EJ has always been to me like Alex Lifeson plus singing. Lifeson does a few things better on the guitar, and EJ has that pretty tone and feel. Always wondered if Alex noticed EJ and vice versa. 2 of my favorites.
@@Youtubax We can agree to disagree. I'll always have SRV as my 'most talented guitarist', but overall catalog of skilled compositions with such a wide range: Alex Lifeson has to be my #1. Saw him live a few times, and SRV live MANY MANY TIMES, Townsend, Iommi, Page, Van Halen, Randy Rhodes etc etc and yes, Eric Johnson live as well. Alex Lifeson is similar to EJ in concert during a lot of his performance, fairly stationary on the intricate compositions. But he definitely cuts loose on lots of intricate riffs and pieces as well. EJ is more of a studio talent to me, but he's amazing. I just know SRV was like nothing else and his collaboration with Eric Johnson was broadening his range. He would have surpassed everyone as he ventured to jazz and prog. Same with Hendrix. SRV was just another level. But I feel the same about Alex vs Eric. Alex Lifeson can play his compositions in concert. Page flubs over a lot, so do most big name guitarists. Santana and Mark Knoffler (Dire Straits) could play their music without cheats as well. David Gilmour and Roger Waters (& Wright) were amazing as well. I tend to gravitate to actual musicians like Eric Johnson. I credit Eric Johnson's virtuosity with my appreciation for both Rush and SRV, as they were all in their prime simultaneously and really accentuated each other in a 'mix tape' listening session. Listen to Alex's cheesy 'Necromancer', well, Neil Peart's idea ... But Alex's guitar on that. I don't think EJ has those riffs inside of him. He's more techno and uplifting. Alex is both dark and a visionary in his compositions; more complex. That's my take. But I dig EJ.
Hard to imagine that he was 29 then. Looks 17, maybe. Anyway, I first saw EJ at a club called Redux in Dallas in the summer of 86, and this was the first song he played. Blew my 18 year old socks off. Completely changed my expectations of how live music was supposed to be, and since then, rarely have I been impressed by anyone other than Eric. Saw hi at the Allen Blues Festival last Saturday. Amazing as always.
Best live acts I've seen are Rush, Blood Sweat and Tears, SRV and EJ. Lyle Lovett was also a really surprisingly excellent live band. Always have respect for Eric Johnson. Truly the best guitarist not getting national attention his whole career. Just a nice guy with amazing talent not narcissistic enough perhaps LoL! If I could play like that I'd be swaggering all over the place.
If I had to guess, a mix of insecurity and slight technical struggles. He occasionally fluffs notes and seems to hurt himself slightly straining at notes. I bet part of it is how god damn loud his amps are. If you notice, most of the songs where he sings, the dynamics are way quiet when he sings, probably for the sake of his voice.
If you notice older musicians like Billy Joel and Elton John, their voices have dropped significantly over the years. My guess is that Eric’s voice probably dropped some and he probably enjoys playing his songs in a particular key and not having to transpose them down a few steps.
I remember when this song came out on the Tones album O' so many moons ago. I first heard it on WPLR out of New Haven, Connecticut. What an excellent radio station that was back in them days, never knew what cool song you were going to hear next. I prefer the studio version myself though it is interesting to see him play live. This was one of my favorite songs on radio back in them days! Thank you!
I know it's the instrumental tour de forces that people think of as the high points of Eric's career but it's songs like "Friends" and "Desert Rose" that resonate most with me.
Why have I not heard of this Brilliant musician ? Until right now !! 😨 And he's been around since the 80s? I've always thought I was very well rounded in my music !!! Apparently NOT! WOW !!! Better late than never !! 🎸👍🤙
Unless you live in Texas, it is extremely rare to see or hear him on radio or tv; his two main TV appearances of his entire career were in his hometown Austin at Austin City Limits when PBS was far better in programming than today. His popularity has been practically all word of mouth with relentless concert tours. Even now well into his 60s, Eric is still playing complex sets on respectably long touring schedules making new music consistently. He is a legend and the press rarely mentions his band which is an absolute blight to the rock and blues world while he is highly known in the jazz world which already is not appreciated whatsoever in the press. Still, happy to see people eventually get to hear Eric Johnson as you have to enjoy. See Eric Johnson in concert, even if you must travel, at your soonest possibility as he is getting older to still tour hard across North America.
