December 2010 \ Reviews \ Media Review \ CD Review: Eric Johnson - "Up Close"

CD Review: Eric Johnson - "Up Close"

Jason Shadrick

More of what you love from Eric Johnson
Premier Guitar December 2010
Eric Johnson
Up Close
Vortexan Music



Never one to be considered “prolific,” Eric Johnson has emerged from his studio with a new collection of tunes that gives anxious fans just what they want: great playing, great tone and a Texas-size dose of soul. This is the first album that was recorded entirely in Johnson’s home studio (which was took Johnson 15 years to build). The sound of the record doesn’t come across as sterile as previous studio albums and the addition of some guests really adds to the looser vibe. A great example is “Texas,” a medium-slow blues where Johnson shows off his Clapton-meets-Bloomfield licks alongside Steve Miller and longtime Austin friend Jimmie Vaughan. The juxtaposition of Johnson and Vaughan’s solos shows off how unique, and comfortable, each guitarist is with their style. Throughout the 15 tracks on Up Close, from the Hendrixian-ballad “A Change Has Come to Me,” to the space boogie of “Fatdaddy,” Johnson has created another worthy addition to his already legendary catalog.

     

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Comments

 (8 comments) display by
UsernameComment
Eric Hobart
on 03/09/2012 		No,but then music isn't a competition. I was trying to think of what might stump him, maybe figuring out Nick Drake's tunings. He can save that for his Golden Years
BillT
on 12/09/2010 		After hearing the podcast you guys did with him I've been jonesing for this album!!!
Rob Kluger
on 12/07/2010 		When does this hit iTunes?
Dennis
on 12/03/2010 		Eric is just incredible (though an overused superlative), but he is! There are hoards of great players indeed, yet, there is something ethereal and far-reaching about Eric's playing, that for me, places him in the stars. His work is always inspiring and celestial to me. I love the chords, the leads (the precision), and the tone.

I, too, enjoy walking and trialing behind him. I may never catch up, but just to be a few steps behind him gives me music and guitar paths to reach for and listen to. He has been my teacher, inspiration and friend for over twenty six years. I have learned so much from him.

Thank you God, Eric and Premier Guitar.

Respectfully,

Dennis (Dallas TX)
Kevin
on 11/28/2010 		Amazon has some samples up
Mark M
on 11/22/2010 		Is there anyplace that has sample clips for us to hear?
richocaster
on 11/19/2010 		Ordered @ Amazon 2 wks ago and waiting...
John Boran
on 11/17/2010 		Can't wait. I already ordered my copy along with the 1984 ACL performance on Amazon. I've been a huge EJ fan since 1982. In fact, seeing him at Rockefellers in Houston convinced me to give up my music career and go to college. Wise choice you must agree. Can anybody compete with this guy? Much love to Eric...



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