ERIC JOHNSON EJ

Mascot/Provogue ✪✪✪✪ ✪

Any new release from the Texas tonemaster is a pulse raiser, but subtitled Song Explorations On Acoustic Guitar And Piano we didn’t know what to expect from this. Yet, from the opening strains of Mrs Robinson, delivered with typical panache, it’s clear we’re in for a treat. Wonder is a lovely original, with Eric’s Martin D-45 offering stunning backing to his touching vocal. Other stand-out tracks are a piano and guitar take on Hendrix’s One Rainy Wish, with the Jimi-style fills working brilliantly on acoustic. Sadly, the solo is on piano. Classical fans will appreciate the Ramirez-driven Serenidad, while who could fail to be staggered by a duet with Doyle Dykes, on Les Paul and Mary Ford’s The World Is Waiting For The Sunshine. Taste and technique are Johnson hallmarks, and although this is as much a piano album as it is guitar, we heartily recommend it.