Eric Johnson: Tones LP s.

Description

Eric Johnson: Tones LP Check samples.
5.0 out of 5 stars Virtuosity
In terms of guitar playing, this album, like all of Erics, is a masterpiece. Though Eric does show us what he can do with a guitar, it doesn’t come across as just showing off, since every guitar lick Eric plays fits in perfectly with the song as a whole, be it a lightning fast solo or a finger-stretching array of chord work. My favourite tracks are the rock-based instrumentals at the beginning and end of the album (soulful Terrain’ and ‘Victory’), which include loads of different riffs and hair-raising solos. The songs that include Eric on vocals are good too, Erics voice conveys emotions very well, and ‘Friends’ and ‘Emerald Eyes’ are extremely catchy vocally-driven pop songs. ‘Desert Song’ is a solo acoustic guitar piece that challenges the listener since it doesn’t adhere to the normal western conventions of melody, though it it is impressively played. In contrast, ‘Zap’ is immediately accessible as a rich, melody-driven explosion of rock and jazz-orientated guitar mayhem. All in all, I think this album is of the sort that will appeal mostly to listeners who enjoy rock and pop, and perhaps have a special interest in virtuoso guitar playing. It is worth remembering that the album was recorded in 1986.

==================================================

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Start
Erics first record and a fine start to his recording career. His famous tones and techniques are already on show here, and this is a very good guitar album.

samples:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/recsradio/radio/B000002L8X/ref=pd_krex_dp_a

Track listing
1. Soulful Terrain
2. Friends
3. Emerald Eyes
4. Off My Mind
5. Desert Song
6. Trail of Tears
7. Bristol Shore
8. Zap
9. Victory

Details
Playing time: 46 min.
Contributing artists: Roscoe Beck, Tommy Taylor

Personnel: Eric Johnson (vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards); Jerry Marrotta (vocals, percussion); Stephen Barber (piano); David Tickle (percussion); Jennifer Warnes (background vocals).

Tones, Eric Johnsons first solo album, is an exceptionally strong debut, and a record that is just as good as the guitarists breakthrough 1990 release Ah Via Musicom. Grouped with long-time compatriots Roscoe Beck and Tommy Taylor, Johnsons trademark composing voice and so-sweet electric guitar are already on full display. True to the albums title, Johnson showcases many different guitar tones, from the violin-like sustain of his trademark distortion to the bell-like timbre of his clean-toned rhythm work. Johnson also sings on five of the nine songs on Tones, and his voice is as competently expressive as ever. The second half of this record is really where it moves from being simply “good” to “great.” Emerging from Stephen Barbers almost new-agey Fairlight CMI vamp, “Trail of Tears” kicks into a driving groove punctuated by Johnsons chordal stabs and arpeggios and carried by one of the guitarists best vocal melodies. The multi-tiered arrangement is also one of the high marks of Johnsons catalog. This track segues in turn into the wonderful “Bristol Shore.” This song features Johnson making his guitar sound like a koto as well as throwing in some impossibly in-tune upper-register licks that are played so sweetly they seem to threaten to fly off into the stratosphere (pun intended). The lack of a “Cliffs of Dover,” a catchy, driving instrumental showcase for Johnsons chops, does not cheapen Tones in any way. It is a beautiful and important album by one of the greatest electric guitarists ever to pick up the instrument. ~ Daniel Gioffre