The Guitar Channel

Winter NAMM 2012: Day Two

Things seriously picked up on day two of the 2012 Winter NAMM show. More attendees, more celebs, more everything it seemed. Tons of great players made appeances, including Guthrie Govan, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, and others. On the gear front, I saw lots of interesting stuff, but was particularly taken with the boutique stomp box company Jam Pedals. Based out of Athens Greece, all of their pedals are analog, hand made and hand painted, with some of the most unique designs I've ever seen - no two pedals look exactly alike. And they sound great too; from the demos I heard, the Delay Llama really stood out, as did the Rattler distortion box. Very cool stuff.

New for 2012, the Ibanez AM73B was my favorite guitar of the day. It plays like a dream, and the flat red and tobacco finishes both look great. Plus, this thing is a steal at only $523 retail. Looks like a really cool choice for a not-quite-straight-ahead jazz guitar.

After a long day at the show, I headed to Alva's in San Pedro to see OHM and Polcat. Both sets were fantastic; look for a separate post with pics later. On to day three!

More pics from NAMM 2012 Day Two:

Eric Johnson 2012 Tour Dates

Here is the latest list of 2012 tour dates for guitarist Eric Johnson.

2012 Up Close Tour (with Chris Maresh - Bass, and Wayne Salzmann - Drums)

Jan-04  Wed     Foxborough, MA     Showcase Live
Jan-05  Thu      Bay Shore, NY     Boulton Center
Jan-06  Fri        New York, NY     BB King's
Jan-07  Sat     Phoenixville, PA     Colonial Theatre
Jan-08  Sun     Alexandria, VA     Birchmere
Jan-10  Tue     Baltimore, MD     Soundstage
Jan-11  Wed      Ferndale, MI     The Magic Bag
Jan-12  Thu     Chicago, IL     House Of Blues
Jan-13  Fri     St Louis, MO     Old Rock House
Jan-14  Sat     Columbia, MO     The Blue Note
Jan-18  Wed     Anaheim, CA House Of Blues
Jan-19  Thu    W. Hollywood, CA     House Of Blues
Jan-21  Sat     Visalia, CA     Fox Theatre
Jan-22  Sun     San Diego, CA     House Of Blues
Jan-25  Wed     San Francisco, CA     Slim's
Jan-26  Thu     Napa, CA     Opera House
Jan-27  Fri     Modesto, CA     State Theatre
Jan-28  Sat     T.B.A.
Jan-29  Sun     Phoenix, AZ    Compound Grill

2012 Experience Hendrix Tour

Mar-14  Wed     Hollywood, FL     Seminole Hard Rock
Mar-15  Thu     Clearwater, FL     Ruth Eckerd Hall
Mar-16  Fri     Saint Augustine, FL   Saint Augustine Amphitheatre
Mar-17  Sat      Orange Beach, AL  Warf Amphitheatre
Mar-22  Thu     Houston, TX      Arena Theater
Mar-23  Fri     Thackerville, OK     Winstar Casino
Mar-24  Sat     Austin, TX     Moody Theater

Current Listening (and Viewing)

Here is some of the great new music I've been digging lately.

 

The Aristocrats

Incredible rock fusion disc with Guthrie Govan on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums. Killer writing, tones and playing.

Oz Noy - Twisted Blues Volume 1

Noy's bluesiest album to date has an amazing lineup that includes Vinnie Colaiuta, Eric Johnson, and other heavyweights. Noy's playing and tones are amazing. Releasing November 19th.

Derek Sherinian - Oceana

Arguably Sherinian's best solo album yet. Has a similar vibe to his 1999 debut, with strong shades of Jeff Beck's early fusion work. As always, the prog keyboard maestro brings along an impressive cast. Includes Steve Lukather, Tony MacAlpine, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Stevens, and others.

Jeff Richman & Chatterbox - The Line Up

Richman returns with Chatterbox for more jammy west coast jazz. Has a looser vibe than his solo releases.

Jarle H. Olsen - Quadrasonic

Super intricate prog metal with insane chops. Includes Alex Argento on keys.

Abstract Logix Live - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 DVD

I may be a bit biased here since I conducted the interviews for this 2-DVD set, but this is a killer collection of live jazz rock fusion. A great documentation of Abstract Logix's groundbreaking 2010 festival. Includes John McLaughlin (with Zakir Hussain), Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Human Element, Ranjit Barot, and others.

