Eric Johnson’s new album ‘EJ Vol II’ will be released March 6th

Eric Johnson. Photo by Chyrisse.
Over the course of more than four decades, Eric Johnson has been traveling on a prolific odyssey. Along the way, his creations have encompassed repertoire that cross pollinate genres which include rock, blues, jazz, fusion, soul, folk, new-age, classical and even country. Among Johnson’s many accolades are a Grammy award for “Cliffs Of Dover ” (a track from his Platinum certified Ah Via Musicom), lifetime induction into the Guitar Player Gallery of Greats, his listing among the “100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century” by Musician. In his hometown of Austin TX, a city full of guitarists the readers of the Austin Chronicle have voted Johnson the city’s “Best Electric Guitarist” and “Best Acoustic Guitarist” in their yearly poll year after year. They also named him “Electric Guitarist of the Decade” and one of the top five “Musicians of the Decade”.
EJ Vol II

EJ Vol II follows its predecessor from 2016 which was simply EJ, an all-acoustic collection of songs which showcased nine original compositions and four covers. JOHNSON’s approach was deeply honest, intimate, personal and delivered with organic emotion. With EJ Vol II, he presents new repertoire that combines electric and acoustic arrangements and once again represents a collection of originals with a couple of select covers.

Among the new songs, there is deep meaning and messaging with each track, sometimes figurative while at times literal. On “Waterwheel,” he captures personal feelings about the gift of the flow of the spirit and synchronicity of all things under the universe in creation, utilizing the water wheel or an old paddle wheel that turns in water as the metaphorical symbolism. The song “Golden Way,” approaches finding the true higher path in life, while the poignant “For the Stars,” captures his introspection surrounding the loss of his mother as he looks up towards the sky at night wondering where she is now. Along with the 11 original songs there are two covers on the album; The Beatles “Hide Your Love Away” and Eric’s arrangement of Bert Jansch’s take on the traditional “Black Waterside.” The latter was first recorded in 1966, but became infamous through Jimmy Page performing a similar riff on Led Zeppelin’s 1969 debut without acknowledging the credit (on “Black Mountain Side”).

Eric Johnson

The new 2020 tour titled “Classics: Present and Past” will feature EJ Vol. II alongside selections from his prolific career.  The EJ touring band will feature Roscoe Beck on bass (Leonard Cohen, Robben Ford, Dixie Chicks), Tom Brechtlein on drums (Kenny Loggins, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Robben Ford), and on keyboards + second guitar, Dave Scher (a rising star from the Austin music scene).

The new year will also see the release of a new Fender Stratocaster as a part of their “Stories Collection” (modeled after an instrument JOHNSON frequently used early in his career). This model will be his fourth in the Fender collection of signature Johnson guitars.

Eric Johnson on “Classics – Present and Past” Tour:

REMAINING TOUR ENGAGEMENTS

February 26    Tralf Music Hall                                   Buffalo, NY

February 27    Tupelo Music Hall                               Derry, NH
February 28    Cabot Performing Arts Center            Beverly, MA
February 29     The Center for Arts in Natick             Natick, MA

March 1           YMCA Boulton PAC                             Bay Shore, NY

March 3           Sony Hall                                             New York, NY
March 4           Warehouse                                         Fairfield, CT
March 5           Swyer Theatre                                     Albany, NY
March 6           The Fillmore – Silver Spring                 Silver Spring, MD

March 7           Sellersville Theater                             Sellersville, PA
March 9           Kent Stage                                           Kent, OH
March 11        Center Stage                                       Atlanta, GA
March 12        Ponte Vedra Concert Hall                   Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
March 13        Broward PAC – Amaturo Theatre        Ft. Lauderdale, FL

March 14        House of Blues                                    Lake Buena Vista, FL
March 15        Capitol Theatre                                   Clearwater, FL
March 17        Vinyl Music Hall                                  Pensacola, FL
March 18        Civic Theatre                                       New Orleans, LA
March 21        City Winery                                         Nashville, TN
March 22        Jackson Terminal                                Knoxville, TN
March 27        Diana Wortham Theatre                     Asheville, NC
March 28        House of Blues                                    North Myrtle Beach, SC
March 29        McGlohon Theater@Spirit Square     Charlotte, NC

 

 

ERIC JOHNSON ONLINE
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Chyrisse Tabone, Ph.D.
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Forest Live Festival – UK