Unbelievable! Eric was absolutely on FIRE in this show! Best tone and vocal of any show and the entire band is just so tight here! The young gun legend EJ in his prime right there.
One of my top five favorite albums of all time and the one I probably listen to more than any other. Funny thing is I hated this album at first. So you never know.
Out of all the current guitar gods, Eric Johnson definitely has the best singing voice.
EJ has always been to me like Alex Lifeson plus singing. Lifeson does a few things better on the guitar, and EJ has that pretty tone and feel. Always wondered if Alex noticed EJ and vice versa. 2 of my favorites.
@@Greg-io1ipAs a Rush fan I find Alex Lifeson to be terribly underrated but to be honest he has nothing to teach EJ guitar wise.
@@Youtubax We can agree to disagree. I'll always have SRV as my 'most talented guitarist', but overall catalog of skilled compositions with such a wide range: Alex Lifeson has to be my #1. Saw him live a few times, and SRV live MANY MANY TIMES, Townsend, Iommi, Page, Van Halen, Randy Rhodes etc etc and yes, Eric Johnson live as well. Alex Lifeson is similar to EJ in concert during a lot of his performance, fairly stationary on the intricate compositions. But he definitely cuts loose on lots of intricate riffs and pieces as well. EJ is more of a studio talent to me, but he's amazing. I just know SRV was like nothing else and his collaboration with Eric Johnson was broadening his range. He would have surpassed everyone as he ventured to jazz and prog. Same with Hendrix. SRV was just another level.
But I feel the same about Alex vs Eric. Alex Lifeson can play his compositions in concert. Page flubs over a lot, so do most big name guitarists. Santana and Mark Knoffler (Dire Straits) could play their music without cheats as well. David Gilmour and Roger Waters (& Wright) were amazing as well. I tend to gravitate to actual musicians like Eric Johnson. I credit Eric Johnson's virtuosity with my appreciation for both Rush and SRV, as they were all in their prime simultaneously and really accentuated each other in a 'mix tape' listening session.
Listen to Alex's cheesy 'Necromancer', well, Neil Peart's idea ... But Alex's guitar on that. I don't think EJ has those riffs inside of him. He's more techno and uplifting. Alex is both dark and a visionary in his compositions; more complex. That's my take.
But I dig EJ.
Hard to imagine that he was 29 then. Looks 17, maybe. Anyway, I first saw EJ at a club called Redux in Dallas in the summer of 86, and this was the first song he played. Blew my 18 year old socks off. Completely changed my expectations of how live music was supposed to be, and since then, rarely have I been impressed by anyone other than Eric. Saw hi at the Allen Blues Festival last Saturday. Amazing as always.
Brian Heavner tears for fears sowing the seed of love your in california beautiful
Tour *
Best live acts I've seen are Rush, Blood Sweat and Tears, SRV and EJ. Lyle Lovett was also a really surprisingly excellent live band. Always have respect for Eric Johnson. Truly the best guitarist not getting national attention his whole career. Just a nice guy with amazing talent not narcissistic enough perhaps LoL! If I could play like that I'd be swaggering all over the place.
saw him 9 mos. earlier to this at Bronco Bowl / Dallas opening for SRV .. guitar wars
ERIC , this song will outlast pyramids , thank you , your music improves my life Live long and prosper ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Eric is highly addictive
Be very careful
Beautiful live performance of a beautiful song. EJ ripping! That's a hard song to pull off live. Great 3 piece band!!
Melody, groove and tone all come together in such a beautiful way with EJ's songs! This performance is on fire, makes you wanna move.
Why doesnt Mr.Johnson Sing more? He has a amazing voice
If I had to guess, a mix of insecurity and slight technical struggles. He occasionally fluffs notes and seems to hurt himself slightly straining at notes. I bet part of it is how god damn loud his amps are. If you notice, most of the songs where he sings, the dynamics are way quiet when he sings, probably for the sake of his voice.
