Eric Johnson - Cliffs Of Dover | REACTION

My Merch jamel-aka-jamal-youtube-store...

[@jamelakajamal]

‘JUST BE A GOOD HUMAN’ Shirts and More, Enter Promo code ‘Jamel’ jamel-aka-jamal-youtube-store.creator-spring.com

[@mikeshoe74]

This was a nice treat. This is one of my personal favorite guitar solos, and it's been a while since I heard it. Merry Christmas to you and all yours!!

[@richeaton7436]

Two Masters
Sonny Landreth & Eric Johnson Milky Way Home
th-cam.com/video/1K5a8cSp8b8/w-d-xo.html
Got Slide?

[@jamesreding6336]

Merry Christmas too all and happy holidays to and peace too every one

[@tjhorne82]

Check out his song "Manhattan"

[@unsearchablethings8167]

Thanks for putting up some EJ.

[@JVMultiProds]

His guitar tone has been called "the 800 lb violin." I think it's one of the most identifiable, most unique guitar tones ever, and his technique is legendary.

[@scampa1408]

first time I heard EJ i didn't even know it. he played the lead on Christopher Cross' song Minstral Gigolo. I had bought the CC 45 of Ride Like the Wind and Minstral was the B side. wasn't until I heard this album that i had that moment where i had heard this guitar sound before. luckily someone else had pointed it out and i went back to listen to Minstral again. and it's a fairly long solo too.

[@robertbordevik5072]

Yes!💯

[@TheMikeharris7]

@@scampa1408 he and Christopher are good friends along with Van Wilks. :) All Austin guys.

[@ratfacedudeguy_]

Just the way that his descending cascading pentatonic runs pick up speed and momentum like a mudslides rolling down a steep hillside is so inimitable and unique to his style it's seriously nearly enough to bring me to my knees in tears, just for the pure majesty of it all

[@Buasop]

More like an 800 lb gorilla

[@RobinRajamoosh]

That main riff always gives me goosebumps and makes my eyes all watery. So much heart and soul in this song.

[@daviddevoe3267]

Same with me

[@BillKrayer12thMan]

Ditto.I just discovered Sophie Burrell covering this while looking for the original since I hadn't heard it in ages; believe you me, she *slays* it!!(and she's not hard to look at either!)

[@thatcomicdad1687]

I bought that cd( hey I'm 53) when it came out! I have lost track of how many times I have played it from start to finish. Nothing but great songs the whole album!

[@JohnMiller-jd5dj]

❤❤❤😂 please go down and rabbit hole bro you will enjoy it I promise it's not just one good song peace man enjoy😅😮

[@JohnMiller-jd5dj]

You're going to like it keep going down the Rabbit Hole you won't be disappointed

[@frankjaegervandlarssen6657]

Eric Johnson was the opening act for Rush back in 91. Alex loved Eric’s playing so much that he gave him one of his guitars.

[@theonerod1]

Yep. Saw him in St. Louis opening the show. Amazing night!

[@randybanker9996]

Saw him in Rochester and became a fan for life.

[@NoName-fx9zi]

I never would've heard of Eric Johnson if not for that tour....Roll The Bones!!!

[@puppetmaster8551]

Eric Johnson and Alec both rule. Anyway Sounds kinda like when Van halen brought Alice In Chains to open for them when they were breaking onto the scene, Cantrell got back from the tour and EVH just sent him like a shit ton of equipment and gave him multiple guitars. The next part isn’t that relevant but still cool, Cantrell got one of the guitars stolen and a fan found the guitar online 20 years after it was stolen and got it and returned it to Cantrell.

[@Dustin2112]

Rush's "Where's My Thing" lost the Grammy to Johnson's "Cliffs of Dover" for best instrumental in 1992.

[@KyleS3m3noff]

When people talk about underrated guitarists, THIS is the one, singular person EVERYBODY should be talking about.

[@russellward4624]

Underrated by the general public because he doesn't play top 40 music. But by guitarists and music people, they know the score.

[@JRcomments]

Buckethead is another.

[@cecilkeebler4254]

@@russellward4624 Exactly, when he hit it back in the 80s this song got a bit of airplay for sure. Eric was also in all of the Guitar magazines etc.

[@russellward4624]

@@cecilkeebler4254 guitar music would get play then. A lot of the top 40 was metal. Guitar music doesn't get any airplay now. Its all x factor trash.

[@Wolverines77]

Yet, here he is on TH-cam with a damned fine band... DO YOU EVEN KNOW THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD. He is UNDERAPPRECIATED, NO WHERE NEAR UNDERRATED...

[@jasonremy1627]

One of the greatest guitar performances ever. This is an absolute classic.

[@segaboy9894]

Really? I love this song (it's one of my favorites), but there are an incredible amount of errors.

[@howdydoughty7634]

@@segaboy9894 isn’t that what makes us humans? To me it adds more to the song.

[@javi5810]

This performance has to be one of my favorite guitar tones

[@javi5810]

@@segaboy9894 isn’t it his song? Lmao there’s no right way for him to ply his own song

[@bwalla50]

Yep, one of the great guitar instrumentals of all time. Eric is one of the tastiest players alive.

[@krissmith1986]

Some guitarists miss some notes while playing live. Eric Johnson plays extra notes, making it sound even better than the original, and he still seems like he's holding back. So much energy in such a calm person.

[@krissmith1986]

Hahaha, then you use the word calm to describe him as well.

[@jhnstn1]

You need to check out Monte Montgomery for players who play notes you swear arent there.

[@qhl5579]

Agreed, so great to hear...

[@thatsmyassbrostop]

He messed up a few times

[@breakdancinfool]

What? Eh?

[@psych0CS2]

Eric Johnson has one of the greatest techniques i have ever seen for playing guitar. His harmonics are always perfect, and his hybrid picking is incredible. Not to mention the tone that he gets. Especially in this performance, the guitar tone he uses is perfect and to top it off he uses a little bit of delay

[@DJHolte]

This song won a Grammy Award. And it's one of the rare rock guitar instrumentals (speaking of the modern era, at least) to have gotten radio airplay.

[@jamesfetcho6315]

Guitar Instrumentals where all over the radio during the late 80s early 90s. Same time as this one was. 👍

[@patcarroll8292]

Hey, they used "Surfing with the Alien" alot...uhh for traffic reports

[@MetalMcfly]

@@jamesfetcho6315 You are correct. I vividly remember this song along with:
Steve Vai - The Audience is Listening
Gary Hoey - Hocus Pocus
Joe Satriani - Summer Song
George Lynch - Mr. Scary
and a few others getting massive airplay on 98 Rock in Baltimore during the years they were released. Guitar Instrumentals were always a part of mainstream radio.

[@jamesfetcho6315]

@@MetalMcfly Exactly. I just think people tend 2 forget. 🤷‍♂️

[@MetalMcfly]

@@jamesfetcho6315 It happens, then again we are a dying breed. We are getting old my friend lol

[@kevztunz]

Eric Johnson sets himself apart with his tone, extremely clean and fast playing that doesn’t rely on “shredder” cliches and tricks, an incredible sense of melody. He also chooses very interesting notes; notes that are in the key he is playing, but not necessarily part of the chord underneath. This creates all kinds of tension and release in his melodies and phrasing. I love him!

[@scottlecomte6511]

100% agree

[@keithmyers6121]

Yep!

[@ricardofernandez1347]

So well stated. A master! Seen him 3x’s never disappointed. Beautiful tones all the time!

[@kylesmith9048]

Exactly. There’s psychology involved in writing music. A good composer writes each note with a purpose, to follow, introduce, develop, or contrast other notes, which all comes together to evoke an emotional response from the listener. There’s a difference many people fail to see between someone who can play an instrument (even if they’re really good at the instrument) and someone who is a true musician. The latter being able to arouse emotion in the listener and tell a story with their music to a much greater extent.

[@RobertMJohnson]

it's time (long overdue) that we start identifying EJ as one of the 8 best rock guitarists all time.

[@w4ization]

THIS, Ladies and Gentlemen is THE greatest guitar instrumental OF ALL TIME. There are good guitarists, there are great ones, then there are absolute virtuosos. Then there's Eric Johnson.

[@wcydiiwii]

It's definitely on my top 10! So far my absolute favorite is Tender Surrender by Steve Vai, have you checked it out? th-cam.com/video/Yw74sDWPH7U/w-d-xo.html

[@davidshattock9522]

@@wcydiiwii I see the lessons were of some use then???!seriously though proper grown ups music .

[@gwwasham]

Hard to argue with you, my friend.

[@YouTubecanbitemyhairybanger]

What you've just heard is quite possibly the greatest live guitar tone ever... so clear and warm just amazing

[@Rock_Snob]

Jamel,
Back in the early 1980’s there were 2 young guitarist topping the scene in Austin Texas…
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Johnson… Friends, but competitors with shitloads of talent!
Blessed to see them both in the early 80’s.

[@whalewoman813]

Aren't we the lucky ones? I saw SRV twice, I miss him so

[@tomfabozzi6309]

Hard to believe that two otherworldly talents like them emerged at the same time, in the same place! Privileged to have seen both of them

[@codjh9]

I saw them a couple of times each in Austin in the 80's as well. Love them both. RIP, Stevie.

[@deanbenton70]

@@tomfabozzi6309 I wish I'd seen srv . Js

[@mauijaystar]

It was a glorious time. Saw Eric more than SRV, but both of them enough to feel blessed beyond belief.

[@MarktheAirsoftPrimate]

One of the Eric Johnson has one of the best, and prettiest, guitar tones ever.

[@agony664]

Flawless

[@kgunitkeese17]

He’s top 3 of my favourite guitar tones. No order but the other 2 are David Gilmour and Carlos Santana.

[@thefingerwitch]

When this hit…. It absolutely changed the game for us guitarists…. Tone…phrasing… melodic…. Technical…. Absolute class act…. If you know you know…. And now you do… His material will be around for years to come…. This was a LEGENDARY LEGENDARY performance…. And yes his vocals are exactly what you would expect after seeing that….. in his own class… one of the best. Period. Take care out there guys!!! 🙏🙏

[@ianedmonds9191]

Jesus Christ, the tone he achieves is unreal. Just amazing how clean and fast but soulful his playing is.
Absolute one off.
Luv and Peace.

[@matrix3509]

The best part about Cliffs of Dover is every recording of it is like listening to it for the first time again, since the first part of the song is improvised. Eric Johnson is a god of guitar.

[@TheArchangel911]

Guitar Hero introduced me to this masterpiece.

[@TheHeatherjane]

Same!

[@suerainey9250]

Yikes!

[@legolite45]

Same, after I got Guitar Hero 3 for Christmas I went to Borders and bought the cd of this live performance. Still one of my favorite guitar albums.

[@johnpflummsr2369]

Told you thanks for playing it stay groovy

[@talkswithdave]

Same. This was my absolute favorite song to play.

[@elibassplumbing3640]

Eric Johnson is undoubtedly one of the best guitar players I have ever seen in person. An incredible musician 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😊

[@bennygmooneyhan4907]

EJ is a master. Other guitar players always pay him props. And whenever he comes up in discussion, he's respected and well liked as a good person.

[@gabrielbotsford791]

That last part!!!

[@dusty3913]

Eric Johnson has a nice singing voice, and does sing on his records. What separates him from other guitarists is his guitar tone-as it does for other truly unique players. One other quality that distinguishes him-he is one of the “cleanest” players around, meaning every note comes out perfect.

[@ryangossett8211]

I have found his voice to be very thin and not impressive at all. I skip all of his songs that contain his vocals.

[@deanbenton70]

Kinda like mr. Gilmour unsurpassed guitar player, vocalist and singer .

[@DragAmiot]

No joke. This is like listening to guitar in high definition. Every note is perfect.

[@DocGliss]

Eric sings some, but he's known mostly for his brilliant guitar playing. He is scheduled to go on tour next year in the U.S. and I can't wait to see him again!

[@tomfabozzi6309]

He has a very good voice. He's an outrageously talented guitarist, and rightly gets most of the kudos for that. But he has a better vocal range and tone than a lot of famous "singers" who do only that. Was fortunate enough to see him just after his 1st album was released, supporting Blue Oyster Cult

[@Margar02]

Yes! We are going (lord willing and the creek don't rise...)

[@chuckrowland8362]

WOW thanks for the HEADS UP!

[@colegarcia-koehler9966]

Love him so much. When you hear the wrong notes you see him shake his head. Makes me feel more normal.

[@thatsamazin-]

I love Eric Johnson’s personality. He’s such a laid back humble guy.

[@Alex-bs4md]

Eric Johnson is too damn smooth, he plays so clean

[@panicandfreakout-]

yeah ain't that a bitch 🙂

[@finniganmcasscrackin373]

2 words for this song, beautiful masterpiece

[@Thomas116-m2n]

I remember this one as I was in college in the early 90s and I remember driving with the radio blasting in my old '73 Chevy Caprice coupe; I was full of dreams and youth...I heard it on the radio and didn't know the name until decades later online. In those days, you couldn't look it up online or Shazam it. When I described it, no one seemed to know what I was talking about. In my opinion, the song seems God-inspired.

[@johndboran]

Glad to see all the nice comments about EJ. We in Houston have known about him since the early 80's at a club called Rockefeller's. Small little place with killer acoustics. Every time he came to town virtually every guitar player in the city would be there (me included). The first time I saw him I was gigging in the Houston area and I was also teaching guitar. A local luthier named Rick Becker told me we had to go see this guy from Austin named Eric Johnson, he was supposed to be amazing. I didn't have a gig that night and it was only $8 so I went with Rick. I was so blown away that night, I decided to go to college and study Engineering. I'm not kidding... This guy was so damn good and I never even heard of the guy!!! What chance did I have? I was good and everything, but NOWHERE near this guy!! Not even in the same hemisphere!!! Take it from me and a thousand other guitar players, if you've never seen EJ in person, go to the show!!! It's WAY, WAY, WAY better than any video you'll see on TH-cam or anywhere else. I promise!!!!

[@rattan3793]

I think the word you're searching for when talking about Eric Johnson is FOCUS. Like when Neil Peart does a drum solo, he's always focused intently on what he's doing he rarely show's any emotion.

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@dougrobertson859]

In the early 90's I saw Eric Johnson open for Rush. I saw Eric Johnson play this song and Neil Peart do a drum solo at the same concert. Doesn't get much better.

[@brakemcgaughey5724]

@@dougrobertson859 dude. That is incredible.

[@jcb3393]

EJ was also an incredible perfectionist. I think he actually had to do some therapy for a while, because he was overly focused and overly self-critical. He eventually learned to let go and relax a bit.

[@ronnelson7828]

Eric Johnson does a cover of Jimi Hendrix's song "Are You Experienced" from the same Austin City Limits concert that this footage is from and it is outstanding. And yes, he does sing.

[@jonathanmcdonald9849]

Late 80's early 90's front row next to the stage. He is so smooth. His early music training was classical piano. He does sing. Bristol Shores, Desert Rose are a couple of his vocal tunes. Tommy Taylor is the drummer. Kyle Brock plays bass. They are fun to watch. You'll have to remind yourself to close your mouth. Great reaction. He's still around playing so if you get the chance to see him live, you should. He's one of the best.

[@maryscaggsdane1978]

❤❤❤ Dessert Rose

[@normawinton6832]

He is alot like Jeff Beck..saw him in concert and about an hour into it I was so overloaded I couldn't wait for him too finish lol.

[@pixofu01]

Desert Rose is an amazing song!

[@edreynolds3745]

Yeah; I had issues with keeping my mouth closed too.

[@ericjahoda2997]

The first time I ever heard this, I drove straight to Tower Records and bought the album.

[@edreynolds3745]

Eric called me one night, late and asked me if I'd come down to a studio where he was recording " ZAP" to deal with a guitar problem he was having.
My van would not start, so I loaded up my tools and went a few miles to the studio on my bicycle. I did a fret-mill on his guitar in the vocal booth. Your reaction, going to Tower records to buy his album right away was much like mine. Instantly addicted. There are not many musicians who have motivated me to go to those extremes, so I understand. AND; he's still a very positive person, all these years later.

