New Eric Johnson DVD available, tour coming in January

ERIC JOHNSON ANNOUNCES TOUR DATES FOR JANUARY 2009 – NEW DVD, ‘ANAHEIM,’ AVAILABLE NOW!

November 11th saw the release of an exceptional live DVD release from guitarist Eric Johnson, ‘Anaheim’ (on Vanguard Records), which documented a red-hot show from May 3, 2006 (filmed in – you guessed it – Anaheim, CA at the Grove). In addition to fine readings of such classics as “Cliffs of Dover,” “Little Bit Me Little Bit You,” “SRV,” and “Summer Jam,” there is also three bonus acoustic guitar and piano performances included, as well as a one-on-one interview with the man himself. Johnson has also he just announced four California live dates in January. These shows will certainly be of interest to longtime fans, as it will be the first live shows Johnson is playing with bassist Kyle Brock and drummer Tommy Taylor (both of whom appeared on the Johnson classics ‘Ah Via Musicom’ and ‘Venus Isle’) since 1995.


Recently, Johnson wrapped up touring as part of the Experience Hendrix U.S. tour, which saw such guitar heroes as Buddy Guy, Brad Whitford, and Jonny Lang (among others) jam on Jimi Hendrix classics, with the aid of two musicians who had backed Jimi on record and on stage – bassist Billy Cox and drummer Mitch Mitchell.

In a New York Times review, writer Nate Chinen had nothing but praise for Johnson’s playing when the tour rolled into NYC’s Hammerstein Ballroom. “During the first half, Eric Johnson confirmed his reputation for technical wizardry on back-to-back versions of ‘Bold as Love’ and ‘Are You Experienced,’ precisely etching some phrases and artfully smearing others. In a rewarding contrast, he also teamed up with the Memphis blues guitarist Eric Gales for ‘May This Be Love,’ a dreamlike ballad based on a melodic drone.”

Sadly, this would prove to be Mitchell’s last-ever tour, as he passed away shortly after the tour concluded. Speaking to Rolling Stone Magazine, Johnson offered praise for Mitchell’s drumming style. “Mitch gave Jimi’s music a swing.

[The song ‘Manic Depression’] is in ¾ time, like a waltz, but he plays it with a fierceness. The part he plays – dragging the beat with his left and riding the cymbal with his right – is as important as the beautiful things Hendrix is doing.”

Additionally, in a recent USA Today article on country picker Brad Paisley, Paisley selected Johnson as one of his chief guitar influences, and explained why Johnson is one of his favorite players. “Guitar Player had several articles about this guy who had this crazy quest for the best thick rock guitar tone. He focuses so much on melody, in spite of his amazing chops and his ability to fly up the fretboard. He’s always looking for unique places to go.”

“I want to open up and dilate and be the best I can be,” explains Johnson. “The most important thing for me is to grow musically and make a more expansive and meaningful artistic statement.” This kind of commitment to musicality is precisely what sets guitar hero Eric Johnson apart from the rest of the pack. In addition to the aforementioned projects, Johnson is also knee-deep in recording the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2005 studio effort, ‘Bloom,’ while an Eric Johnson Fender Signature Stratocaster guitar will be unveiled in 2009 (with rosewood neck and new colors). Without a doubt, 2009 is shaping up to a most memorable year for both Johnson and his legion of admirers.

JANUARY TOUR DATES [With Kyle Brock and Tommy Taylor]:
Jan-10 El Paso, Texas Take 2
Jan-12 Exeter, California Orange Blossom Junction
Jan-14 San Juan Capistrano, CA The Coach House
Jan-15 Redondo Beach, CA Brixton
Jan-16 Anaheim, California NAMM Convention
Jan-17 Agoura Hills, CA The Canyon Theater
Jan-18 San Diego, CA House Of Blues
Jan-20 Tucson, Arizona The Rialto Theater

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
www.ericjohnson.com