Oz Noy's "Twisted Blues Volume 1" to be released November 19th

PRESS RELEASE

New York based plectorist extraordinaire Oz Noy makes his Abstract Logix debut with Twisted Blues, his most eclectic album to date that displays his signature guitar sounds as well as for the first time showcases his profound love of blues, featuring Chris Layton and Reese Wynans of the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughn Band.

Oz is a chopsmeister of the highest order with a wealth of weapons in his trick bag. A master manipulator of tones and effects, he can deftly switch from lacerating single note work to Leslie-imbued organ stylings (a la Charlie Hunter) to jaw-dropping wah-wah-inflected lines…sometimes within the same song (as he does so nonchalantly on the scintillating title track). And while he emigrated to New York City in 1996 from his native Israel, you’d swear he had a lengthy stopover in New Orleans by the sound of his authentic second line groover “Oh Really” featuring Allen Toussaint and his interpretation of The Meters’ funk anthem, “Cissy Strut.”

There’s a touch of Stevie Ray Vaughan in his shuffling “Whole Tone Blues” and the tough “Steroids,” and he brings a Hendrix-meets-Ry Cooder sensibility to his luminous ballad “You Are The State” with the help of Eric Johnson on second guitar. A fan of Thelonious Monk, Oz turns in highly impressionistic versions of the floating “Light Blue” and the chops-busting “Trinkle Tinkle,” the latter performed with unrelenting aggression as an uptempo Texas shuffle. And he strikes a calming accord on the soulful, “Two Centers,” which may remind SRV fans of Stevie’s “Riviera Paradise.” Like the title of a great Wes Montgomery album on Riverside from 1961, this stellar outing features So Much Guitar!

Twisted Blues which was recorded in one part in Austin featured the legendary Eric Johnson on guitar, Chris Layton on drums, Roscoe Beck on bass, Reese Wynans on the organ. The New York Sessions featured the amazing Vinnie Colaiuta and Anton Fig on drums, Will Lee on Bass, John Medeski and Jerry Z on organ, Allen Toussaint on the piano and Ralph McDonald on percussion. a stellar line up!

--------------------------------------------

Oz Noy - Twisted Blues Volume 1 (Abstract Logix)

Release date: November 19th, 2011

Tracklisting:

1. Twisted Blues
2. Oh Really?
3. You Are The State
4. Whole Tone Blues
5. Cissy Strut
6. Light Blue
7. Steroids
8. Two Centers
9. Trinkle Tinkle

Video: Eric Johnson Rig Rundown for Premier Guitar

Eric Johnson shows off his gear for Premier Guitar.

Great Interviews with Eric Johnson and Brett Garsed in The Sound Guitar Magazine

The current issue of The Sound Guitar Magazine is particularly good. Included are great interviews with Eric Johnson, Brett Garsed, and others. Check it out.

The Sound Guitar Magazine: Volume 10

Eric Johnson - Up Close 2011 Tour Promo Video

Promo video for Eric Johnson's 2011 Up Close Tour.

via Truth In Shredding

Eric Johnson Summer US Tour Dates

Dates and venues for Eric Johnson's Up Close Summer US Tour. I'll post more info as it becomes available.

Update 6/11/11 - Here is the official press release for the Up Close tour:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

ERIC JOHNSON TO LAUNCH 'UP CLOSE' SUMMER TOUR

 

Since the 1980's, Eric Johnson has been one of the most critically acclaimed rock guitarists, as evidenced by the success of such releases as 'Ah Via Musicom,' 'Venus Isle,' and his latest offering, 'Up Close.' And soon, Johnson will be launching his summer tour to continue support of his latest album, fresh off of appearances on the West Coast Experience Hendrix Tour, as well as teaming up with Anton Fig and Will Lee of Late Night fame for a rousing rare performance at New York City's P.C. Richards and Sons Theatre.

 

From July 7^th through August 20^th, Johnson will be touring the USA from coast to coast as a headliner, as well as joining forces with fellow guitar great Steve Miller for shows at the Sleep Country Amphitheater in Clark County, Washington on July 17th and the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, on August 7^th. He will also join the legendary Buddy Guy on July 21 in Omaha, Nebraska at the Red Sky Music Festival.

 

Also recently released was a vinyl version of 'Up Close,' issued on 180 gram vinyl, and housed in a beautiful special double LP gatefold package with printed sleeves. Additionally, 'Up Close' was remastered specially for this vinyl release by Jim Wilson.

