Pennal Johnson
I am a Bassist, writer and entrepreneur from Chicago’s West Side,
Illinois. I began playing bass guitar at the age of 8 years old. My
cousin, a store-front preacher at the time, bought a bass guitar
and a keyboard for his son to play. Since the bass guitar wasn’t an
interest of his son, he passed it on to me. Though the instrument
was much larger than me, I had no problems sliding my fingers up
and down the neck to find the proper notes. It was during a time
of practicing with my cousins that I realized I could play by ear, by
hearing a note played on the keyboard and I was able match it
with my bass. This was the beginning of a beautiful thing.
While attending Hugh Manley High School in Chicago, I learned to
read music and to go on and sharpen my bass playing skills. In
sophomore year I was selected to be a part of Manley’s Jazz band.
From there I was selected to be the bass player for The Chicago
All-City Jazz Band from 1984 to 1987. During this time I received
numerous awards which include “The Outstanding Soloist Award”
at the Midwest Jazz Festival and “Outstanding Musician of the
Year” from All City Jazz Band of Chicago.
After High school I started playing professionally around the
Chicago area and Gospel recording artist Rev. Jessy Dixon
approached me and asked me to become the full-time bass player
for him and his choir. It was Rev. Dixon, who taught me
showmanship and how to be a professional musician. This
position provided me with the opportunity to perform with the
talents of Andre and Sandra Crouch, Kurt Carr and Abraham
Laboriel.
Currently I’m the bassist for Lubriphonic (Rock, Funk, and Hard
Soul Band) and currently touring the USA. When not touring I’m
doing clinics and studio sessions.
My concept is simply to have FUN!!!