Cliffs of Dover LIVE - Eric Johnson | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@MattKrogmeier]

What I love about EJ is that playing with that clean tone, you've nowhere to hide from mistakes that heavy distortion can disguise. He plays clean in technique and tone - one of the absolute best.

[@tommack9395]

I had often told people learning ... play it cleanly - dry - once you can, then you can play wet. Something the man who taught me back in the early 70's not only passed onto me, but stressed.

[@PJBonoVox]

That is true but it's drenched in delay which helps. Still an amazing player either way.

[@tommack9395]

@@PJBonoVox most of which is old echo-plexer tape delay.

[@jotaroshinsuke]

Yeahh but sometimes distortion needs more precision than clean sound, especially when soloing and fast riffs

[@tommack9395]

@@jotaroshinsuke Most people toss me in with shredders - but I started with playing jazz, fusion and prog first. When you can play precise at tempo speed dry and clean, then you'll be precise when distorted. Attaining speed comes with practice, grab a metronome and woodshed. @Matt Krogmeier is entirely correct ... when you're sloppy on an acoustic or a dry electric even most non-musicians will notice it - especially with quick phrases and solos - just sticks out far more. Distortion covers up quite a few mistakes because it not only distorts the signal going to the speakers it compresses it.

[@hongchen2554]

First time hearing Eric Johnson. He's such a fluid player!

[@lantose]

Good for you…he’s masterful!

[@johnhughes3214]

Wow! Cliffs of Dover is one of the best guitar instrumental songs of all time. Really glad you are reacting to this!

[@DM-hk4cw]

Eric is a smooth vocalist, too. He's a Texan from Austin and is a contemporary with SRV and both were born in the same year. I would watch the live version of "Desert Rose." I always loved his clean tone. Once his songs end, you touch your face and realize he melted it off without you knowing it.

[@bloodnokgoon5020]

Fluidity, speed, precision, clarity and tone, tone, tone - masterful performance!! 👍😎❤

[@jillsallade7168]

This live version is my favorite from Eric Johnson. He is an incredible guitarist. When I first heard this many years ago, gave me goose bumps. Couldn't get enough of him. All these years later still the same. You won't go wrong with any of his music.

[@neoviv]

The way he plays, each note hit to perfection. Absolute maestro!

[@RayTones]

Really well articulated comment by Alex at 10:30 Eric Johnson has that ability to play really fast stuff that seems "shreddy" but has an element that doesn't make you feel like he's just showing off, because what he does makes such a musical statement. Stevie Ray Vaughn did this with blues licks. They both have that gift of extending their solos with amazing musical ideas.

[@RobertMJohnson]

no different from EVH, Vai, Satch, Malmsteem, Reb Beach, Demartini, Rhoads.Zakk, Dimebag.... all incredibly melodic and that's why we love them,

[@donnieinman8049]

I remember when this album came out. As young musicians we were just blown away. Was a good time as we had Eric Johnson, Steve Vai & Joe Satriani all putting out albums. So much great guitar going on then and I'm leaving out a bunch of people. Got to see EJ once live at about a 1000 person club. Amazing show and got to meet him in the parking lot afterwards. He was a really great and humble guy during my brief encounter.

[@jts2398]

Gorgeous tone. His "two note per string" pentatonic scales + odd groupings (5 over 4) = absolute magic. Thanks for featuring one of my all-time favorite guitarists!

[@suzannesheridan9535]

I have to admit I have never heard of Eric Johnson, but I am seriously impressed with his talent. Will be checking out more by this artist.

[@richardhamilton6411]

One of my favs from this same album is called "Trademark" - definitely worth a listen. It starts off with a bluesey/jazzy feel and then erupts in a more edgy rock anthem with his typical melodic stylings and some really cool effects. The ending solo is just explosive.

[@terrisue4059]

I keep waiting for someone to react to "Trademark", but it's always Cliffs of Dover....

[@rhaleymusic]

Another vote for Trademark here!

[@knightfall9394]

@@terrisue4059 a lot of great music of his gets overlooked because of cliffs, theres some stuff on venus isle & tones that absolutely rips

[@isaiah.s]

Thank goodness finally someone who talks about trademark. Cliffs of Dover is my favorite by Eric but man, Trademark is by far my second favorite. Very underrated don’t hear enough people talk about it.

[@yoclark2723]

I remember the first time I heard this song. I was in my car and had gotten home but refused to leave the car before this song finished. He is one of the finest guitarist I've ever heard. Loved this song too!

