Bio
Gabriel Johnson, widely known as Brother Gabe, is an exceptionally talented guitarist and multi-instrumentalist as well as an experienced and respected concert promoter based in Bend, Oregon.
As a musician, Gabe is a dynamic force on the guitar and also excels at keyboards and bass. His most recent solo album, Brother Gabe – Fireonyx, co-produced w/ legendary funk/soul keyboardist/producer Swatkins, showcases his creative range, thoughtful songwriting and musical versatility, but Gabe’s notoriety in recent years stems largely from his powerful presence as a live guitarist. In addition to touring with the amazing MFG (aka Maxwell Friedman Group) playing world-class ecstatic jazz/funk/fusion, Gabe is also the founder and leader of Watkins Glen, a highly acclaimed improvisational psychedelic rock band known for high-energy performances that blend classic covers of The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead, The Band, and Little Feat with original compositions and classic funk covers.
Both MFG and Watkins Glen are known for their deeply compelling improvisational journeys and along the way, Gabe has earned a reputation for consistently being one of the most skilled and engaging players and improvisers on any stage he occupies. Adventurous, intelligent, thoughtful, knowledgeable, dynamic, dazzling, soulful and abundantly versatile, Gabe is widely regarded as a true master improviser, a musical renaissance man and a sweet badass.
In addition to touring with MFG & Watkins Glen, Gabe also plays locally with Sonic Benders, Brother Gabe’s FireOnyx (feat. his daughter Scarlet Rae) and Brother Gabe Trio, while also frequently making special guest appearances with numerous nationally touring artists. Gabe has performed onstage and/or recorded with such amazing musical artists as Karl Denson, Kebbi & Isaac of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Skerik, Adam Deitch, Dogs in a Pile, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Disco Biscuits, Ron Artis, Pink Talking Fish, Ghost-Note, Polyrhythmics, MarchFourth, Melvin Seals & JGB, Kung Fu, Lebo, Orgone, and The Nth Power.
Since relocating to Bend, OR in late 2006, Gabe has been a cornerstone of the regional music scene—both as the prolific performer described above yet simultaneously also as the founder and president of Parallel 44 Presents, a concert promotion company renowned for curating exceptional live music experiences. Parallel 44 Presents has produced over 1,400 events in Central Oregon over the past two decades, celebrating diverse genres and drawing audiences from across the Pacific Northwest, and has cultivated an incredibly positive community legacy.
Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Gabe’s musical skill, passion, wisdom, experience, and his unwavering commitment to building community, manifesting magic and spreading love through the medium of live performance have made him a beloved and influential figure—both in the Bend music scene and beyond.