It's kinda hard to disagree with that statement. Incredible. Even when you see signs of nerves(barely) it does not affect his guitar performance, ever. Maybe one of the biggest nights of his career at that point, with pressure to top his previous ACL performance(he did) and the whirlwind surrounding Ah Via Musicom, and he still nailed the whole show
@@michaelwayne7887 that was a major way he improved from his 1984 ACL performance. It wasn’t just apparent in Cliffs of Dover and Trademark that his nerves were getting the best of him in ‘84. The whole performance was a nervous one, in my opinion. This ‘88 performance, however, was the BEST rebound from that he could’ve possibly made.
Quite possibly the greatest live performance of all time. Thank god this was captured in video. The literal definition of catching lighting in a bottle.
Kyle Brock and Tommy Taylor round out this PBS ACL 1988 performance; this lineup was his most intense band amongst so many fantastic musicians to work with Eric Johnson. Btw, his first ACL was amazing with several different songs focusing on the Tones album.
Eric's amazing vocals have unfortunately always been overshadowed by his guitar playing... I'd be honored if some EJ fans would take a listen to my live keyboard & vocal performances of Steely Dan's HOME AT LAST and JOSIE on my YT channel in tribute to the great Walter Becker. Live acoustic with no digital editing. Thanks and peace.
This is a pure gem of harmony and intense playing just a masterpiece! The tone is perfect and the double play between clean tone and fuzz is just amazing!!
I'd like to throw some respect towards the rhythm section in this clip. EJ is emitting a ton of notes and technique here that it is very easy to overlook the solid and, franky, pretty amazing playing from Kyle Brock (bass) and Tommy Taylor (drums and backing vox)
Totally agreed. Hendrix needed Redding and Mitch Mitchell to have that great rhythm pocket..EJ is great, but needs a great pocket to play off of..SRV was terrific, but without Tommy and Chris filling in that great rhythm pocket he would have needed a B3 Hammond organ player long B4 he had Reese..No one Superstar makes the band..it's a team. When I listen to a great tune , I start listening to the bass and drums even though I am a guitarist......the rhythm pocket is what everyone is feeling .Try this : listen to a great tune and it's bass line. Now, listen to it again but with the bass accenting the upbeat instead of downbeat..Totally different tune and song! Voila!
Amen man....I have played bass and have known EJ since I was like 19. Tommy was not the drummer when I met him in 1975, Bill Maddox was may he RIP, but you are so right. This rhythm section killed it...
@@paulkittinger4671 Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding never had ‘pocket’. That’s exactly what Hendrix was missing in the Experience band. Mitch was very free form and Noel was just a plodder, trying to keep up. Hendrix with a ‘groove’ rhythm section is what would have been great, but never really happened.
Guitar was his second instrument; his musical formation started as classical piano player. This is where his particular musicology comes from. He is completely alone on his craft. Nobody, nobody plays this type of music. It is his own genre!
3:36 is in my opinion one of the best solos in the history of electric guitar. So melodic, clean, dynamic and just totally badass. The techniques are perfectly mastered and the different tones are just as perfect. Gives me chills every time.
Man, I honestly don't think so. It is such a clichè that people always say... "Some dude is an amazing guitarist but his voice is not so good". His voice is soothing just as his guitar tone. When I first listened to his music, I thought he sang in most of his songs :)
He has a very "pop esque" vocal sound, and i really like it, it really fits his music. Some of his more vocal songs are often my favorites I.E When The Sun Meets The Sky, Trail Of Tears, Desert Rose, Your Sweet Eyes, High Landrons and Emerald Eyes are my favorites of his songs.
I know I'm 7 years late . . . But I TOTALLY agree, its very underrated, and I dare say, Steve Vai's voice as well. Eric's is soft but goes well with his music, and I tend to lean more to his "songs" with vocals :). I too thought most of the tracks on his albums would be with vocals when 1st hearing him for "Tones".
I saw him do a totally acoustic concert about 20 years ago and it was amazing. He is an excellent piano player also. Probably the most talented musician I have ever seen..
I always felt like a lot of Erics songs could have been real mainstream hits but his singing wasnt strong enough. This IS a great song and not just a guitar playing showcase.
I seen this performance live from Austin city limits when it first aired - I was 15 years old and it’s when I first started playing guitar - I was literally baptized by fire watching this ! So grateful it was recorded for the ages and generations to see hear and learn from
I’m not a know it all about EJ, but an absolute admirer. That large box on the floor to his right is a Fender preamp. He uses Marshall amps for his dirty tone and Fender reverbs for his clean tone, utilizing a simple A/B foot switch to change between them. His other pedals are pretty much set the same throughout his performances. I’ve seen several analysis videos of his performance and I’m always struck that no one mentions how he uses the pickup switch during this performance. I can count 14 times he changes the switch and I’m sure there’s more that aren’t visible in the video. That’s an old Strat with a 3 way switch. So many changes for very small changes in his tones. He is not just a player. He’s a complete musician on guitar, piano and who knows what else.
Being a working guitar player in Houston in the early 80's I got to see Eric a bunch of times at Rockefellers. The place was full of guitar players who all wanted to sell their stuff after every show. This guy is/was so amazing live. The videos out there of his live shows just do NOT do it justice. There are a lot faster players out there with more flash and more stage presence but none can beat him on phrasing, selection, execution and tonality. He is just an amazing player top to bottom.
Lived in Houston from '84 to '87, Rockefellers was a great place to see live shows. Not very big, if I remember right it was an old bank. Saw a lot of great music there including EJ who I think I saw twice at Rockefellers. He always had such a clean sound and great tone.
A true guitar snob only hears pentatonic scales, but his playing style is extremely vocal. Even when he’s doing a really fast scale run, it always sounds like the guitar’s singing.
Random Texas concert promoter: Sir, can you play groundbreaking guitar that synthesises the best aspects of Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino and Jimi Hendrix... with a 24 carat gold tone, a mellifluous singing voice and an excellent backing band? Eric Johnson: hold my beer...
He really is his own thing. Wes and Pat are in a different world in terms of both style and genre to be a useful comparison and Hendrix had a raw energy and showmanship Eric only approaches at the apex of few rare performances. Eric is the real deal nonetheless. A true professional and master of his instrument!
Me: Hey, Eric, can you play a 54 Strat, play an incredibly difficult and beautiful piece, without mistakes, oh and sing all at the same time? EJ: Give me my band jacket and stand over there.....
@@arnyarny77 He got rid of that Strat. after the neck got damaged and repaired. He said it did not sound quite the same. Later he regretted, but it was too late...
@@janjuko4024 There's some backing tracks for vocals, but you can see in some places that it's all him because the vocals get super quiet when he's too far from the mic
I've seen Eric live,but my best memory was when he was playing a little bar downtown. I was making my rounds walking around the clubs,and they left the doors open where he was performing. It was astonishing to hear someone that good with that tone playing live from a bar. Never forget it.
honestly this here is the greatest guitar performance i have ever seen - if i had to pick then it would be this one! i have no words to describe the perfection it is absolutely outstanding to me... the control, the way he plays for the song but at the same time creates something sublime on his own instrument - this is pure unparalleled musicianship and everytime i watch this i'm in awe although i lost count of how many times i watched it already... there will only ever be one eric johnson and i applause for this once in a lifetime performance! i wish i could have been there, brilliant!
I'd report you for under representing what this clip means, but I let you pass. Truly have come back to this so so many times! Epic is an understatement!
I agree. I love Eric’s music, and lots of other wonderful guitar players too. But this particular performance ranks at the very top. The term “woody” has never been so perfect to describe any sound as well as EJ’s lead tone on this track. How on earth he sings and plays parts this intricate is totally beyond me. Every note he plays is just so incredibly beautiful, it’s beyond words for me.
Yeah this is probably the best guitar song we got; and yeah the space then the transitions leading this song are otherworldly. It’s happening as I’m typing and I’m getting fired the f up lol
Eric’s playing is always so beautiful and dreamy, that bit at 7:30 hits me hard... The way he adds that lead bit and the echo repeats while he returns to the clean. Magic... Let’s be honest here though... it’s not like his skill is just some divine gift, Eric has worked his ass off, and has meticulously set up his gear to be able to express himself in the moment. He can create an orchestra of guitars with his beautiful arrangements, and let’s not forget he’s a beast on acoustic as well. I’ve always enjoyed Eric’s singing... I don’t understand the criticism. Same like there’s people that criticized Jimi’s voice. Let’s just appreciate this beautiful artist... Still playing great shows and he has Tommy and Kyle playing in his band again. 🎵
I don't think that there are too many people on this planet that can pull off a fuzzed out sweep arpeggio at 7:15 like EJ and you can still hear each and every note clearly. Definitely perfection!!!!
I like his sound better from 1988 better than his sound now. plus ej is no spring chicken anymore and he is probably got some tendinitis in the ole left hand.. I know I do. but I still love his approach to guitar. his chord progressions are just as incredible as his leads. Then again the sound man can make or break you when it comes to your sound Or the acoustics of the room can suc..when I saw ej a few times since 2003 his sound was always incredible if your right on the front 10 feet away from him. There are many great players out there but ej is on a different level all together...WE'RE NOT WORTHY...WE'RE NOT WORTHY...
it's a lightning fast lick, but he played each and every note with high attention. His picking technique, his dampening technique are flawless. He has never attempted to use sweeping, that's why his arpeggio sounds so clear...
@@TroyDawes43 My interpretation is that EJ doesn't practice nearly as much anymore. What does he have to prove, anyway? I've seen some modern performances with this much creativity and power, they're just fewer and further between than they used to be. I think that just comes with age. Eric has talked about how he pretty much burned himself out working on Musicom, because he was such a perfectionist. I bet he doesn't really care to spend *that* much energy on his new stuff, and would rather just enjoy playing.
I first met this incredible artist in 1975 at a bar in Austin called Castle Creek. $1 cover charge. I had been sent the Electromagnets record when I was a senior in HS in 1974, and so at 19 we decided to move our jazz rock confusion band back to my hometown of ATX. This inter-stellar genius is one of the nicest guys I have ever known in the music business. He remains at almost 65 years of age, one of the greatest ever.
The fact that this is one of my favourite ever live shows, really shows how special Eric Johnson really is. One of the best guitar players ever in my personal opinion
One of the under rated ones, AND his music is guiding us towards THE GOOD. Eric Johnson is more , by far , than people are seeing. There's still time...
I don't know Eric Johnson's music very well, I'm late to discover him.... but can already tell I'm going to enjoy the next 9 and a half minutes just from the opening few seconds..... here we go!!
Here's the thing... Eric has such an incredible understanding of his instrument and how it works. Further, he has spent countless days working on his tone and overall sound. At 3:47 when he gets his Strat to feed back as an effect shows how proficient he is. I never get tired of listening to this rendition and watch it often.
Have been in the music industry for 40plus years and after at least 50 views of this performance and without prejudice this would have to rank in my opinion as one of the greatest live performances of all time. The care and precision of all band members is second to none but eric johnson is sublime in his craft on this
for being done in the 80s, it’s so great that Eric used organic equipment. Real Fender amps, real guitar pedals. Everyone was using so much simulation back then. It’s refreshing to see.
And they were using it before it was any good... I shudder to think about 1980s electric drumkits. Who the fuck thought that sounded good? Looked kind of cool, but just hearing how garbage it sounded should've reversed that decision. Can't you just build an octogonal snare for the same aesthetic? Lmao
@@Diax1324 that is completly your opinion. Electronic drum kits of the 80s werent made to sound like real drums. A lot of genres like Synthpop and artrock, progrock and jazzrock had drummers using electronic drums. Bill Bruford of King Crimson used electronic drums in the 80s, JAPAN's drummer Steve Jansen used them on their last album Tin Drum, and they produced a completly new and original sound thanks to that. It only has to do with your preferences and taste obviously. To me acoustic and electronic drums are two completly different things. This kind of music needs to have acoustic drums to sound right. Synthpop on the other hand, does not. I do understand your point of view though, i just dont agree. Check out JAPAN's song Visions Of China if you haven't heard it. The electric drums produce a sound that with an acoustic set would not be possible.
This song has gotten me through so much when I first heard it I was a younger growing man I'm a little older now since I first heard this song this song has been with me through loves drugs and now sobriety for quite some time and it has not lost its luster 10 years of amazement
A truly brilliant composition....also a bit of a time capsule in terms of his career. That he was able to achieve this speed and clarity with the chord changes and syncopation of rhythm....there is simply no other guitar player as unique, with one exception of course, and he is from a different galaxy altogether.
I have Loved this song since catchin' him at Antone's in 1984. The lyrical descending filss just get me. Not IMPOSSIBLE to learn either. Cheers from seattle
This is the one. It's so funny because the studio version of this song doesn't even come close to anything on his album Ah Via Musicom, but this performance was his best of the show.
I've only just discovered this guy at the age of 56, I can honestly say he's probably the best guitarist/singer I have ever seen. There are some great artists out there but this guy is effortless in his guitar playing, his tone and melodic structuring. Simply unbelievable.
Check out his live performances from 1996-1997. There are a few on TH-cam. I believe this to be the peak of Eric's playing. But there is no bad era either!!
Probably my favorite of all the EJ live performances. This track just puts me in a mood. Beautiful composition, arrangement, playing, and tones. Everything is on-point.
Take me from these earth bound chains I must find it once again The meaning of equality We will never hide in shame But forever guard the flame Burning for eternity Hundreds of nights Oh, my body cries A trail of tears Promises sometimes don't keep Freedom put to sleep And now I know Written with the words you tell Stories, a lesson in life From long ago Hundreds of nights Oh, my body cries A trail of tears Hold on, hold dear The time is near When you'll know why The spirit flies Hundreds of nights Oh, my body cries A trail of tears A trail of tears Children carried on your back Driven through the wind and cold How have you become so few? But in the end, oh, I will see Your spiritual liberty Forever to be with you Hundreds of nights Oh, my body cries A trail of tears The spirit flies Hundreds of nights Oh, my body cries A trail of tears Hold on, hold dear The time is near When you'll know why The spirit flies💜
Eric Johnson, the way he plays the guitar is impossible to try to do the same ... Fender has his qualities there, but Eric Johnson is unmatched in his style ... THANKS ERIC JOHNSON
Saw this man play this song at Club foot down by the old greyhound bus station. Austin in the 70's and most of 80's was a special time indeed, Eric was part of that magic time.
Word 'stellar' comes to mind, but in all honesty, it would still be an understatement to call this performance stellar. Eric Johnson is a gift we didn't deserve, he is music that accidentally took human shape with Texan accent. :D
not totally, you can find the same way into andy summers and the police, and there was also michael hedges. i say so because tones and ah via musicom were 2 gems in the whole panorama
I've been listening to Eric for over 30 years! My son in San Diego he actually was nice enough to shake my wife's hand! What a wonderful person and great guitarist!!!!
I watched Austin City Limits ever Sunday night on PBS when I was in high school. I was just learning guitar and I loved the live performances. Then one night in 1984 Eric Johnson came on, his first appearance,.... and I was shocked, amazed, and instantly a lifelong fan.
This is an unreal perfomance, every detail with the guitar playing and the singing i can't find the proper words to describe why is this so incredible. It's just unbelievable.
The bend with the feedback at 03:42 it is my favorite bend from all guitar videos or music that I have watched so far. Even Eric gets surprised, it was totally unexpected
I'm so happy this performance was recorded for future generations.
Eric Jhonson IS THE BEST!
Definitely one of the best guitarists currently today!!
I haven't heard another guitarist with a sound like his!
Me too! I just discovered this masterpiece ❤
He looks so young here
Eric Johnson, Austin city limits 1988 is one of one of the best performances in the history of performances!
TRULY BLV HEAVEN HAS IT RECORDED AS WELL! :)
Agreed
It's kinda hard to disagree with that statement. Incredible. Even when you see signs of nerves(barely) it does not affect his guitar performance, ever. Maybe one of the biggest nights of his career at that point, with pressure to top his previous ACL performance(he did) and the whirlwind surrounding Ah Via Musicom, and he still nailed the whole show
@@michaelwayne7887 that was a major way he improved from his 1984 ACL performance. It wasn’t just apparent in Cliffs of Dover and Trademark that his nerves were getting the best of him in ‘84. The whole performance was a nervous one, in my opinion. This ‘88 performance, however, was the BEST rebound from that he could’ve possibly made.
No shit. One of the most underrated artists.
I love that he is wearing an old band uniform
Quite possibly the greatest live performance of all time. Thank god this was captured in video. The literal definition of catching lighting in a bottle.
Cek it out... Indonesian finger stayle guitars player also as forklift driver to.. Alip Ba Ta channels.. MANTAP.. MANTAP JIWA.. 🥰🥰🥰😘😘😘
Eric Johnson in his prime !!!
Amen. EJ is the best👍🙏🏻🎼
Kyle Brock and Tommy Taylor round out this PBS ACL 1988 performance; this lineup was his most intense band amongst so many fantastic musicians to work with Eric Johnson. Btw, his first ACL was amazing with several different songs focusing on the Tones album.
Agreed. I like this version galactically more than the studio version on CD.
Not a single note or moment wasted. Absolutely unreal performance as a whole, especially this song.
Eric's amazing vocals have unfortunately always been overshadowed by his guitar playing... I'd be honored if some EJ fans would take a listen to my live keyboard & vocal performances of Steely Dan's HOME AT LAST and JOSIE on my YT channel in tribute to the great Walter Becker. Live acoustic with no digital editing. Thanks and peace.
I actually like this one more than Cliffs of Dover, his biggest hit.
L'esatto contrario di Malmsteen😂
This is a pure gem of harmony and intense playing just a masterpiece! The tone is perfect and the double play between clean tone and fuzz is just amazing!!
Eric! Yes!
The precision, care, gentleness, and tonality on those notes was unreal. He’s not just playing, he cares about every... single... note.
You said it buddy!
so clean it kills 99.8% of bacteria in the place
LMAO
Hilarious!!
99.9%** lol
That ain't gonna do shit
Could also kill covid-19 IMO
I'd like to throw some respect towards the rhythm section in this clip. EJ is emitting a ton of notes and technique here that it is very easy to overlook the solid and, franky, pretty amazing playing from Kyle Brock (bass) and Tommy Taylor (drums and backing vox)
Totally agreed.
Hendrix needed Redding and Mitch Mitchell to have that great rhythm pocket..EJ is great, but needs a great pocket to play off of..SRV was terrific, but without Tommy and Chris filling in that great rhythm pocket he would have needed a B3 Hammond organ player long B4 he had Reese..No one Superstar makes the band..it's a team. When I listen to a great tune , I start listening to the bass and drums even though I am a guitarist......the rhythm pocket is what everyone is feeling .Try this : listen to a great tune and it's bass line. Now, listen to it again but with the bass accenting the upbeat instead of downbeat..Totally different tune and song! Voila!
This was the bestest
Amen man....I have played bass and have known EJ since I was like 19. Tommy was not the drummer when I met him in 1975, Bill Maddox was may he RIP, but you are so right. This rhythm section killed it...
@@paulkittinger4671 Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding never had ‘pocket’. That’s exactly what Hendrix was missing in the Experience band. Mitch was very free form and Noel was just a plodder, trying to keep up. Hendrix with a ‘groove’ rhythm section is what would have been great, but never really happened.
Agreed a pro backing band!!!!
If you like this you are my friend.
Hello Friend!
Yay 😁🙌
Hey friend!!!
Love how Roscoe is watching him at the end grinning. Knowing this is the best they have ever done. Roscoe Rock on!
This man must be from another planet because nobody from this planet plays like Eric!
Guitar was his second instrument; his musical formation started as classical piano player. This is where his particular musicology comes from. He is completely alone on his craft. Nobody, nobody plays this type of music. It is his own genre!
Collecting my jaw from the floor.
If only Leo Fender could have seen him do this on one of his Fullerton beauties.
This and Cliffs of Dover just superb..
this is so mind boggling every single time =D.
THIS SONG IS SO UNDERRATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Personally my favorite from his catalog! Pure perfection
Understatement of all time!
No kidding!
Yes. It’s amazing.
It’s like an adventure or something. This to me is by far one of EJ’s best performances, if not the best.
3:36 is in my opinion one of the best solos in the history of electric guitar. So melodic, clean, dynamic and just totally badass. The techniques are perfectly mastered and the different tones are just as perfect. Gives me chills every time.
Agreed.
That and the feedback control at around 3:45 is just out of this world
@@PLSGuitar yep :-) gives me chills every single time
💯🤟🔥
@@PLSGuitar the CONTROL of the feedback is priceless. What a Genius
I don't know why people don't think that eric has a good voice...I think he has a great voice
It's good but it is such a let down from his guitar sound.
Man, I honestly don't think so. It is such a clichè that people always say... "Some dude is an amazing guitarist but his voice is not so good". His voice is soothing just as his guitar tone.
When I first listened to his music, I thought he sang in most of his songs :)
I say this: EJ's singing voice is better than Robben Ford's...and I love Robben's guitar playing as much as I love Eric's.
He has a very "pop esque" vocal sound, and i really like it, it really fits his music. Some of his more vocal songs are often my favorites I.E When The Sun Meets The Sky, Trail Of Tears, Desert Rose, Your Sweet Eyes, High Landrons and Emerald Eyes are my favorites of his songs.
I know I'm 7 years late . . .
But I TOTALLY agree, its very underrated, and I dare say, Steve Vai's voice as well. Eric's is soft but goes well with his music, and I tend to lean more to his "songs" with vocals :). I too thought most of the tracks on his albums would be with vocals when 1st hearing him for "Tones".
I've never heard this before but it's obviously underrated if it took me at the age of 32 to discover it.
I found a new band I love from the 80s.
I saw him do a totally acoustic concert about 20 years ago and it was amazing. He is an excellent piano player also. Probably the most talented musician I have ever seen..
Eric captures live what others hope to create in studio
I always felt like a lot of Erics songs could have been real mainstream hits but his singing wasnt strong enough. This IS a great song and not just a guitar playing showcase.
Well he’s no slouch vocally, it’s probably just not quite distinctive enough. It matches his guitar tone though.
03:45 catching that note after the feedback - perfect!
Gave me chills!
Reminds me of Jimi Hendrix' funky feedback tone.
💯
That bassist bravo!!!! 👏
Eric Johnson always has a monster rhythm section, and this is no exception. Kyle Brock is doing some mind blowing fills, like the one at 6:38.
I seen this performance live from Austin city limits when it first aired - I was 15 years old and it’s when I first started playing guitar - I was literally baptized by fire watching this ! So grateful it was recorded for the ages and generations to see hear and learn from
I’m not a know it all about EJ, but an absolute admirer. That large box on the floor to his right is a Fender preamp. He uses Marshall amps for his dirty tone and Fender reverbs for his clean tone, utilizing a simple A/B foot switch to change between them. His other pedals are pretty much set the same throughout his performances. I’ve seen several analysis videos of his performance and I’m always struck that no one mentions how he uses the pickup switch during this performance. I can count 14 times he changes the switch and I’m sure there’s more that aren’t visible in the video. That’s an old Strat with a 3 way switch. So many changes for very small changes in his tones. He is not just a player. He’s a complete musician on guitar, piano and who knows what else.
are you talking about the blue rack mount case next to the pedalboard? if so thats an MXR Flanger unit
@@cosmic687 thanks for the correction. I was thinking about an old rig rundown he did wherein he described a similar looking box as a Fender preamp.
The best part is when he's like thank you very much very nonchalant like. This is one of the best live performances ever.
Eric Johnson ALWAYS HUMBLE AN ALWAYS POLITE IS THE BEST. THANK YOU SIR. changed my life an music love. Need more souls like Mr Eric Johnson's
The tone. The technique. The melodic composition. Yes, I do love the whole experience.
among all the guitar players I've ever listened to, Eric Johnson is the luxurious range of playing
Being a working guitar player in Houston in the early 80's I got to see Eric a bunch of times at Rockefellers. The place was full of guitar players who all wanted to sell their stuff after every show. This guy is/was so amazing live. The videos out there of his live shows just do NOT do it justice. There are a lot faster players out there with more flash and more stage presence but none can beat him on phrasing, selection, execution and tonality. He is just an amazing player top to bottom.
Lived in Houston from '84 to '87, Rockefellers was a great place to see live shows. Not very big, if I remember right it was an old bank. Saw a lot of great music there including EJ who I think I saw twice at Rockefellers. He always had such a clean sound and great tone.
A true guitar snob only hears pentatonic scales, but his playing style is extremely vocal. Even when he’s doing a really fast scale run, it always sounds like the guitar’s singing.
Not many come by like Eric Johnson absolute incredible player and such a humble man like Brian may
add Phil Keaggy to your list of jaw dropping players and just a regular everyday guy.
Random Texas concert promoter: Sir, can you play groundbreaking guitar that synthesises the best aspects of Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino and Jimi Hendrix... with a 24 carat gold tone, a mellifluous singing voice and an excellent backing band?
Eric Johnson: hold my beer...
He really is his own thing. Wes and Pat are in a different world in terms of both style and genre to be a useful comparison and Hendrix had a raw energy and showmanship Eric only approaches at the apex of few rare performances. Eric is the real deal nonetheless. A true professional and master of his instrument!
33 years after I first heard this song, and it still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Incredibly beautiful.
Me: Hey, Eric, can you play a 54 Strat, play an incredibly difficult and beautiful piece, without mistakes, oh and sing all at the same time?
EJ: Give me my band jacket and stand over there.....
as if a 54 strat alone , isn't difficult enough...
@@arnyarny77 He got rid of that Strat. after the neck got damaged and repaired. He said it did not sound quite the same. Later he regretted, but it was too late...
He gave the jacket away to charity....
@@janjuko4024 There's some backing tracks for vocals, but you can see in some places that it's all him because the vocals get super quiet when he's too far from the mic
@@4hm35319hd0h5 Tommy Taylor is singing backup. See th-cam.com/video/piDiUmhMcZQ/w-d-xo.html for proof
I've seen Eric live,but my best memory was when he was playing a little bar downtown. I was making my rounds walking around the clubs,and they left the doors open where he was performing. It was astonishing to hear someone that good with that tone playing live from a bar. Never forget it.
Atx no doubt 🤘🏻
Yeah...absolutely no mistaking it for anyone else!
lucky bastard ! :)
He picked the best possible time to use the wah wah and absolutely knocked it out of the park with such a melodic lick.
definitelly one of the greatest songs, it has a unique style no one can match¡¡
Its polished jazz fusion shredding... Can't put it any other way.
EJ has it all fire & dynamics. His just great at creating moods with in a song….
honestly this here is the greatest guitar performance i have ever seen - if i had to pick then it would be this one!
i have no words to describe the perfection it is absolutely outstanding to me... the control, the way he plays for the song but at the same time creates something sublime on his own instrument - this is pure unparalleled musicianship and everytime i watch this i'm in awe although i lost count of how many times i watched it already... there will only ever be one eric johnson and i applause for this once in a lifetime performance!
i wish i could have been there, brilliant!
I'd report you for under representing what this clip means, but I let you pass. Truly have come back to this so so many times! Epic is an understatement!
I agree. I love Eric’s music, and lots of other wonderful guitar players too. But this particular performance ranks at the very top. The term “woody” has never been so perfect to describe any sound as well as EJ’s lead tone on this track. How on earth he sings and plays parts this intricate is totally beyond me. Every note he plays is just so incredibly beautiful, it’s beyond words for me.
Rchp 19 jam is insane too they go neck and neck for me
Yeah this is probably the best guitar song we got; and yeah the space then the transitions leading this song are otherworldly. It’s happening as I’m typing and I’m getting fired the f up lol
My favorite guitar player, and I'm a 40 year guitar player.......The sound, the personality.....Total excellence....................Thanks Eric
when he plays lead he doesn't use his pinky! am I right?
Depends on the lick mate. He does use it quite often.
Eric’s playing is always so beautiful and dreamy, that bit at 7:30 hits me hard... The way he adds that lead bit and the echo repeats while he returns to the clean. Magic...
Let’s be honest here though... it’s not like his skill is just some divine gift, Eric has worked his ass off, and has meticulously set up his gear to be able to express himself in the moment.
He can create an orchestra of guitars with his beautiful arrangements, and let’s not forget he’s a beast on acoustic as well. I’ve always enjoyed Eric’s singing... I don’t understand the criticism. Same like there’s people that criticized Jimi’s voice. Let’s just appreciate this beautiful artist...
Still playing great shows and he has Tommy and Kyle playing in his band again. 🎵
Just like SRV his voice is perfect for his music.
I don't see why someone would say Anything about his voice. feels perfect to me 😃
I love how delicate his voice is. I think it's perfect for how sensitive his songs are.
My favorite version 🎸🎸🎸
Master! There is nobody else like Eric.
fantastic!
I don't think that there are too many people on this planet that can pull off a fuzzed out sweep arpeggio at 7:15 like EJ and you can still hear each and every note clearly. Definitely perfection!!!!
I like his sound better from 1988 better than his sound now. plus ej is no spring chicken anymore and he is probably got some tendinitis in the ole left hand.. I know I do. but I still love his approach to guitar. his chord progressions are just as incredible as his leads. Then again the sound man can make or break you when it comes to your sound Or the acoustics of the room can suc..when I saw ej a few times since 2003 his sound was always incredible if your right on the front 10 feet away from him. There are many great players out there but ej is on a different level all together...WE'RE NOT WORTHY...WE'RE NOT WORTHY...
it's a lightning fast lick, but he played each and every note with high attention. His picking technique, his dampening technique are flawless. He has never attempted to use sweeping, that's why his arpeggio sounds so clear...
@@TroyDawes43 My interpretation is that EJ doesn't practice nearly as much anymore. What does he have to prove, anyway? I've seen some modern performances with this much creativity and power, they're just fewer and further between than they used to be. I think that just comes with age. Eric has talked about how he pretty much burned himself out working on Musicom, because he was such a perfectionist. I bet he doesn't really care to spend *that* much energy on his new stuff, and would rather just enjoy playing.
@Freddie Hankins I appreciate all of them but none of this list play as clean as eric johnson
fuck i been playing like a madman forever since the 80s and eric blows my mind to this day will never understand
For me this is the highlight of his all of his ACL performances. Pure magic!
Yeah, I just shared it in a Facebook group dedicated to him saying it was probably the best from that night......just fantastic.
I first met this incredible artist in 1975 at a bar in Austin called Castle Creek. $1 cover charge. I had been sent the Electromagnets record when I was a senior in HS in 1974, and so at 19 we decided to move our jazz rock confusion band back to my hometown of ATX. This inter-stellar genius is one of the nicest guys I have ever known in the music business. He remains at almost 65 years of age, one of the greatest ever.
The fact that this is one of my favourite ever live shows, really shows how special Eric Johnson really is. One of the best guitar players ever in my personal opinion
Its been 32 years and i am still at awe...
One of the under rated ones, AND his music is guiding us towards THE GOOD. Eric Johnson is more , by far , than people are seeing. There's still time...
There’s a reason why he is one of my favourite guitar players of all time.
A true legend.
I don't know Eric Johnson's music very well, I'm late to discover him.... but can already tell I'm going to enjoy the next 9 and a half minutes just from the opening few seconds..... here we go!!
Here's the thing... Eric has such an incredible understanding of his instrument and how it works. Further, he has spent countless days working on his tone and overall sound. At 3:47 when he gets his Strat to feed back as an effect shows how proficient he is. I never get tired of listening to this rendition and watch it often.
That is complete mastery
Have been in the music industry for 40plus years and after at least 50 views of this performance and without prejudice this would have to rank in my opinion as one of the greatest live performances of all time. The care and precision of all band members is second to none but eric johnson is sublime in his craft on this
by far the best shampoo comercial I`ve ever seen...just wow
for being done in the 80s, it’s so great that Eric used organic equipment. Real Fender amps, real guitar pedals. Everyone was using so much simulation back then. It’s refreshing to see.
And they were using it before it was any good... I shudder to think about 1980s electric drumkits. Who the fuck thought that sounded good? Looked kind of cool, but just hearing how garbage it sounded should've reversed that decision. Can't you just build an octogonal snare for the same aesthetic? Lmao
Spando, Stevie Ray was another guitarist that was "organic".
He has one of the wettest sounds around. Drenched in delay. Not that I’m complaining
@@Diax1324 that is completly your opinion. Electronic drum kits of the 80s werent made to sound like real drums. A lot of genres like Synthpop and artrock, progrock and jazzrock had drummers using electronic drums. Bill Bruford of King Crimson used electronic drums in the 80s, JAPAN's drummer Steve Jansen used them on their last album Tin Drum, and they produced a completly new and original sound thanks to that. It only has to do with your preferences and taste obviously.
To me acoustic and electronic drums are two completly different things. This kind of music needs to have acoustic drums to sound right. Synthpop on the other hand, does not. I do understand your point of view though, i just dont agree. Check out JAPAN's song Visions Of China if you haven't heard it. The electric drums produce a sound that with an acoustic set would not be possible.
@@DonHaka shut yer fockin mouth ya wankah
This song has gotten me through so much when I first heard it I was a younger growing man I'm a little older now since I first heard this song this song has been with me through loves drugs and now sobriety for quite some time and it has not lost its luster 10 years of amazement
I wish I was there..
A truly brilliant composition....also a bit of a time capsule in terms of his career. That he was able to achieve this speed and clarity with the chord changes and syncopation of rhythm....there is simply no other guitar player as unique, with one exception of course, and he is from a different galaxy altogether.
warriordrum jimi wd b so proud
i think he means guthrie
he means Allan Holdsworth
If they're all out of this world and playing in this world, aren't they OF THIS WORLD...by definition?
I have Loved this song since catchin' him at Antone's in 1984. The lyrical descending filss just get me. Not IMPOSSIBLE to learn either. Cheers from seattle
Such an underrated 80's rock song. My favorite Eric Johnson song. He sings and plays beautifully here 👏👏👏🤘
This is the one. It's so funny because the studio version of this song doesn't even come close to anything on his album Ah Via Musicom, but this performance was his best of the show.
that and '90. Ive seen him 20+ times. i was there in 88 and 90.The tonemaster!
He transformed his songs in this performance, including this song, cliffs, and zap. This live show is one of the best I’ve ever seen!
I've only just discovered this guy at the age of 56, I can honestly say he's probably the best guitarist/singer I have ever seen. There are some great artists out there but this guy is effortless in his guitar playing, his tone and melodic structuring. Simply unbelievable.
Go see him live!
This is his best song. These chords... the phrasing... aaah kills me every time. So good!!!
A pure master on the Strat in so many ways, from technique to tone.
Absolutely legendary performance. I'd rather listen to this than the album version anyday
Just simply an awesome song and guitar work. EJ is a fantastic guitar player!
Man i haven't watched this performance in ages and i forgot just how masterful and beautiful it is. Phenominal.
This is the peak of eric 1988.
Check out his live performances from 1996-1997. There are a few on TH-cam. I believe this to be the peak of Eric's playing. But there is no bad era either!!
I saw Eric earlier this year... and sounds nearly exactly as good as he did here! Eric ages like fine wine :)
Haha yeah man, this was from 1988 right during his Ah Via Musicom tour.
Matt Retro Just saw him in Knoxville last Wednesday on the Ah via Musicom tour. It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and it was spectacular.
@@jeffainsley6000 Around that time I saw him at the H.O.B. Orlando,Florida and he was crankin' it hard.
I don't think I've heard something this beautiful before. Absolutely breathtaking.
Breathtaking performance that has possibly changed my guitar life.
2021-th... A trail of my tears, for there's no such music anymore! /bow, sir Eric Johnson!
My favorite Eric Johnson song!
Probably my favorite of all the EJ live performances. This track just puts me in a mood. Beautiful composition, arrangement, playing, and tones. Everything is on-point.
I play this song almost everyday on the way to work, gets me ready for the day.
I've been an fan for years and somehow missed this video. Truly one of the best performances ever.
You should look to order the dvd for this performance. It’s only like 15$ and totally worth the money
Take me from these earth bound chains
I must find it once again
The meaning of equality
We will never hide in shame
But forever guard the flame
Burning for eternity
Hundreds of nights
Oh, my body cries
A trail of tears
Promises sometimes don't keep
Freedom put to sleep
And now I know
Written with the words you tell
Stories, a lesson in life
From long ago
Hundreds of nights
Oh, my body cries
A trail of tears
Hold on, hold dear
The time is near
When you'll know why
The spirit flies
Hundreds of nights
Oh, my body cries
A trail of tears
A trail of tears
Children carried on your back
Driven through the wind and cold
How have you become so few?
But in the end, oh, I will see
Your spiritual liberty
Forever to be with you
Hundreds of nights
Oh, my body cries
A trail of tears
The spirit flies
Hundreds of nights
Oh, my body cries
A trail of tears
Hold on, hold dear
The time is near
When you'll know why
The spirit flies💜
This comment should be pinned, thank you :)
Kudos Elizabeth well done 👍
Thank you so much
Beautiful. I want this song in GTA so I can cruise around while driving through the desert
Love u
Eric Johnson, the way he plays the guitar is impossible to try to do the same ... Fender has his qualities there, but Eric Johnson is unmatched in his style ... THANKS ERIC JOHNSON
Saw this man play this song at Club foot down by the old greyhound bus station. Austin in the 70's and most of 80's was a special time indeed, Eric was part of that magic time.
Back when guitar players got the respect they deserved... EJ is a living legend!
This guy is from another planet for sure....
Matteo Mancuso from Italy is heralded by Eric Johnson , Steve Vai , Joe Bonnamassa , Al Di Meola & many others .
Rick Beato interview as well .
My ears have paid for it re: too much noise exposure, but among other artists, I'm glad I saw SRV and EJ twice each in the 80's in Austin. Fabulous...
@@junglechick13 AWH?
@@junglechick13 ok, thanks. I heard him in the mid 70s at Armadillo World Headquarters, AWH. I don't think AOH was operating at that time.
Ear candy.
With out a single doubt the most respected player in the world They just don't get better than Eric
Word 'stellar' comes to mind, but in all honesty, it would still be an understatement to call this performance stellar. Eric Johnson is a gift we didn't deserve, he is music that accidentally took human shape with Texan accent. :D
The greatest of all live Guitar Performances, my personal favorite. The emotion and energy is unreal...
3:50 switches pickup position so smoothly that you don't even see it, but the tone difference is huge
15 Years ago Tones brougth me the same feelings as when I listen to Jimi Hendrix for the first time. A completely new musical universe showed up.
not totally, you can find the same way into andy summers and the police, and there was also michael hedges. i say so because tones and ah via musicom were 2 gems in the whole panorama
I've been listening to Eric for over 30 years! My son in San Diego he actually was nice enough to shake my wife's hand! What a wonderful person and great guitarist!!!!
I watched Austin City Limits ever Sunday night on PBS when I was in high school. I was just learning guitar and I loved the live performances. Then one night in 1984 Eric Johnson came on, his first appearance,.... and I was shocked, amazed, and instantly a lifelong fan.
This is one of those instrumentals that Carries a story, lyrics, and an amazing sound! 😮
The first snowfall that blankets the landscape, brings a crisp , clear , beauty and clarity to the eyes and ears! That is mr. Johnson
This is an unreal perfomance, every detail with the guitar playing and the singing i can't find the proper words to describe why is this so incredible. It's just unbelievable.
Eric's guitar really sings to my soul!
I just love the way the audience just sits there and listens to this man play, they are completely gobsmacked as am I!
You can feel it, on screen, the end of an era
Eric will always be the GOAT for me. Since the day I first heard him play it blew my mind.
1:43 that lead line sends chills down my spine......
The bend with the feedback at 03:42 it is my favorite bend from all guitar videos or music that I have watched so far. Even Eric gets surprised, it was totally unexpected
That was a masterclass! Watching Eric, Kyle & Tommy in London years ago blew my mind.
What a time to be alive.