[@lmm1586]

Me too !! Heard it in my car the first time 😮

[@Treborpyn]

Our hometown boy! Have lost track of how many times I’ve seen him live over the last 35 years and it’s spot on every time. A master of his craft. Did some home renovations for him back in the late 80’s Great guy Thanks for hitting this.

[@pocketleopard]

You've introduced me to something/someone I haven't heard before--and LOVE right out of the gate. Thanks for sharing this one. And, you both look #dapper!

[@timkjazz]

A masterful performance by Eric Johnson, discovered him while stationed in Germany, his tone alone makes him a guitar god.

[@jr-xs9tf]

This whole cd is fire. EJ at his best.He toured with Rush years ago and is one of Alex Lifesons favorite players.

[@peterquinones3522]

You have to check out all these rockers like Johnson, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai playing with Mike Stern.

[@markrobertdevison1227]

and they will get to see the best drummer in the world, Dave Weckl, who plays with Stern quite often.

[@NokiTravels]

Fun fact: this is the same show Stevie Ray Vaughan popped his string on during Look at Little Sister (his was a 1989 episode, this was 1986), and the same stage too. Austin City Limits was the show, and was one of the best displays of talent ever

[@keithb.9189]

I watched ACL regularly and saw this when it first aired. First time hearing EJ and bought the Tones album next day. Lots of great music around that time on ACL.

[@sammybeck7794]

Eric Johnson is from Austin Texas, my hometown. This is a recording from Austin City Limits back in the early 90s. Speaking of the 90s, I met Eric Johnson once when he and the guy who wrote the song Desert Rose (Vince Mariani) came into a pawn shop I was working at. Eric was looking for a portable keyboard. He is a real person, kinda shy and he was really nice. No one working in the store knew who he was when he walked in but being the EJ fan that I am, I noticed immediately. I rushed over to him, starstruck of course 🤩, to assist him. I got a two-for-one from him. First I made the sale then I got his autograph that I still have today. He wrote "Merry Christmas Sam, Eric Johnson"...... must have been around Christmas time 😊

[@robertmeyer2102]

Love that era of the instrumental guitarists, like EJ, Satriani, Vai, Malmsteen. Incredible talent.

[@Grovesgeo]

Or as good as Steve Morse

[@viclagina347]

Love the guitar tone.... plays it so crisp and clean..... wonder how many times he has played it.... you guys will love Joe Satriani.... Surfing with the Alien..... another master....

[@dawsonp3314]

They would love Steve Vai as well!!

[@carlomercorio1250]

Satrlani playing The Crush of Love

[@jlocke78759]

Eric is known as a perfectionist. Takes him forever to put out a new album, because everything must be perfect.

[@jonathanmcdonald9849]

I watched Mr. Johnson play Rockefellers in the Houston Heights 6 or 7 shows . Many times with stage side tables. He is a stand up guy. One night he was playing two sets. We were front and center for both shows. After the first show, one of the attendees tried to walk off with his slide. I stopped him, called his roadie over and gave him the slide. After the second show, Mr. Johnson treated us to signed, tshirts, CDs and a signed sweatshirt. He was very quiet, very polite. He has many great tunes. SRV, Manhattan, Zap, you guys nailed it. He isn't a noodler or a pure shredder. He understands and plays a melody that few can rival. Great review. Catch him live if you get the chance.

[@TheWizardKs]

Never saw or heard this song before, but dang it was awesome, he is an excellent guitarist. Thank you!

[@donnalockhart50]

I’m so happy you guys are finally getting a sponsor! Congratulations and keep doing what you do! Love the video.

[@guerillabedlam1]

I'd recommend "Desert Rose" from this same show. It is better than the studio version and is a beautiful song with some shred as well.

[@wbchaney]

Came here to say this! The solo in that version (ACL) was voted 3rd best in some magazine article I read a while back. A-mazing! (Now I gotta go refresh my memory!)

[@wbchaney]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJe4gnRufKqXndU

[@isaiah.s]

Cliffs of Dover, Trademark, and Desert Rose is by far some of the best stuff Eric Johnson has ever put out

[@melmel075]

check out this EJ performance of Desert Rose from last year! -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/bl6ZeWiYipmIp7s

[@kirkknudsen4278]

I've seen Eric a couple of times in the mid 90s. He's another guitarist who can play Jimi like nobody else. He's in the league of Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Steve Morse, etc.

[@Easy_Skanking]

*Satriani Yes, EJ is in that league of players.

