Gerard Johnson (musician)

Gerard Johnson is a British keyboard player. He is best known for his work with Saint Etienne and The Syn.

Early years

Born 1963, Newport, Monmouthshire in southeast Wales. School: Presentation College, Reading, Berkshire. Member of Progress Theatre Student Group (1976 - 1981). Studied on the Tonmeister course at the University of Surrey, Guildford. Contemporary of Avril Macintosh and Helen Woodward.

Career

Johnson originally trained and worked as a recording engineer at London's Music Works studio (1985-87) and then as Chief Engineer at Orinoco Studios (1987-91). During this time he recorded and mixed records by Enya, Ian McCulloch (of Echo & the Bunnymen), The Sugarcubes and the Pet Shop Boys.

In 1991 he became a freelance engineer/producer, working with Timo Blunk, Freaky Realistic, TV Smith (of The Adverts) and Denim. Through Denim he met Bob Stanley, Pete Wiggs and Sarah Cracknell of Saint Etienne. Since Saint Etienne re-united in the mid 1990s, Johnson has worked with the band at various times as engineer, arranger, producer and live keyboard player.

In the 1990s, Johnson had also worked with guitarist Peter Banks, with Johnson appearing on Banks' albums and Banks guesting on Johnson's project with Mark Bown, Funky Monkey. In 2004, Johnson joined Banks in The Syn, appearing on the recordings later released on "Original Syn". Johnson stayed with the band after Banks left and original bass player Chris Squire of Yes rejoined. He co-produced the band's 2005 album "Syndestructible" with Lemon Trees guitarist Paul Stacey. He has also toured with The Syn in a line-up including guitarist Shane Theriot and drummer Alan White (of Yes), but left the band in 2006. He is now working on two projects with Chris Squire.