ERIC JOHNSON
Bloom
Favored Nations 2005
www.ericjohnson.com

Sample it here

What’s the 4-1-1?
It’s the latest release by the guitar legend whose career has spanned three decades. Most tracks are instrumental, but Johnson throws in a handful of vocal tracks for good measure.

Genre
Rock / blues / jazz / progressive

The Good
“Bloom” is loaded with fuzzy blues rock licks and sweet melody lines. “Summer Jam” has all the spirit of the season with its fevered pace and playful guitar techniques. Johnson’s vocals are just as smooth as his guitar skills on the brighter cover version of Bob Dylan’s “My Back Pages”. Eric uses Frampton-like guitar effects on “Good to Me”. “Sea Secret” encompasses the quiet calm of being deep below the sea. Eric’s subtle licks and runs emit the feelings you may experience observing the sea life around you.

“Sad Legacy” is Johnson’s anti-war song. It has a catchy bounce that’s enhanced by some great piano work. Eric shows off his appreciation for Middle Eastern musical culture on “Cruise the Nile”. On “Tribute to Jerry Reed”, Johnson breaks out some country style rhythms and licks. “Your Sweet Eyes” is a touching ballad that Eric sings with plenty of heart and emotion.

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
Eric Johnson delivers another great album full of versatility, experience, variety, and impressive guitar work.

Did You Know?
Grammy award winner Shawn Colvin appears on “Your Sweet Eyes”.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne