Mariani / Eric Johnson
Carl Johnson | 06/07/2001
(2 out of 5 stars)
"(I believe) This album is an early collaberation between Grammy-winning guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson and Vince Mariani. Johnson's guitar tone is not as refined at this early stage of his career--opting for a more "fuzzed-out" tone reminiscent of Hendrix. The songs are fairly lengthy and feature extending (if relatively uninteresting ) improvisations.This was recorded as a demo as an attempt to generate major record-label interest.If you are an Eric Johnson-ophile, this album is necessary to round out your collection although, do I dare say it, this is not his finest work."
Eric Johnson at 16! An untried industry marvel
Carl Johnson | Detroit, MI United States | 07/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I read the other review of this record. I agree this is not Eric Johnson's best BLUES work, HOWEVER.... it is hot psychedelic, hard rock prog.
This is a tight recording made during the beginnings of Acid Rock icons. Eric Johnson is amazing when you know that he is just 16 years old when we played on this. In 1970, special effects or pyrotechniques, on the guitar were beginning to erupt in the music world. The band is tight and leans in a progressive rock motif (like a hard Pink Floyd, Santana or inception Gentle Giant). The percussion is very good and gets about 9 minutes of solid attention. The 16 year old Mr. Johnson JUST jams, but this is NOT blues really. The vocals are very good with lyrics in keeping with that time. I listen to it about one a month and I thoroughly enjoy it. Excellent spin!
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