[@jualdeaux]

I saw this when I went tot he first G3 tour with Eric Johnson, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. That was a lot of talent on one stage, especially when all three were on stage playing together.

[@bradcampbell1183]

I saw that tour as well. Absolutely amazing. Mind blowing.

[@tonyspaniol1966]

Eric Johnson is one of the most underrated guitarists out there

[@sammybeck7794]

This was recorded at Austin City Limits in Austin Texas, my hometown. This is where Eric Johnson is from as well. His guitar playing has been rated top-notch by guitarists such as Billy Gibbons and Joe Satriani just to name a couple

[@5Dmaxx]

I used to love City Limits. I saw many great bands there when I was stationed at Ft Hood. Maggie Mais also. So Awesome!

[@se2702]

I've met EJ several times and he is so kind and soft spoken. A very humble virtuoso.

[@acidrockpro]

Not going to lie, his playing is what he's known for. However he has a gorgeous voice that will rival most pop/boybands type vocals.

[@chuckstallman5]

Desert Rose is a prime example of this! Saw him live about 20 years ago and it was phenomenal! Cleanest guitar playing I've ever seen!

[@cherylreichardt]

Love to watch a guitar player's hands. Such a master with that instrument. Sounds fabulous!

[@ALD56]

I remember seeing this on Austin City Limits way back when, never having even heard of Eric Johnson before, and being just blown away in awe of his talent. Probably one of the greatest guitarists that very few know of.

[@hazor777]

You are correct when you say he seems like a very laid back , focused type of guy.
I met him after a show , one time, and had him sign my guitar - he was so chill, non self effacing, nice guy. Nearly all the interviews I've seen of him , he's just really calm, cool,collected - but that raging spirit comes out through the guitar and the amps. He is the quintessential musician's musician . I've seen him live several times, never a bad show.

[@skoon002]

I've had the pleasure of seeing Eric Johnson perform 3 times in my life. Most recently right before lockdown started in 2020. It was my oldest daughters first concert and her first time seeing live music that wasn't a symphony or a choir. She was blown away.
He is just as amazing now as he was when he filmed that Austin City Limits video you reacted to. An amazing musician. It's foolish to try to describe one guitarist as "the best" or "the GOAT", but he is one of the greatest guitarists living today.
I once heard Jeff Beck describe him as "tasty", that's as good a description as any. His playing is just tasty.

[@missyroades4533]

Eric Johnson is such a great artist!! I met him back in the 80's. He was amazing, and the nicest guy you could ever meet.

[@MattKrogmeier]

Eric Johnson plays such beautiful, clean tones. Playing guitar with a lot of distortion and overdrive can actually hide a lot of mistakes, but playing clean like that is what sets him above many other great players. Love this tune a lot!

[@rosesutton4424]

Now Eric Johnson is my favorite guitar player of all time... I already have purchased my ticket to see him in March of 2023 in Charlotte NC.. I can't wait to see him... Everyone knows what gift God gave him and I'm so glad he is sharing it with everyone else...

[@slugerknot]

Eric Johnson is one of those artisan guitarists who crafts a blend of styles into his own. Even during this famous performance he would say later on that his playing still isn't where he wanted it to be. He's a perfectionist and a master of his craft. He also wrote this song in about 5 minutes...

[@BlindRobotDragon]

No way! 5 minutes? That's just... whoa! I would've thought it took him days or weeks, or even months, but only 5 minutes? That genuinely just blew me away.

[@suzanneanderson6921]

Yes!!! Great guitarist. First heard him on KLBJ in Austin. I'm a huge fan. Thanks for the reaction.

[@Brutish1]

This song gives me shivers down my spine every time I hear it. Did when this album first came out (I wore the tape out). Does now. The album version was quite a bit shorter. All of the solo he did before the rest of the band joined in is "extra".

[@jeffmansfield914]

Yes, this performance especially always makes my eyes well up. Just beautiful. The composition itself is like Mozart cranked up and full of an extra boost of life. Makes me imagine flying over the ocean and up over the Cliffs of Dover.

