| Ron was first approached by Karl in 1997 when the
Tiny Universe was merely a seed in the mental cosmos of Mr. Denson.
However, as enticing as the proposition of joining his old friend in
a new project was, he regretfully had to decline. Ron was in the
middle of an eight week theatrical run of Pulitzer Prize winning
playwright Keith Glover's "Thunder Knocking on the Door"
in Seattle, Washington. This was one of four productions he was
involved in between 1997-98. Of course, when the phone rang again in
Dec.1999, the answer was a resounding YES!!!
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| Ron began his professional career on the road in
1992 when he joined the Chris Cain Blues Band. He recorded two
studio albums with Chris (Somewhere Along the Way and Unscheduled
Flight) where he shares CO-writer credits, as well as a live album
(Live at the Rep). Ron toured the United States extensively with
Cain from 1992-96, as well as Europe and Thailand. During his last
two years with Cain, Ron pulled double duty by touring with Maria
Muldaur of "Midnight at the Oasis" fame. Once again this
meant many months of relentless touring. Ron was approached by
Verve/Polygram recording artist Joe Louis Walker during a gig in the
Caribbean with Muldaur, and in 1998, he signed on with Joe Louis
Walker and the Boss-Talkers. His year with JLW took him back and
forth across the country and yet another trip to Europe. They also
made two appearances on the CBS television network. Ron is very
grateful to all of the people he met and had a chance to play with
during his Blues tenure (the list is endless).
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| Ron started playing bass in 1988 after
an inspirational performance by New York's Tom Barney (at the time
with David Sanborn, now with Lauren Hill and Steely Dan). He began
his studies with Myron Dove (Santana, Robben Ford, Patti Austin...)
and still considers Myron his Guru. In 1994-96 he experienced some
success as a leader when he founded the band Congo Square. Finally,
despite a very busy touring schedule, Ron recently managed to
graduate from San Jose State's Improvised Music Studies program with
a BA. When he does manage to find time at home (the San Francisco
Bay Area), he can be found playing everything from Straight Ahead to
Hip Hop, Rock, Funk, Blues or Soul in any number of Bay Area venues.
Ron can be reached at IRASHAD@AOL.COM
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Ron
Johnson
