I like my work to have a high proficiency, but I also wanted to go for the energy and magic of the performances.” That vitality and vivid musicality brims from such hook-filled numbers as the hard-rocking instrumentals “Fat Daddy” and “Vortexan” and the driving vocal song “Brilliant Room” (sung by Milligan). “I think that’s a direction that works better for any artist, and especially for me. “I decided to let go a bit and allow things to happen and just go with the flow,” explains Johnson of his approach to the album. The new 15-track disc finds the noted master craftsman cutting loose, roaming through variations on the rock, blues, pop, country and jazz all found at the core of his sound, pushing the dynamic range of his artistry, and mixing it up with such friends and peers as guitarists Jimmie Vaughan and Sonny Landreth and guest singers Steve Miller, Jonny Lang and Malford Milligan.
His myriad and distinctive musical gifts are vividly evident on Johnson’s aptly titled new album, Up Close, released on his own Vortexan Music label via EMI Distribution.
But 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. Additionally, let’s not forget to properly implement the palm muting in all of its parts.Eric Johnson’s stature as one of the premier guitar players in contemporary music is his artistic trump card, 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. However, it will take a lot of practice to make it sound right. Of course, the song is not impossible to perform. However, the verses and all the other parts can get pretty hard. The galloping part can be a bit tricky, although it’s not super hard. The intro riff won’t be that much of an issue.
Raining Blood will also help you sort out left- and right-hand coordination.
Playing their songs properly requires a great sense of timing, sense of note duration, speed, and precision. While it all might seem like mindless noise, there’s more to the band’s music. But in my opinion, every bassist, guitarist, and drummer should go through a Slayer phase. Raining Blood may not be according to everyone’s tastes.