[@nordvegfigg7746]

He is one of them most humble and laid back guys ever. I met him twice when he played in Toronto. He's quiet and soft spoken off-stage and on-stage. He lets his fingers do the talkin' for him. He loves to talk guitar, amps, effects and technique. What you see is what you get with Eric. A brilliant player.

[@JR-bj3uf]

My son has been playing guitar since he was 10 years old. He is really good. He went through his Clapton, Hendrix, Vaughn stages. Then he discovered Eric Johnson. He has been in the Eric Johnson stage for years.

[@stevisamoebis]

EJ is a legend. Great vocals on "Desert Rose" (and amazing soloing as well).

[@mauijaystar]

Desert Rose is a masterpiece. A true out of body experience, especially if you try to follow the solos.

[@superdave206_2]

As a 46 year old this was amazing to me as a kid and it still holds up! Appreciate you for sharing this 🙏

[@tja1374]

One of my favorite guitar solos, EVER.

[@soldat2501]

I was a beach cop in South Carolina when this came out. Hearing it play in the rock and roll bars of the mid 90’s is something I can never explain. I was king of the world for a brief time. I hope I helped all the humans around me live a better life.

[@drjoshuamc]

He has some other great instrumentals: trademark, Manhattan, Steve’s Boogie, Emerald eyes, SRV, Venus Isle.
Also, check out Joe Satriani, he’s another master with multiple amazing instrumentals.

[@TheInfurnos]

I second this , heard cliffs of dover , then discovered Satriani , changed the way I thought about guitar instrumentals. Later on I heard Jon Gomm do - Passionflower , changed what I thought was possible yet again.

[@philc2729]

@@TheInfurnos What about Stevie Ray Vaughn?

[@randypollock1412]

Christopher Cross sings background vocals on the song, ‘When the sun meets the sky’, a beautiful slower song that showcases Eric’s vocals on his 1996 CD.

[@jillsallade7168]

I did not know that at all. That is awesome.

[@IrishPizzaMan]

Saw him a couple of years ago at Sellersville theater PA. Small venue my wife really enjoyed the whole show!

[@goblinfoot]

I love watching Jamal's reactions because that's me too. This song is so amazing, man.

[@zackguitar07]

Glad to see you enjoying some Eric Johnson! This is definitely deserving of being included in the top live guitar solos list. I saw him 3 years ago and found myself every 30 seconds with my mouth wide open saying “WOW” at how precise and clear his picking is. The man is a superhuman. Check out Desert Rose for his guitar work and singing!

[@mauijaystar]

Desert Rose, especially the second solo, is indescribably powerful and emotional.

[@rollergoalie16]

Eric Johnson should be endorsed by Parkay because his tone is straight butter. Amazing sound and playing.

[@Mike-kv5pl]

He does a great live cover version of Jimi Hendrix's ARE YOU EXPERIENCED. I believe it is from this same show.

[@jeffk1212]

Finally got to this...amazing
..love you brother

[@nv1493]

We were there, absolutely mesmerizing. The tone live was phenomenal.

[@irocss85]

Eric Johnson and Randy Rhoads are my favorite all time guitarists. This song teleports me back in time like nothing else.

[@User_vjp_92753]

That was awesome Jamel ! Sometimes I can multi-task while listening (open mail, etc....), but THAT stopped me dead in my tracks!! Thanks to you and a Blessed and Merry Christmas to you and family ~ Gin🙏🎵🎶🎸

[@circaSG07]

I personally get goosebumps every time I hear trail of tears live at the same event

[@tomfabozzi6309]

Jamel, if you want to hear him sing (and also shred on the guitar), check out "Desert Rose" from the same concert as this, or "Bristol Shore" or "Trail of Tears" from his first album, "Tones"

[@BobSiefken]

Trail of Tears is my favorite.

[@mauijaystar]

Desert Rose, the second solo especially, is like something released from the burning soul of the world.

[@ronbroden]

I was fortunate enough to see Eric open for Rush in Topeka, Kansas in 1991. Best night of live music ever.

[@fgaron2000]

He's exactly like this. Super calm, yet ready to burn at any time. The greatest.

[@Salmacis99]

Eric Johnson is a guitar God, period. Give us more of his masterful work!