[@petetobey3933]

One of my all-time favorite instrumentals! Amazing!

[@andytraiger4079]

A good next Eric Johnson song for you guys to hit is Desert Rose. I picked this because he sings in it and he shreds as well. It's a beautiful song. There's less than a handful of guitarist /singers / song writers that can touch Eric's Guitar /singing /song writing skills.

[@howiedavis2316]

I have enjoyed EJ since the Cliffs of Dover album came out ( Ah Via Musicom ) ! Even saw him live, at a bar , playing in Charlotte NC. Way to small a venue for a man of his talent, but then this was when he was just becoming known to the mass public. The one word I have always used to describe him is " CLEAN " . He is so good, so fast, so precise , but more than that, so clean in his playing. Personally my favorite by him was Desert Rose.

[@iridescent-frog1059]

Another great Eric Johnson track is “Manhattan”. Its crazy groovy and builds up a beautiful atmosphere.

[@johnhughes3214]

Eric Johnson's debut album "Tones" is outstanding, a mix of instrumentals and songs with Eric doing the vocals (a very talented vocalist), but all featuring great guitar work. "Zap" is a fun and fast instrumental. "Friends" has vocals and is a banger in my opinion. "Desert Song" is a beautiful introspective acoustic guitar instrumental song. Nice insight, Alex, regarding the different chord voicings, etc.

[@kimalexandersmedsboel2098]

Great song but Tones was actually his second album his first was Seven Worlds😉

[@charlescroasmun1039]

Great performance! Very smooth, precise and innovative. Thanks for showing this.😊👏👍😎🎸

[@marksingo2177]

This is what guitarists aspire to be.... Thanks guys for the reaction!!

[@JohnnyTalia]

I have never understood why Eric Johnson wasn't so much bigger than he was. He has an extensive catalog, but when it comes to a discussion of guitar virtuosos it's always Hendrix, SRV, Van Halen, and - Eric who?

[@arunsigamani1]

Say also Satrianni

[@robertjohnson5796]

I heard this three times back in grad school circa 1978. The DJ never said who it was. I was mesmerized, stunned, brain agape. For years I carried that incredible musical hook around in my memory. I would sing/hum it to people a few times a decade hoping SOMEONE would recognize it. Nothing. I thought of it a few times a month, then a few times a year. Sometime, maybe 2010 or so the thought occurred that I would die and never know who played that incredible guitar. Once I thought it, life became a bit darker. About a year ago, I just could not stand it anymore and I turned to The WNEW Radio 104.3 Where Rock Lived in New York City Fan Club and explained my sorrow. Who in the late 1970s recorded the most amazing guitar instrumental. Suggestions began to pour in. I would call up the songs on KZbin and be disappointed. But then suggestion #14 came in: "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson. I felt a chill. Cliffs of Dover. no recognition. Eric Johnson. Never heard of him but maybe I DID hear the name way back. I searched it. There it was. With the first couple of bars the tears were actually flowing. OMG. this is it. When the hook came the first time, those sublime notes that I had never forgotten were there sounding better than I could have ever imagined. I intend to die happy.

[@taylortyler1867]

I f-ing _LOVE_ rock instrumentals. This is going on my playlist w/ Frankenstein, YYZ, Hocus Pocus and Outta Space. I had never heard of this song _OR_ Eric Johnson before. I'm definitely gonna check out more of his stuff. Thanx for introducing him to me.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

You into Daryl Steurmer? Or is he too jazzy/ fusion for your taste.?

[@taylortyler1867]

@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 Never heard of _him_ either. Is he a guitarist, and if so, is he as good as this guy?

[@hamiltonburger4574]

Eric is a master of technic and melody. The emphasis on Melody.

[@codjh9]

I lived in Austin for most of the 80's and saw him & SRV live twice (each)... Eric Johnson indoors at the Paramount Theatre downtown was practically like the Beatles in terms of the crowd going nuts. He might've been wearing that jacket, too. I agree 100% that he's more melodic than most other shredders. A favorite for me, but it's also because I'm from nearby the area originally.

[@brittonparnell2168]

I’m currently Head Sound at The Paramount. We have EJ scheduled early April. He pops in whenever we have a great guitarist to visit with them. Last time was when Tommy Emmanuel played last November.

[@codjh9]

@@brittonparnell2168 Cool.

[@jgsrhythm100]

"Tommy Bolin- 1 word, greasy 🔥 1) "People People" (off "Tease" circa 75) 2) Dealer- with Deep Purple(replaced Blackmore for 75''s " Come Taste the Band" Tasty!! 3 ) Stratus- With Billy Cobham(Mahavishnu drummer) circa 73 from groundbreaking Jazz- Rock Fusion album " Spectrum" Love you guys!!!

[@kentzepick4169]

What’s fascinating about EJ is that while he is an incredible shredder, in many of his songs his guitar playing is more subdued but equally impressive and usually even more melodic. So many great songs, including: Righteous Desert Rose Zap Soulful Terrain Bloom Trademark Forty Mile Town High Landrons Nothing Can Keep Me From You Venus Isle

[@jwccsnm]

SRV is good too

[@melmel075]

Gem, When The Sun Meets The Sky, Magnetized, Fat Daddy, Trail of Tears ...

[@whatbroicanhave50character35]

Its so clean you could eat off it bro. There will never be another live performance like this. Truly special in nearly every way. Most people dont have the ability to understand how difficult it is to sound like this. Play the notes? Sure. But pull it off cleanly like this? One in a billion.

[@mjwaldrep]

Glad y'all got a sponsor. I'll definitely check out Unbound Merino!

[@frankaq3951]

The best thing about this channel is that you guys NEVER interrupt a performance! So many reactors kill the momentum of the song. Keep up the great work.

[@MCGguitar698]

His version of " Are You Experienced" Austin City Limits is amazing, he plays the backwards guitar solo using volume swells, truly a master. I met him 3 years ago, truly humble and kind......the man Steve Vai calls "the best ever."

[@lisamorrison2149]

Very cool in the freedom shack today. That's the only tune I'm familiar with of his, but really enjoyed it. Congrats on the subs and sponsor!😊

[@cathyschroeder7803]

Please go listen to EJ play Manhattan...beautiful music..

[@ralphvillanueva5558]

I've listened and played music all my life, but I had never heard of Eric Johnson before. I was switching channels and saw this concert on our local PBS station. Amazing. I had a chance to see him and Joe Satriani in concert together in SF.

[@lindsaymac01]

Makes it look almost effortless and definetly one of the finest I've heard. I'd rate him in with Yngwie Malmsteen, David Gilmour, and Brian May, to name just a few.

[@e84harrison77]

Best clean tone in rock n roll. Got to see him live in 1989 when he was just getting popular. Got to do Zapp.

[@Shadowrider1872]

GOOOOOOOD MORNING A &A FAMILY!! ☮️❤️♾️

[@allisonreed7682]

Hey, @John H! 😁

[@curtisgunnarson1768]

“Trail of Tears” from this Austin City Limits performance or “Desert Rose” are incredible

[@azcarb]

You guys definitely need to check out “Trail Of Tears “. Same concert as this performance

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

OMG You guys got a sponsor!! I'm so proud! And it's a quality company! GJ!! ♥♥♥ Fun video - Eric is F'ing incredible.... and so cute!

[@cheese11211]

Absolute banger. Looking forward to hearing your review!

[@calrowles9790]

Thank you for this. I had never heard of him and I am glad I listened to this. When you said 'Effortless' the first thing that went through my mind was 'There is a reason they call Eric Clapton Slowhand'. When you master your instrument, you make the difficult look easy.

[@lousmith1050]

Eric is so committed to his "sound" that he even developed his own line of batteries for all of his pedals. Hit Steve Vai next Correction on the batteries, he prefers Duracell for the sound.

[@DavidGarcia-kw4sf]

If I understand correctly, his Strat is wired in a custom manner to get the pickups out of phase. Fender now makes a tribute version of the "Virginia" Strat (seen here) that you can get for yourself. (Only $2699)

[@roncypert8255]

So smooth and so amazingly talented. EJ is definitely in my top ten favorite guitarists. Love this song! I haven’t seen y’all ever react to Joe Bonamassa….. Anything off of his Live At The Royal Albert with video would WOW you! With that said, if you want to hear killer blues vocals and absolute guitar shredding, start with Id Rather Go Blind from Joe And Beth Live From Amsterdam. Beth Hart puts her entire body, heart and soul into her vocals and Joe Bonamassa does one of, if not the best live guitar solos I’ve ever witnessed! If you think you’ve ever heard a better female blues singer YOU ARE WRONG!! Check it out…..

[@antoniojorgetmdantas4447]

Try "All along the watchtower", he simply does the Hendrix arrangement note by note and places his own vision of the song from the middle to the end. You won´t regret it.

[@michaelglover9354]

bugger - took me about two months to get this tune out of my head after watching this over and over again - and now its back in ! thanks

[@pamnorris8954]

Love that you guys have sponsors! Over 120k subs! Great reaction today. One I had never seen. So amazing and made my day❤️

[@tonyberezowski7859]

Eric Johnson is a master. I saw him open for the Steve Miller Band in the summer of 1991. What a night!!!!

[@jts2398]

I saw that tour as well. Amazing...

[@darlenegriffith6186]

Amazing guitar work! It was my first time hearing this and I was immediately enthralled!

[@RandymanB]

So I'm a 62 year old who also first heard this on Guitar Hero, playing with my kids, just wishing I could have been this guy or at least been able to play like him. Just amazing, so fun to see him play and listen to his music!

[@Wolverines77]

I don't think I have ever said this about rock & roll guitar before. In the purest sense of the word, this was pretty. So clean, so immaculate...

[@michaelescareno7048]

Really glad you all reacted to EJ. This video is from over 30 years ago, but Eric is still producing music. This video is from Austin City Limits on PBS, the longest running music show on American television. Being from Austin I've been fortunate to see Eric many times over the years, both in concert and record store appearances. For your next reaction I highly recommend the studio version of "Desert Rose"!!!! Two phenomenal solos by Eric on that, and it actually follows "Cliffs of Dover" as the next track on the Au Via Musicom album.

[@daveking9393]

This is so freaking fun to watch Thank you for sharing never saw this before

[@GoodStuffForeverMore]

Glad to see you guys are finally getting sponsorships! So richly deserved. Man! You guys really look snazzy😎🙌

[@stratfanstl]

A few things to note to put this in context. I first saw this ACL episode in 1991 after Ah Via Musicom was released in 1990. This ACL show was actually recorded Dec 14, 1988. The recording sessions for AVM went from March 1988 to June 1989. The first time I heard this live performance, after playing the album cut THOUSANDS of times, I thought the sound was really good but there were places where he didn't quite "stick the landing" between parts. However, after seeing this was recorded PRIOR to the album release, it is clear it was still a work in progress for the ACL show. In fact, Cliffs of Dover was a work in progress since about 1984. There is ANOTHER episode of ACL from 1984 or 1985 (even prior to Tones being released in 86) where he also performs it. For us mortals, that made me feel a LITTLE bit better that this song didn't just drop out of the sky through his fingers to sound as good as the album cut. That version reflects literally six YEARS of refinement.

[@paullanoue5228]

I saw Eric Johnson play in Chicago. My wife bought tickets on a visit and I didn’t know who he was. I was shocked when he started playing. It was like listening to one of the classical guitarists I heard as a kid. The venue was filled with guitarists. It was experience I won’t forget.

[@mikep6222]

This guy is awesome. Very overlooked, he puts out music that is refreshing and just outright fun to listen to.

[@izzywong7027]

OMG, guys! I saw him in Austin during my sophomore year at UT back in the 70s. He blew all of us away. Thank you!

[@jennieohk6911]

The action on that guitar must be insane... I love watching him. I've been to 3 of his live gigs ... front and center... I swear he barely touches those strings... he's a string whisperer.

[@rodgerbelveal6684]

Sure wish you guys would revisit EJ! His cover of "Are you experienced " from the same concert is SPECTACULAR to say the least!

[@bodhisattva3774]

Saw Eric 3 times in the late 80s. Always a great show.

[@galenstone9097]

Eric Johnson is the best tone I have ever heard. So clean.

[@jamiemacdonald436]

I bought this this album (Ah Via Musicom) 32 years ago when it came out after my guitar teacher recommended it. I've been recommending since, but it wasn't until Guitar Hero before everyone "suddenly" realized Eric is a damn virtuoso genius. Great reaction guys. 🤘

[@umpdaddy1]

I would say that that is noodling of the highest order. Amazing to watch. Thanks for putting this on the channel guys.

[@willlockler9433]

Had the great pleasure to see him live many years ago in Houston. Beato also has great videos with him. Your some pretty great kids. Keep it up.

[@mikebratcher8593]

I used to watch Eric at a local bar in Houston. His band The Electromagnets would do a week at the place every month or so. I'd be 8 feet away watching him night after night. What an unbelievable experience. Folks down here in Texas are pretty proud of the fellow.

