The Max Johnk Septet

By Diane Miller
Music Editor

It is one thing to play everything from metal to jazz to classical to folk to Jewish fusion rock in one town, and it is another thing for the town it is played in to be Fargo, North Dakota. It is one thing to be one of the best and most diversified bassists in town, and it is another thing to be only 23 years old. Max Johnk obviously does not let circumstances get in his way. Circumstances, shimercumstances…last gig he performed at was playing bass for a New York City jazz guitar virtuoso - Pete McCann, joined with Minnesota State University Moorhead guitar professor Nick Fryer at Studio 222 in downtown Fargo.

Yes, Johnk is the lead vocalist of a metal band. They are called Benefactor. Yes, this some-130 pound man with a Jew fro has ability to scream like a wicked machine. Yes, he also is in a 3 piece called Werewolf Bar Mitzvah playing Jewish inspired rock music. Yes, their band name references Tracy Morgan from the television show “30 Rock”. And no, he, neither any of the band members are Jewish… but what I would like to discuss here is his latest project – The Max Johnk Septet. It is his latest project where he is the creative leader behind a group of seven musicians.

One of the great things about being a student in the Fargo/Moorhead community is having access to the “Tri-College” system. The music departments of NDSU, MSUM, and Concordia are able to combine their music students to allow them to play with the best students from each school. It was through this program that Johnk met many of the players that make up his jazz group. Lucky for him, he was able to get every player he desired from the group. The members of the septet include Austin Bren on trumpet, Mike Bartunek on alto saxophone, Andy Long on tenor saxophone, Tom Johnson on guitar, Steve Burket on guitar, Andy Stermer on drums, and Max Johnk on bass. On December 9th all seven members will be under one roof collectively performing the original works of Mr. Max Johnk at Studio 222.

Johnk has been a bass player for 10 years and for the last 2 years has been composing; two months ago is when he began creating ideas for a new group he had in mind. He specifically wanted a septet, breaking the norm of traditional jazz groups. “I really wanted three horns. I have played in bands where I have played with two and I would always hear a third part,” says Johnk. “I want to create space where 3 horn players can play against each other.” Also, having two guitar players, as opposed to one, was a decision he made to have access to more textures and sound levels allowing the group to come up with more “sonic” noises.

“The music I write comes from a feeling or an image I get… like a fragment.” From there on Johnk creates chord structures, phrases, rhythms, and just about all the other elements of music that come along with being a composer. He writes music with a jazz base/mentality in mind. “It is meant to be jazz, but it does not always sound like jazz,” he says. “The last tune I wrote sounds like parade music.” With influences reaching from John Coltrane to Dave Holland, he certainly has a jazz background, but he also credits bands like Massive Attack and hip hop producer/ artist, Large Professor as inspiration. “I am really interested in the mechanical aspect of beats,” he says.

It would be accurate to say that there are not many young jazz groups that play shows outside of what they are assigned in school; they probably do not play all original compositions, either. To say that Johnk is breaking boundaries would be an understatement. With original music coming from a person who is humble, talented, funny, smart, and downright awesome to be around, I’d say people can expect extraordinary things from him and his new group. Don’t miss you chance to catch The Max Johnk Septet at Studio 222 on December 9th.

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)