Artist: ERIC JOHNSON
Album: UP CLOSE - ANOTHER LOOK (DIGI)

Release date: 2013
Media type: CD

Eric Johnson’s stature as one of the premier guitar players in contemporary music is his artistic trump card. It's backed by a Grammy Award and five nominations, platinum album, Top 10 hits like “Cliffs Of Dover,” praise from critics and the esteem of his peers. The full hand of his talents marks him as well as a gifted songwriter, dynamic live performer, singer, pianist, song interpreter, and creator of a rich and diverse musical legacy.

His myriad and distinctive musical gifts are vividly evident on Johnson’s aptly titled sixth studio album, Up Close - Another Look is a special European edition of his American release that "brings out the best in him," notes the Austin Chronicle. It is Johnson at his most openly expressive in his playing and songwriting. Now issued in Europe on Provogue Records, the 13-track disc features six songs that he reworked and remixed since its initial release to achieve an even further natural feel, making Johnson's best sound even better as "he continues to find interesting ways to hone his specific craft on Up Close," notes All Music Guide.

“I decided to let go a bit and allow things to happen and just go with the flow,” explains Johnson of his approach to making the album. “I like my work to have a high proficiency, but I also wanted to go for the energy and magic of the performances.”

The set finds the noted master craftsman cutting loose, roaming through variations on the rock, blues, pop, country and jazz all found within his sound, and pushing the dynamic range of his artistry. Plus mixing it up with such friends and peers as guitarists Jimmie Vaughan and Sonny Landreth and guest singers Steve Miller, Johnny Lang and Malford Milligan.

CD TRACKLIST:

1. Awaken
2. Fatdaddy
3. Brilliant room
4. Texas
5. Gem
6. Austin
7. Soul surprise
8. On the way
9. Arithmetic
10. The sea and the mountain
11. Vortexan
12. A change has come to me
13. Your book