Weather Report, Jazz is Dead bassist shares details on his new Blue Fox String Quintet

Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
May 26, 2025

Alphonso Johnson is a renowned electric and upright bassist and master of the Chapman Stick. He is best known for having performed and recorded with the many of the biggest names in jazz and popular music, including Weather Report, the Cobham/Duke band, the Crusaders, Chuck Mangione, Sergio Mendes, Tony Williams, Phil Collins, Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter, Quincy Jones, John McLaughlin, and Sarah Vaughan. As an educator, Alphonso has taught at the Thornton School of Music at USC and served as the director of the bass department at the Los Angeles Music Academy in Pasadena, California. Recently, Alphonso has been on tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of Jazz Is Dead, where he reinterprets Grateful Dead songs in jazz contexts to demonstrate the lasting appeal and continuing evolution of their unique music. He is also looking forward to upcoming performances in 2025 with the Blue Fox String Quintet.

Watch our interview with Alphonso!