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Eric Johnson: Ah Via Musicom

by Larry

was listening to my iTouch, in shuffle mode, today and came across an old friend.  It was Eric Johnson’s “Ah Via Musicom.”  That’s what I love about having all these songs on my iTouch.  It’s the ability to mix it up and stumble on  songs that I haven’t listened to for quite a while.  Anyway, time sure does fly and I find it hard to believe that this CD was released almost 18 years ago.  A must have then and a must have now.

Highlights:

  • Cliffs of Dover:  The best song on the CD and probably the most recognizable.  Fast runs, great phrasing and that incredible violin like tone sets the stage for a terrific listening experience.  When I was in High School, I learned how to play the into to this and it wasn’t too bad.  If you asked me to play it now, I am afraid how much damage I would do to myself and to your ears.
  • High Landrons:  A great guitar song where Eric throws lick after lick and there never seems to be a place to rest until the end.
  • Trademark:  A smooth, easy listening song where Eric doesn’t show too much flash but the phrasing and tone is incredible.  The song features great bass lines provided by Kyle Brock and I find myself listening to him instead of EJ.
  • Song For George:  His only acoustic song and once again, not too flashy but great phrasing and use of the occasional harmonics.  I have a bit of a soft spot for this song because it was the song that I played on my first solo performance in a High School talent show.

About 18 years ago, my brother handed me a tape of “Ah Via Musicom” and he told me that I had to listen to it, a must listen.  Now I’m doing the same to you.  If you play guitar or a fan of great guitar, get it!

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2 comments

Robin Easton September 4, 2008 - 2:24 pm

I bet my sweetheart knows his music. I am going to ask him. He probably even has it on cassette or CD. Probably cassette. Because I lived so remote a good portion of my adult life I don’t know even half of the music most people know. But he is REALLY into music like you and puts it on his MP3 player, and has more CDs and old cassettes that you could poke a stick at. I hope sometime when I am not working 12 to 16 hour days I can listen to more it. These are cool posts when you let us know what is good music. I’ve liked every one so far. 🙂 🙂

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Larry September 5, 2008 - 5:11 pm

Thanks Robin for reading my posts and I’m glad you enjoy them. Can’t wait to hear from you next time.

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