EP 145 - Mark Johnson - The Unfaithful Servants
Bassist Mark Johnson joins host Ryan Roberts for a deep conversation about serving the song, developing real time feel, and building a long, grounded career on the bass.
Mark is a Victoria, BC–based bassist with over 35 years of professional experience and a longtime member of Unfaithful Servants, a Newgrass and Americana group known for their sophisticated arrangements and deep roots in bluegrass, old-time, country, and jazz.
In this episode, Ryan and Mark talk about the role of bass as a foundational voice, how jazz training translates into roots-based music, and what the bandstand teaches that school often doesn’t. The second half of the conversation dives into Unfaithful Servants’ 2025 release Fallen Angel, exploring the album’s deliberate arrangements, instrumental writing, and wide emotional range from track to track.
They discuss melodic bass roles, arco textures, two-beat feel, polyrhythms, instrumental tunes, and how a band of true players balances tradition with modern musical language.
This episode is about musicianship, longevity, and learning how to serve the music first.
The Unfaithful Servants online: