Max Johnson - When the Streets Were Quiet (New Focus 2023)
Lucy Hatem - Clarinet, Lauren Cauley - Violin, Carrie Frey - Viola, Maria Hadge - ‘Cello, Fifi Zhang - Piano, Max Johnson - Conductor
“Is it fair to be talking about one of the best albums of the year when we’re not even done with January yet?” - DeLarue, New York Music Daily
Max Johnson - Hermit Music (Unbroken Sounds 2022)
Max Johnson - Double Bass & Bow
“An extraordinary set of solo double bass improvisations captured in the warm Booklyn Conveyor Recording Studio, Johnson showing his strength with his fingers on the large strings or a bow in his hand, in five turbulent and superb solos under reflection of personal struggles and the strain of pandemic, bringing a new sense of self and determination to his playing.” - Phil Zampino, Squidco
Max Johnson Trio - Orbit of Sound (Unbroken Sounds 2022)
Anna Webber - Tenor Saxophone & Flute, Max Johnson - Bass, Michael Sarin - Drums
“a release that constantly defies expectations.” - John Sharpe, the New York City Jazz Record
Max Johnson - In the West (Clean Feed 2017)
Kris Davis - Piano, Susan Alcorn - Pedal Steel Guitar, Max Johnson - Bass, Compositions, Mike Pride - Drums
“Johnson makes abundant room for each of the musicians’ personalities to color and shape the music as it is played, giving the music its collective character and vibrancy. And by its conclusion, we’re left with the lasting impression that we’ve been taken on a long, winding, and eventful journey.” - Troy Dustert, The Free Jazz Collective
Perry Robinson, Diane Moser, and Max Johnson - Top of the Head (Minus Zero 2018)
Perry Robinson - Clarinet, Diane Moser - Piano, Max Johnson - Bass
“Listening to the interplay between them is a joy. Moods shift and turn on a dime, and all three players are keyed in to the same emotional wavelength. The emotional intelligence and deep listening that improvisation requires is a skill, and Robinson, Johnson, and Moser have deep reserves of that skill. Hearing them respond to one another’s subtle changes in direction is a treat.” - Michael Garrett Steele, VCFA
Simon Nabatov, Max Johnson & Michael Sarin - Free Reservoir (Leo 2017)
Simon Nabatov - Piano, Max Johnson - Bass, Michael Sarin - Drumset.
“There is a forceful interplay amongst the players that sees shifts between a madness of pace and quieter syncopation, among glittering cataracts from the keyboard and inscrutable, contemplative bowing on the bass, and all flanked by electrical storms raging between the drummer and pianist. It is an album of extraordinary moods and astonishing mood changes which must definitely be endorsed.” - Ken Cheetham, Jazz Views
Max Johnson Trio - Something Familiar (Fresh Sounds 2015)
Kirk Knuffke - Cornet, Max Johnson - Bass, Compositions, Ziv Ravitz - Drums
“This is collective improvisation at its fiercest and most uncompromising.” - Derek Ansell, Jazz Journal
Max Johnson - The Prisoner (NoBusiness 2014)
Ingrid Laubrock - Tenor Saxophone, Mat Maneri - Viola, Max Johnson - Bass and Compositions, Tomas Fujiwara
“Arresting, multi-layered suite that demands repeated listening.” - Eyal Hareuveni, All About Jazz
Ross Martin, Max Johnson, Jeff Davis - Big Eyed Rabbit (NotTwo 2014
Ross Martin - Guitar, Max Johnson - Bass, Jeff Davis Drums
“Incorporating flavors that range from barn-dancing to free jazz could easily be a formula for catastrophe but Johnson, Martin and Davis have all but given a name to their anomalous development in innovation… This is highly recommended.” - Karl Ackermann
Max Johnson Trio - The Invisible Trio (Fresh Sounds 2014)
Kirk Knuffke - Cornet, Max Johnson - Bass and Compositions, Ziv Ravitz - Drumset
“the accessibility and the free form of the improvisation are perfectly joined here, and the playing by all three musicians is a real treat for the ear, and the heart.” - Stef, The Free Jazz Collective
Max Johnson Trio - Elevated Vegetation (FMR Records 2012)
Kirk Knuffke - Cornet, Max Johnson - Bass, Ziv Ravitz - Drums
“But the Johnson trio establishes its own momentum, largely by the particularity of its components: Mr. Knuffke’s pinpoint accuracy and mellow, centered tone; Mr. Ravitz’s way of urging his cymbals and toms astir; and Mr. Johnson’s grounded but unreserved presence at the center of it all.” - Nate Chinen, The New York Times
Max Johnson - Quartet (NotTwo 2012)
Mark Whitecage - Alto Saxophone and Clarinet, Steve Swell - Trombone, Max Johnson - Bass and Compositions, Tyshawn Sorey - Drumset
"Quartet" is one of those albums that show deep appreciation and profound understanding of free-jazz tradition. The melodies are enchanting, the playing is powerfull, the improvisations are wild yet focused. This music presents balance between the elements of composed and spontanteous as well as the ones of collective and individual.” - Free Jazz Alchemist
