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On the Road With Vail Johnson: Kenny G: Setting the Record Straight…
Meet Vail Johnson
I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself in this, my first article written for Bass Musician Magazine.
First off, yes, I play bass for Kenny G. Even though I play with many other great artists, Kenny G has the most visibility by far.
That brings me to my first topic; Kenny G does not play jazz. There, I said it! The angry folks that slam Kenny G for not playing ‘real’ jazz have missed the boat entirely. That’s like ragging on Madonna because she’s not a ‘real’ Heavy Metal artist, for example. Of course she’s not, she never said she was, she never played any Heavy Metal, etc., etc.
Kenny is a pop/ R&B instrumentalist. That’s his focus and his self- described category. The genre ‘Smooth Jazz’ was created after Kenny’s popularity exploded back in the late 80’s. I know because I was there!
Kenny has had top-10 hits on the POP charts over the years. He had the number 2 album on the Billboard pop chart for many weeks, not quite able to knock Whitney Houston ‘Bodyguard’ off the top of the heap… Sold around 75- 80 million records world- wide, blah, blah, blah.
Hopefully, we can now avoid all the silly hate messages about “Kenny G is this-or-that”.
That brings me to the primary topic: “The Road”
Many of you may be wondering what it’s like out on the road with a major touring act, so I would like to offer some insight for enlightenment and entertainment purposes.
You can click the “Day in the life” link below and see a tongue- in- cheek video ‘smooth jazz-umentary’ of a day in the life of the Kenny G band. There’s some pretty funny stuff!
We have a great time on the road, lo these 20 some years together.
Sometimes the schedule is brutal, 4 countries in 4 days can really take it out of you. Sometimes we get a cushier schedule and have a day off in Mexico City like today and I’m taking advantage of it by writing this article!
Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, we traveled ‘large’. Several buses, a jet, 3 tractor-trailers filled to the brim…15,000 seat arenas sold out every night; unbelievable for an instrumental artist and may never be equaled.
Well, times have changed for us as they have for most everyone in the 21st century. It’s a study in contrast as I will illustrate:
Sometimes you’re stuck in a center seat on a commuter plane flying through a winter storm, praying the pilots know how deal with the ice on the wings. Other times you’re on a Gulfstream/ Citation/ LearJet and get to live the ‘high life’ for a bit.
There will be Ritz Carlton’s in Tokyo and dodgy hotels out in the middle of nowhere.
Luxurious Symphony Hall backstage arrangements, to ‘less than sanitary’ accommodations in some run-down old theatre.
Fancy dinner parties stocked with celebrities, to searches for McDonalds in ‘3rd world’ places where anything familiar is a blessing!
Royal Albert Hall in London or maybe a small Casino in the mid- west.
It really runs the gamut for us but we are very grateful to be working, so no complaints these days.
What it takes to be happy and ‘thrive’ on the road is flexibility and acceptance. The minute you start taking yourself too seriously, nature has a way of reminding you, but quick!
Stay humble, take music seriously but have fun and give yourself a break when things don’t quite work out as planned.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this first effort for BMM.
There are a lot of fun vid clips of my playing on youtube if you would like to check them out. Just look for ‘Vail Johnson’.
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
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www.derekfrank.com
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
