Eric Johnson - Bloom
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Free Music Notes for Bloom
Free Music Review: Great Artistry, but still waiting for another "Cliffs Of Dover"
Hit: 4 Stars
This is a terrific CD. Eric Johnson has always been a unique artist, while maintaining a mastery of traditional country, folk, blues and R&B elements. Every song on this CD is different. It reflects the depth and breadth of his musicianship and songwriting prowess - not to mention his mastery of subtle, infectious, nostalgic moods. Tons of different guitar tones, electronic elements, different styles of production; all these work together to make this album a veritable cornucopia of musical tones, moods and ideas.
However, I only give him 4 stars because there are those of us who remember "Cliffs of Dover" from Ah Via Musicom, and keep hoping to someday hear an Eric Johnson album with at least one tune that good (meaning an instrumental that is simple, direct, ultra-melodic and a great song to boot). It's frustrating to go through album after album waiting for that to happen, hearing nothing but laid-back jazz, blues and country riffs, with only a hint of the melodious work he is capable of. So, all in all a great album, just don't expect another 'Cliffs Of Dover'.
Free Music Review: A masterpiece of guitar work
Hit: 4 Stars
Texas guitarist Eric Johnson definitely doesn't fall into the category when you consider his contemporaries, such as the Vaughan Brothers, Johnny Winter, Johnny Copeland, Albert Collins and so many more. Rather, Johnson has proven that he can play with blazing speed and with incredible subtlety.
"Bloom" is a sort of musical trilogy that catches Johnson in all his facets, guitarist, composer as well as singer. Known mostly for his instrumentals, he also sings a bit here but that never overshadows his strongest suit.
In the Prelude, Johnson shows off his guitar chops with the title track, "Summer Jam" and "12 to 12 Vibe." A cover of Dylan's "My Back Pages" is an interesting insertion but it goes well.
Courante: More great guitar work, with "Sea Secret" standing out, plus a "Tribute to Jerry Reed" with a country guitar run--a bit odd, but well done.
Allemande: The album finishes well withy "Magnetized" and "Ciel."
All in all, a superb recording, one sure to energize Johnson's fans and anyone who sees a wider range for the Strat.
Free Music Review: a musical garden
Hit: 4 Stars
This was the first cd of its type I have brought into my audio library,but it was a good introduction. I've known about Eric Johnson for most of his career and always was fond of his sound, but just never got around to adding any of his stuff to my collection. Then I went to a joint Joe Satriani/Eric Johnson evening, and the next day there were 3 new cds in my collection. This, his latest, is a nice presentation of all of his stuff, from chicken-pickin' (the excellent "Tribute to Jerry Reed") to smooth, cool jazz ("Hesitant" ; "Ciel"), to working his pleasant tenor in one of his forays into lyricism (the also pleasant "Sad Legacy" and "Your Sweet Eyes"). My main fault with Johnson's music is I can hardly ever understand what he's singing, but his voice is so agreeable and his tunes so listenable that i'm willing to overlook it. This is a solid body of work, full of clean lilting notes and stinging riffs. A good inclusion in the library of any guitar aficianado.Free Music Review: How can you be understated when you're playing a solo?
Hit: 4 Stars
I like Eric Johnson's music. I bought it mostly because I have always loved Bob Dylan's "My Back Pages" and, although folk rock purists would have me shot for saying this, I like Eric Johnson's uptempo treatment.
The CD, to me at least, is mostly about Eric Johnson's smooth guitar style which I'm probably supposed to call Jazz/Rock fusion. He uses a lot of effects... chorus, overdrive, echo... etc. I've always thought his playing was understated and very melodic. I don't feel there's a weak song on the CD.
It's mostly instrumental. When he has lyrics, they aren't often lyrics you remember... this is a guitar centered album. I particularly liked "Columbus", all instrumental, very melodic, just a nice pretty song.
It's good "hanging arount the house" music. If you've got a deck, a pitcher of marguaritas, and a sunset... I'd recommend this CD.
Free Music Review: Not a Monster, But Plenty Good
Hit: 4 Stars
Can this live up to Ah Via....no, but who could top that? That being said, this is a really good listen as long as you're not comparing it to his masterpiece.....and we didn't have to wait a decade to get this one. I will admit, I was a bit disappointed with my first few listens as I was expecting some huge runs with that unmistakable, larger-than-life tone. But trust me, just let this kind of wash over you and you'll appreciate the music and the thoughtful way the tracks are ordered. Everything is kind of understated and stays in the mix, even his heaviest licks, so it kind of feels like Tones, but there are the usual nuances that you really have to listen for that make this one work for me.
But I will absolutely applaud, and eagerly await a work that will rival Musicom. Until then, this will definitely work.