[@libnisedano860]

I was recently introduced to EJ and woah!!!!! 🔥He is definitely a master of technique and just gives his all when playing (a bit of a perfectionist too). I would definitely recommend Trail of Tears from that same show, High Landrons and Virginia

[@auszie4247]

Well said, and great song choices!👍

[@RyneMurray23]

This song is beautiful. No wonder he won an award got this performance 🔥🔥

[@heidie2081]

My introduction to Eric Johnson was the Guitar Gods Concert at the Hollywood Bowl many years ago (1996). Concert had Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, & Steve Vai. Had not heard of him prior to concert. I was so impressed with Eric's playing and the sounds he got out of his guitar that I bought his "Battles We Have Won" album the next day and played the hell out of it!

[@robertperrella4194]

"TRADEMARK" IS THE next eric johnson song you should react to !!!!

[@davmtu]

I am glad you got to see this. It is amazing guitar playing.

[@allisonreed7682]

Happy Wednesday! Congrats on 120K subscribers, guys!!! 🙌🏻

[@Shadowrider1872]

Morning Allison 🥰

[@allisonreed7682]

Good Morning, @John H! We made it halfway through the week! 😎

[@allisonreed7682]

Congrats, also, on your new sponsor, Unbound Merino! I’m certain that Merino Wool was a welcome addition to your wardrobes during the cold blast y’all have had recently!

[@andyandalex]

@@allisonreed7682 yeah honestly perfect timing lol

[@kevinhodgson2990]

I've seen Eric Johnson 4 times and he's always incredible. The last time in 2019 he played a solo acoustic set with 4 song on the grand piano. Some of his best songs are: 'SRV', 'Manhattan', 'Desert Rose', 'Zap', 'Trademark', 'Friends', 'Pavilion', and 'Venus Isle', plus many more.

[@adrathemetaloutlaw754]

Austin Texas Legend. Zap is another good jam by Eric Johnson. This song and Zap had heavy rotation here in Austin on the local rock stations. Another thing that makes Eric great.....He's a primo example of a cool Texan.....Very laid back and super cool to talk to. Very humbled fella

[@frankberg4266]

I love when people (reactors) who talk to damn much get hushed real quick when listening to greatness. Makes the video that much better.

[@davemarr7743]

Love Eric Johnson, first time was on Austin City Limits. So many artists came to me on that show. It was so good in the old days.

[@astrocat97]

One of my favorite things about this song, and Eric in general, is how Shawn Lane took that lick from the beginning of Cliffs because it was just so catchy. Shawn plays it a lot in his solos as a nod to Eric, and the two share a lot of musical characteristics. I think they're both criminally underappreciated players!

[@PaulKostrzewa]

This song always gives me goose bumps...

[@jamesrramey]

First time I heard this song it was echoing through downtown Houston during a live performance, Epic Epic !

[@jenndavin]

Austin City Limits ruled in the day. So many good moments and memories from that show. Thanks for sharing.

[@laurentco]

O.K. If you like this, YOU HAVE TO DO A REACTION TO JEFF BECK live at the Crossroads Festival doing "Big Block"! Not only is Jeff's playing incredible, but there is off-the-charts awesome drumming and bass on the track as well. The man is a fucking magician!!

[@PK1971PK]

Jeff Beck is the first thought that popped up when EJ started in. Not familiar with EJ but I'll bet he was influenced by JB.

[@whalewoman813]

I was blessed to see Eric play when this album came out. Third row Tampa Theater One of the best shows I've ever experienced

[@TheNewRevolution]

This performance was actually years before he recorded the studio version you love so much. He actually was still playing with the song to figure out exactly how he wanted the song to go. Obviously he's crafted most of the song. You're right about the part in the middle where his tone changed. I'm surprised you noticed it sounded completely different from the studio version. Which you have to question: Was it a mistake? Or did he not have the part written like he would end up playing it in the studio on his album. We may never know. I tend to think it was a mistake. But it's hard to imagine such a polished guitarist making that mistake.

[@fastbowler]

Was going to say the same. Eric had been crafting/tinkering/reassembling this song for several years before he did the recorded version. There was a previous Austin City Limits version of this song (no mullet then!), which was the first time I actually learned about "Cliffs of Dover", and of course it's a third/different version of it. (It might the best one I like.)

[@lmm1586]

Love this instrumental. It resets my mind 😊

[@philstone3859]

Super Clean! Excellent live!

[@guitarkis4969]

IMHO, the best rock guitar instrumental of all time. His use of melody is incredible, things you just don't hear from other guitarist....very out of the box. And his tone....His TONE!!! My favorite over driven tone!