After nearly 50 years of playing alongside other artists, bassist
Gerald Johnson stepped into Seattle’s Robert Lang Studios to
record something of his own. Working with engineer/producer
Chris Rahm (Chris Cornel, Natalie Merchant), Johnson brought in
longtime friend Alvino Bennett (Dave Mason, Slash) to track a
series of songs that Gerald had written over the years. Once
complete, he shared the recordings with close friend, Mike
Finnigan (Jimi Hendrix, CSN, Bonnie Raitt) to track various keys and
Shane Fontayne (Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen, Marc Cohn) to add
guitar.   

The album, Whatcha Gonna Do Now, draws listeners in with writing that provides a sense of wisdom
and wit, both lyrically and musically. The songs capture his authentic personality; balancing confidence,
humility, insight, and charm that come through naturally. As expected, his bass is prominent in the
mixes, but not in a way that feels forced. Rather Gerald’s bass is an extension of himself, so he uses it
the way a typical singer/songwriter would use a guitar or piano; crafting chords and fills that serve the
story he is telling. With this established, the other instruments fall right into place. Mike Finnigan’s work
on keys are extraordinary, as songs like Turn Away from Danger and Where Do We Go From Here melt
the signature sounds of these notorious musicians together into something truly authentic and
captivating. 

Whatcha Gonna Do Now is streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music & iTunes
and Amazon Music. Limited edition Vinyl and CDs will be available for order in
March 2023.

About Gerald Johnson:

Gerald Johnson is an American bass player with a resume spanning over 50 years of recording and
performing with rock & roll royalty. He is typically known for his work in The Steve Miller Band starting
in the early 70s and into the 80s when Miller recruited Gerald after watching him perform alongside The
Sweet Inspirations and Elvis Presley as part of a Las Vegas residency. Upon joining the Steve Miller Band,
he began recording and touring with Miller in support of their releases, A Journey from Eden (1972) and
The Joker (1973). While on tour in Europe, The Joker became hit in the US with the infamous bass line
that set into motion a long list of Steve Miller songs with Gerald Johnson on the bass.
With his success alongside Miller, word of Gerald’s talents on bass began to circulate throughout rock &
roll circles. In the years to follow, Johnson would record and perform with numerous artists including
Dave Mason, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Pointer Sisters, John Fogerty, Les Dudek, Carl Wilson, and more.

Follow Gerald: HERE