[@jillsallade7168]

Yes Jamel aka Jamal!!! Thank you for checking it out! He's an amazing guitarist ...he's played with the best of them. Joe Satriani, Steve Vai. One of my favorites from Eric Johnson.

[@jamesedwards2237]

I saw all three of them, plus Kenny Wayne Shepherd at the Hollywood Bowl in the 90s, as part of the G3 show. Awesome concert!!

[@jillsallade7168]

James Edwards, I know that had to be amazing. They don't make em like that anymore.

[@lee32476]

When I was a young guy learning guitar, my teacher put this one in front of me to learn. I absolutely couldn’t play it, and can’t now, but I know how to play the main riff, and that’s enough. This was a ray of sunshine in that era, just joyful music. EJ’s a fantastic player, and the Cliffs of Dover are a beautiful sight to see. Nailed the tone of a place so much. Thanks Jamel!

[@g.a.7527]

I've seen him play live too many times to count, always a great show. He's such a humble guy too. Check out the video from Fender when he discussed his custom shop Virginia model w/ the Luthier who made it.

[@nim4464]

love cliffs of dover
first song i ever 100%d in Guitar Hero

[@jhhgz]

@Jamel I’m glad you finally got to hear this. I was blessed to see him do this live opening for Rush Roll the Bones tour. Fantastic sound quality and a beautiful song.

[@BodhiSoftMobileApps]

The second guitar solo in Eric Johnson's "Desert Rose" is amazing, and it needs to be heard realllly loud. It's not flashy but there is a ton of power and emotion in all the controlled Hendrix-y feedback alternating with his melodic soloing approach. It reminds me of a beautiful, powerful, rare, and dangerous thunderstorm you might experience in the desert.

[@mauijaystar]

It is my favorite solo of all time. It roars up at you and takes no prisoners, then descends into perfect harmonic cool-down.

[@cjpew]

You have to hear/see Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme). So many awesome solos, maybe Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee, Play With Me, or Get the Funk Out (apparently Brian May's favorite) would be a good start. I know you reacted to Extreme, More Than Words (mellow ballad with acoustic guitar), which is a great song. But the ones I mentioned and many others really showcase Nuno's unique skills.

[@drkaplin98]

This intro is ad-libbed every time so it's never the same. So is a lot of the song. Every live version I hear has something new and different in it. It never gets old.

[@tommack9395]

Eric Johnson's sings - about half his catalog are songs with vocals, but his guitar tones and playing are well known and all his own, technique like his Koto sounds, etc... he's also very well rounded playing anything from rock, jazz, fusion and country. He started out in a fusion band, played on other artist's tracks, Why he really stands out is nobody else sounds like him.

[@ahartfie]

Such a great rock instrumental! I remember hearing this on the radio and instantly loving it, but I had no idea who it was by. Two lousy albums by another guitarist later, I finally found someone who knew the song and could tell me what it was, at which point I went out and got the right album. (This was before the Internet so there really wasn’t any way to easily find out.)

[@krissmith1986]

His tone, and playing his shit with perfection is what separates him.

[@caroljordan6130]

When I'm first heard him on the radio, I had to find out WHO this player was !!! 👍☮️🎶. AMAZING !!

[@Thisguy-ff9lo]

@@caroljordan6130 he is eric johnson

[@bryanjohnson4653]

There is a video on TH-cam called G3 - Live in Concert - Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson. They each play a set and then, at about the 48 minute mark, they all start playing together. The whole show is worth a watch.

[@PhilipCarpenter-n3s]

Takes me back to heading south out of San Diego down the Baja coast to Ensenada. I realize it's not the Cliffs of Dover but it's an amazing view of hills rolling into the ocean. It's such an amazing highly identifiable sound from Eric Johnson. Great song and amazing live performance by Eric Johnson.

[@LicoriceCamo]

This is what todays popstars and rappers need to witness: real talent on a real instrument

[@dangercat3000]

There are so many great guitarists out there. Musicians. But there are only a handful that play their instrument and make it talk. Eric Johnson is one of those musicians that convey emotion and feeling through his instrument. A master.

[@MaestorRasanen]

I've seen this Eric Johnson video hundreds of times and I still can't breath during the intro solo :D This guy is from another universe.