 

A long time in the making , 'Up Close' has received rave reviews. All Music Guide pointed out that "[Johnson] continues to find interesting ways to hone his specific craft on 'Up Close'," while Premier Guitar Magazine raved "Johnson has created another worthy addition to his already legendary catalog." Also, it shouldn't be overlooked that 'Up Close' features an impressive list of special guests (Sonny Landreth, Steve Miller, Jimmie Vaughan, and Jonny Lang).

 

Speaking to M Music Magazine, Eric had the following to say about what his goals were for 'Up Close.' "To find new ways of doing things. We’re all the sum of our history. After a while, we start to create certain patterns in what we do. I wanted to break some of that repetition. If you keep to the same format, the vibe stays the same, even though the music might change. If you want to grow, you have to break down walls and find ways to work that are different from the past."

 

Additionally, Johnson graced the cover of this year's March issue of Guitar Player Magazine, was recently named Guitar International's "Guitarist of the Year," and has won an unprecedented 33 awards at the Austin Music Awards since 1982, including taking home "Best Electric Guitar," "Best Acoustic Guitar," and "Best Instrumental Band" awards at this year's ceremony.

 

Johnson has long been considered one of rock's most talented six-string players, as evidenced by his aforementioned platinum-certified 1990 release, 'Ah Via Musicom," its hit single "Cliffs of Dover," as well as a Grammy Award win for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" in 1991. The song also recently was introduced to a whole new generation of rock fans, when it was featured in the hit videogame, 'Guitar Hero.'

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

 

www.ericjohnson.com

ERIC JOHNSON TOUR DATES [WITH ADDITIONAL DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED]:

Jul-07 Thu Tempe, AZ  The Marquee

Jul-08 Fri Tucson, AZ  Rialto Theatre

Jul-09 Sat San Diego, CA   Anthology

Jul-10 Sun Agoura Hills, CA  Canyon Club

Jul-12 Tue Sacramento, CA  Harlow’s

Jul-13 Wed Redondo Beach, CA  Brixton

Jul-14 Thu Santa Ana, CA  Galaxy Theater

Jul-15 Fri Livermore, CA   Bankhead Theater

Jul-16 Sat Grants Pass, OR  Rogue Theatre

Jul-17 Sun Clark County, WA  Sleep Country

Jul-19 Tue Seattle, WA  Triple Door

Jul-21 Thu Omaha, NE  Red Sky Music Fest

Jul-22 Fri Denver, CO  Bluebird Theater

Aug-02 Tue St Louis, MO  Old Rock House

Aug-04 Thu Minneapolis, MN   Varsity Theatre

Aug-05 Fri Milwaukee, WI  Pabst Theater

Aug-06 Sat Cleveland, OH  Beachland Ballroom

Aug-07 Sun Clarkston, MI   DTE Energy

Aug-09 Tue Alexandria, VA  Birchmere

Aug-10 Wed New York, NY  BB King's

Aug-11 Thu Londonberry, NH  Tupelo

Aug-12 Fri Foxborough, MA  Showcase Live

Aug-13 Sat Poughkeepsie, NY  The Chance

Aug-14 Sun Sellersville, PA  Sellersville Theater

 

Eric Johnson Interview for NPR

NPR Music has a new audio interview up with Eric Johnson. Johnson discusses his new album Up Close.

NPR - Eric Johnson: Up Close With A Guitar Virtuoso

Three-Part Eric Johnson Video Interview for Musician's Friend

Spotted this on Truth In Shredding: Great three-part Musician's Friend interview with Eric Johnson regarding his new album Up Close.

Eric Johnson Interview - Up Close at Saucer Studios - Part 1

Eric Johnson Interview - Songs From Up Close Album - Part 2

Eric Johnson Interview - Guitars Amp Effects On Up Close Album - Part 3

Eric Johnson Discusses "Up Close" with Guitar International

Writer / photographer Rob Cavuoto has a new interview up with Eric Johnson at Guitar International. Johnson discusses his new album Up Close, and more.

Guitar International - Eric Johnson: The Up Close Interview

Video: Eric Johnson Discusses His Jimi Hendrix Experience Tour Gear

Cool video from MusicRadar.com. Eric Johnson gives a run down of his Jimi Hendrix Experience Tour gear.