T.W. Johnson is co-founding member of G.T.S .T.W. grew up in Berkeley,Ca. At the age of 12 T.W. met Guitarist K.T. Patterson and his brother Ronnie Bennett. (Drums/Keyboards) T.W. watched as this talented duo had one of the better garage bands in Berkeley, Ca. ("Condemned Property")
T.W. was so influenced, he talked his dad (begged) into buying him an electric guitar and amplifier. T.W. took private lessons and eventually switched to bass guitar. Eventually T.W. joined his two young neighbors in "Condemned Property", more because he had the bass guitar and amplifier, not because of talent.
T.W. lost interest in guitar and bass, but not his love of music.
In 1973 T.W. became a Police Officer with the Oakland Police department. By 1974 T.W. was missing playing and performing music. At this time his two childhood buddies were still performing locally as "Winter", a rock/funk band. K.T. still on guitar and Ron had switched to keyboards exclusively.
Ron said he was throwing out his old "SONOR" drum set that he had played as a youth. T.W. talked Ron into giving the kit to him. T.W. took the kit home and started to bang out beats on the set. T.W. found two fellow police officers who had the same lousy, rookie days off as he. One played guitar the other keyboards. The three would get together and jam.
Another Oakland Officer, Arturo Michel, joined in on the jam sessions, playing guitar and singing lead vocals.
Next thing anyone knew, this jam session became a regular gig playing, money paying band (not much). As T.W.'S drumming became stronger, he was offered the job with Union City, Newark based band, "United Sound Corp", playing clubs and private gigs in Southern Alameda County.
In 1976 T.W. was called by his old buddies "K.T. and Ron". The interesting twist of art imitating life, was that they were both now Police Officers. K.T. in Berkeley, Ca., and Ron in Emeryville, Ca. they still had "Winter" going strong and were embarking on their first album. The week before they were to go into the studio, their drummer had quit the band.
T.W. jumped at the chance to play with the brothers professionally and have the opportunity to record for the first time.
It was about this time in 1976, T.W. and K.T. went to a popular Berkeley Night Club, (Keystone Berkeley) to hear Billy Preston and his band. The opening band was a local group out of Richmond, Ca. "Natural Impulse", Rick Ramos was on guitar. This was just before he became a Berkeley Police Officer. T.W. did not know Rick at the time, but was impressed with his guitar style. Later, the next year, T.W. was introduced to Rick at an official Police function. (Search Warrant)
T.W. remembered the night at the Keystone and told Rick about it. By this time Rick was not performing, but the two hit it off and stayed in touch.
After the release of the debut album, "Winter", A Warm Winters Night" in 1976, T.W. stayed with the group until 1984 when all decided to go their separate ways. T.W. ran into Rick and started talking about the old days of playing and how much they missed it. Both, still Police Officers, decided to form "Good Time System".
Rick was able to get his homeboys, horn section and keyboard from "Natural Impulse". TW was able to talk my old friend and bass player from "Winter" (Jon Harlins) in forming a band.
T.W. retired from the Oakland Police Department after 22 yrs. of service. We are now calling this Ethnomusic conglomeration, "Latin Soul Project".
T.W. hopes the original music being compiled and recorded for this CD, reflects within the listener as though it was an "Audio History Channel".
T.W. felt the group was long overdue to produce an original project. QUOTE - "I don't care if my momma is the only one who buys the CD, I don't want to be 50 yrs. old saying, What if? Let me funk it up or die trying!"
TW Current Equiptment Includes:
PEARL Drums and Hardware. "Birch Masters Series"
DW 5000 double kick pedal
Zildgen Cymbals
Vic Firth 5B Drum Sticks