[@kevinmiller5786]

He opened a show for B.B.King,and the blues master called him back to the stage to play...he played the rest of the show.BB was very impressed that the skinny dude could play what he was playing and sing at the same time.You need to hear him sing.Check out the entire "Ah via musicom"album.That's Latin for "a celebration of music"
I finally got to meet him at a small venue in Colorado Springs...and he is every bit as nice as people say,and just calm on stage.Calm.Tommy Taylor and Kyle Brock are just awesome too.Been a fan for about 35 years and I hope he has a lot more in him.👍🤙✌

[@gbish6906]

The guitar is an instrument, just as much as vocals are. They can convey so much emotion and personality. What makes Eric Johnson such a pleasure to hear is his own unique voice and tone. He has his own sound. He's a sublime player, and from what I've seen in interviews, seems to be a stellar guy. Absolutely love the work he's shared with us

[@bigtwill2201]

I remember when this was on Guitar Hero 3. After playing it on the game, i would this to this all the time. One of the of the best guitar songs ever

[@hc6368]

I remember watching this the first night it aired. My sisters were dating some guys in a band, they were having a party and they all drifted into the TV room when the playing started. I met Eric at the Chimes bar near LSU about a year later when he played there helping setup when I was in college. I never missed his show for two years. The guy would blowout fuses constantly asking for more power.

[@michaelopry3456]

That drummer is Tommy Taylor, he has recorded and toured with Christopher Cross also. Ive seen Eric Johnson no less than 10 times, met him a few times, he signed my guitar at one of his shows in Lafayette, LA. He's a good guy too, very down to earth. Probably my favorite player ever.

[@suerainey9250]

THAT TONE! My hubs is learning one of his songs in the garage as I watch this. We saw him first on Austin City Limits. Blown away!

[@jhnstn1]

Back when ACL used to run stuff like this.

[@suerainey9250]

@@jhnstn1 It was so good! We used to watch every Sunday.

[@cathariney.3877]

I heard this on the radio in 1990 and went out and bought the album. He does sing on some of his other songs. Thanks for bringing back the memories!

[@toulee8051]

Some people would say Eric Johnson plays guitar like we breathe air. But DAMM I swear this JAM TAKES MY BREATH AWAY EVERY TIME I LISTEN TO IT😉

[@jprph1]

Live all the way !!! I always get live stuff when I am getting into a band just to see what they ACTUALLY have vs studio magic. LIVE ALL THE WAY !!!!

[@ednoponen2943]

Okay, I'm new here, and I'm amazed. I'm 78, a life-long rock fan, especially electric guitar players. So, how is it I never even heard of this guy? Really, how can it be? Needless to say, Johnson is GREAT. Right there with the best. Great reaction, too. (Also, I like your shirt.)

[@geraldhartley]

I love your reaction videos. Really HAPPY to see you do this one. I first heard this on the radio in 1990. I had to pull over to sit and listen. It affected me so much. The dexterity, and complexity while maintaining a musical & melodic tone was groundbreaking.

[@stevelucero9047]

and Whenever I hear this... the elegance in his playing... the majestic tone.... because of the title I immediately picture those Dover boys flying SpItfires in WWII.... how elegantly they looked in the air.... and the sweet sound of that Merlin engine....

[@TheBuglemouthBass]

Eric is indeed a calm, cool, humble guy. I love listening to him talk...he has the most excellent soft central Texas drawl, one of my favorite of all the southern dialects (think Matthew McHoweverYouSpellIt). His singing voice is outstanding too, but nothing like his speaking voice.

[@jprph1]

You hit it right on the head. Me and my buddy saw Eric Johnson April 29, 1997 at a bar in Pittsburgh called the Graffiti and Eric hung out afterwards at the bar with us… My buddy forever remembers Eric as being HUMBLE. Check out Rick Beato’s interview with him. One of the truly GREAT guitarists EVER!

[@SkunkBearTK]

I met Eric at the House of Guitars during the Venus Isle era...an absolute gentleman, unassuming, petite, but the absolute hulking monster of tone. He obviously obsesses over the tone he can extract (and tame, not easy with his signal path). He's definitely a GOOD HUMAN.