left hand side, the Hammond B3 portable is a Digital replica of the famous Hammond B3 built by Hammond from the 1950s onwards. Also, Martin is one of the few B3 burners who play pedals as opposed to left hand bass.
Of course if an original tonewheel Hammond B3 is available on the gig Martin will delight in playing it!
Videos
The four videos below feature Martin Johnson on Hammond B3, Davide Giovannini on drums and Snowboy
(recorded afterwards, so not in the picture).
-
500 Miles High
A fresh arrangement of Chick Corea's classic. Check the double time groove at 1minute 40seconds. This track features on Colin Curtis Presents Jazz Dance Fusion Volume 3.
You can buy this album on Vinyl or CD directly from ZR records https://www.zrecords.ltd.uk/store/ -
Midnight Special
Jimmy Smith's classic influenced by my friend Tony Monoco.
Catch the gospel shout at the end. -
Sonnymoon For Two
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Harry Stoneman. He was my first influence and this cut is in dedication to Harry. For connoisseurs you will notice this is influenced by Harry's fantastic album "Two Fellas to Follow".
-
Yatrata
This cut has received airplay on Craig Charles BBC Radio 6 Soul and Funk show & Jazz FM. It also features on Colin Curtis Presents Jazz Dance Fusion Volume 3.
You can buy this album on Vinyl or CD directly from ZR records https://www.zrecords.ltd.uk/store/
Videos filmed, edited & produced in HD by www.blissmediaworks.com
Reviews
Martin Johnson B3 Quartet, Poole Lighthouse
Wednesday 16th February 2011, by Timothy John
IT’S hard to imagine a man happier in his work than Martin Johnson.
Sat at his Hammond B3 keyboard, his fingers flying across two decks of keys, Johnson closes his eyes, throws back his head, and occasionally yelps with joy.
Remarkably, he also supplies the quartet’s bass, operating a pedal box of oversized keys with his left foot while damping the volume with his right.
The B3’s iconic sound resonates through the intimate Studio room at the Poole Lighthouse, its sonic signature woven into the DNA of mid-60s Blue Note artists like Jimmy Smith.
Tonight, Johnson treats us to Smith’s Midnight Special, surprisingly the only offering from the oeuvre of the man synonymous with the B3.
Two numbers from Chic Corea – Captain Marvel and 500 Miles High – raise the energy levels to scintillating highs, allowing percussionist and Acid Jazz main man, Snowboy, to inject some Latin spirit into proceedings.
A slow and wistful beginning to Miles Davis’ Freddie Freeloader from his seminal Kind of Blue album builds to a compelling grove, Johnson sent on a dizzying solo while the band holds station.
Most of the songs feature blistering solos from guitarist Jim Mullen, who plucks at the strings of a gorgeous blonde wood Aria with only the thumb of his right hand.
A moody, contemplative solo on Matt Dennis’ Angel Eyes is Mullen’s standout contribution; bluesy, and full without being overblown.
Snowboy’s double conga set-up is augmented by almost every percussive instrument known to man.
Like an impulsive chef, he snatches up cabassas, wicker pots, and what seem to be seashells on a rope, briefly holding them to the microphone before seemingly growing bored with his selection and reaching for another spice to throw into the sonic stew.
The set closes with a riotous take on Elvis Presley’s That’s Alright, Mama, punctuated by an incredible drum solo from David Giovannini.
Pictures
Louie Vega at the Album launch
Two of Martin’s tracks, Yatra Ta & 500 Miles High are featured on this album.
You can buy this album on Vinyl or CD directly from ZR records https://www.zrecords.ltd.uk/store/
Dave Lee, Louie Vega and Colin Curtis at the Album launch
Two of Martin’s tracks, Yatra Ta & 500 Miles High are featured on this album.
You can buy this album on Vinyl or CD directly from ZR records https://www.zrecords.ltd.uk/store/
The Vinyl Cover
Two of Martin’s tracks, Yatra Ta & 500 Miles High are featured on this album.
You can buy this album on Vinyl or CD directly from ZR records https://www.zrecords.ltd.uk/store/
Contact
Martin is available for live gigs and festivals.
The Martin Johnson B3 Quartet is:
- Martin Johnson - Hammond B3
- Jim Mullen - Guitar
- Snowboy - Percussion
- Davide Giovannini - Drums
To enquire about booking me to play Hammond B3 on your tracks remotely, see here:
https://www.airgigs.com/user/martinjohnsonb3