If you notice older musicians like Billy Joel and Elton John, their voices have dropped significantly over the years. My guess is that Eric’s voice probably dropped some and he probably enjoys playing his songs in a particular key and not having to transpose them down a few steps.
He has said he doesn’t like his voice. I’ve never met anyone as humble as Eric Johnson. So talented, no swagger. ❤
I remember when this song came out on the Tones album O' so many moons ago. I first heard it on WPLR out of New Haven, Connecticut. What an excellent radio station that was back in them days, never knew what cool song you were going to hear next. I prefer the studio version myself though it is interesting to see him play live. This was one of my favorite songs on radio back in them days! Thank you!
His voice is wonderful and this is one of my fave songs of his!
Wow, 40 Years ago. He's been Jammin a long time.
Best lead tone ever created, period!
Word...!!!
I know it's the instrumental tour de forces that people think of as the high points of Eric's career but it's songs like "Friends" and "Desert Rose" that resonate most with me.
Such command of the instrument. He makes it look effortless. While singing, managing pedals and guitar volume/trem. Damn
Why have I not heard of this Brilliant musician ? Until right now !! 😨 And he's been around since the 80s? I've always thought I was very well rounded in my music !!!
Apparently NOT! WOW !!! Better late than never !! 🎸👍🤙
Since the early 70's. See ua-cam.com/video/-LLW9jhS3jc/v-deo.html solo at around 4 minutes in & ua-cam.com/video/-LLW9jhS3jc/v-deo.html
Unless you live in Texas, it is extremely rare to see or hear him on radio or tv; his two main TV appearances of his entire career were in his hometown Austin at Austin City Limits when PBS was far better in programming than today. His popularity has been practically all word of mouth with relentless concert tours. Even now well into his 60s, Eric is still playing complex sets on respectably long touring schedules making new music consistently. He is a legend and the press rarely mentions his band which is an absolute blight to the rock and blues world while he is highly known in the jazz world which already is not appreciated whatsoever in the press. Still, happy to see people eventually get to hear Eric Johnson as you have to enjoy. See Eric Johnson in concert, even if you must travel, at your soonest possibility as he is getting older to still tour hard across North America.
Same here.......wtf.....didn't know his name but did know his music. New fave
Unbelievable! Eric was absolutely on FIRE in this show! Best tone and vocal of any show and the entire band is just so tight here! The young gun legend EJ in his prime right there.
Amazing ERIC JOHNSON his voice and guitar tone is unique
This is such a good album! From such a nice guitarist the dude is actually very nice! Thank you Eric!
And he does that live!
THE master
Absolutely incredible!
Wow, i can't stop replaying 4:22 to 4:30
I would agree but extend to 4:40
Such a monstrous musician - even back then.
Queria pelo menos 1% desse talento, mostro!
August 17 HBD ME LIVE ERIC !🎊🎉🎈🎇🎆🍹🍻🥂🥃🎂🎁🎁🎁🎁
This is as good as handcrafted music can get... damn.
Pure awesome
One of my top five favorite albums of all time and the one I probably listen to more than any other. Funny thing is I hated this album at first. So you never know.
great quality.
I'd say he has many more songs with lyrics than instrumentals, overall...
Check out those Dietz cabinets. LOL That brings back memories
Excepcional Music,Voice Play love it
After school on stage...
anybody here say ej at the marquee in london 91 - epic concert
I think he hatched fully-formed.
0:29
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
My goodness Eric What chord are you playing at 1:53?
Hendrix would be impressed and Clapton isn't in his league. Stevie Vaughan was just blues. Johnson blows them all away
Agreed...
Hey this is the real Eric Johnson - how are you doin bro?
Nobody played the Strat better.
Who's the bassist?
Jonathan Quach rob alexander
i think its tommy taylor
hendrix
Rob Alexander...great bass and a great guy
Why is everyone saying different people
Genius. Btw he looks better there with short hair
No wayy
若ｗ
A bit of Mahavishnu, eh!?