Eric Johnson and Joe Bonamassa - Crossroads - January 19, 2012 - Hollywood HOB - HD

[@phillipgohorns]

Yoda and Skywalker. The pentatonic scale is strong with this one....

[@zxarcane7706]

+Phillip Peterson Is that your consolation or something?

[@w900L]

Derbixrace actually mixolydian sounds good in blues.

[@aleaallee]

@@Derbixrace Given blues is usually played with dominant 7th chords, you could solo using the mixolydian scale.

[@liamwagner9160]

What a great analogy 😂

[@nicholasindalecio8211]

Lol

[@billy6742]

Eric is never loud enough

[@bsdung6060]

Just love everything about Eric Johnson his tone his trills his crazy run his bending...No one like him

[@carljohnson2905]

Joe is brilliant. Eric is brilliant. This was so fantastic.

[@libbysvideos]

+Carl Johnson - Thank you for saying so, and for NOT trying to make it into some silly competition as so many viewers have tried to insist upon. :)

[@carljohnson2905]

+libbysvideos I hate that. Or people forcing their opinions down others throats. I also love John Mayer's guitar playing, and people argue on his videos like no other. It's sad.

[@MClancer18]

I like how Eric is so calm and doesnt feel like he needs to shred back at he just wants to play and thats all I would want too =)

[@mikesorbassguitar]

Joe is a great guitarist...Eric is from another planet.

[@kevinstiff8681]

Eric will take you to nirvana

[@danielcardinale4562]

a true gentleman guitarist!! and two guitar giants playing together! what more could one ask for??

[@sschmidtevalue]

Loved it! That rhythm section is like a freight train going 90mph!

[@lanes58]

I like to think there is no best guitarist. Everyone has their own style, and that's makes them unique, and gives us listeners a variety of music to listen to. Great pickin' here.

[@rodrigooliveira3277]

The Clapton tone and sound remains one of the cornerstones of modern electric guitar.

[@JustinGillenMusic]

I feel like everyone who is new to hearing Joe Bonamassa understands he is a great lead player, but thinks that he is not a good songwriter because he doesn't have platinum radio hits like Layla or Pride and Joy and killer tunes like that. In reality... he is really good songwriter. People need to go explore his earlier albums to see for them self and give his writing more of chance. His earlier albums shaped my musical ear as a kid for a lot more reasons than his ability to shred a lead like a boss. Or listen to the Rockpalast concert. He doesn't deserve to be cut short from a writing standpoint just because he does a lot of covers.

[@Beauregard159]

Two GIANTS, no egos.. What's better than this???

[@ZBEARRockN]

always unbelievable, eric johnson- . he never shows ordinary progression of guitar plays even when he is playing lower backing position. it's really fantastic.

[@scottmatheson2390]

It's amazing how many modern players have been influenced by Eric Johnson's approach to pentatonics including Joe B. and Eric Gales among a host of others. It's too bad (as you stated) you were positioned directly in front of Joe's amp which produced a rather lopsided recording as far as individual guitar volumes are concerned. Still, it's an excellent document of yet another great night in guitar land for which I thank you.

[@libbysvideos]

You are most welcome. Thank you for your positivity. :)

[@EricCirca6566]

Joe was in a "take no prisoners" mode. At times he had a "OK what do you have for me next" stance. It kind of reminds me of the "headcutting" scene in the movie "Crossroads." Once again the tone from the Firebird and whatever kind of medium size Fender style amp behind him is incredible!

[@hauulakid]

Well spoken friend, I've been watching 'little Joe' grow up over the last 15years or so and he certainly deserves to stand right there next to the best that has been, as evidenced by the LONG list of guitar greats that have welcomed him on the stage..He's living proof that the blues will never die.

[@chefallen520]

The People in this world will never get along. No matter what. I was extremely happy with this video. I wish I could have been up there with the 2 of them. Eventhough I am nowhere close to being in their league but damn that what be awesome. Stop fighting with one another over personal opinions. You don't have to live by them and they damn sure can't kill you. Just listen and enjoy. If you don't like what someone wrote, just go on to something else. There is more than enough for all of us to find something we like and possibly, someone like ourselves. Chill out, life is much better without the bullshit...

[@Jakexx01]

I agree with you, in a perfect world we should "just listen and enjoy". Unfortunately, some enjoy the bitching and the squabbling BS far more than the music. Respectfully, why don't you take your own advice and, "just listen and enjoy". I'll do the same with you. You and I will never change them. Shit disturbers will be shit disturbers.

[@joelcabida]

"life is much better without the bullshit..." that was awesome...

[@russelmurray9268]

No one didn't enjoy this what are you talking about

[@russelmurray9268]

You can't get along is more to the point

[@chefallen520]

Dudes , I met a great luthier . He didn’t have any copies of other builders guitars on his wall . Only his creations . All he could talk about were the influences , from other builders and their creations . His guitars were breathless . I sat and played a few . 2 and a half hours later , I had to kick myself out of his house . It was so cool to play and not think about time or anything else . More playing and less everything else .

[@Chris-is1rd]

I have seen this happen so many times - Johnson will get on stage with other big name guitar players and his sound is always buried. Its a bit annoying that the soundpeople cant get that shit straightened out

[@russelmurray9268]

I've watched this for years it's annoying

[@Diax1324]

His tone is engineered to work with his band. It struggles to keep up with other players. That's part of the magic of his tone - it works amazingly well at filling up a 3 piece instrumental.

[@pgong]

I also think the video camera's on-board mic is picking up Joe's amp more simply because it's right in front of it.

[@peterworam9376]

100% Agreed. Johnson's tone is painfully over engineered to his personal taste. It's exquisite when you can hear it, but he never cuts through the mix. Any number of live videos demonstrates it. He needs a bit extra in the mids, or at least a boost at the board. Disappointing, as Joe and EJ are at the top of the food chain in terms of blues guitar. I actually started listening to Joe a lot more because his legato is just as good as Johnson's, but you can hear him. But damn, Eric's rhythm playing and chord forms... No one plays like him.

[@Sprawl1GuitarMan]

Agreed, man! Sound guy should be able to compensate for it. There’s really no excuse.

[@rodbelding9523]

music isn't a competition man, both are great. don't judge other guitarists too much, just listen.

[@drivers1959]

These two guys are incredible players as most would agree. Eric J has his signature sound which makes him who he is"incredible" Joe is a monster player and he can sound like anybody he wants to he tends to keep it in the pocket as far as the song and in relation to Claptons style but with his own flare....gotta love it!

[@ep9421]

2020 in lock down in Sydney, and what a better way to pass time. Who needs Rap shit or Beiber when the world is at its worst. This makes me feel wonderful sitting back, volume up and relaxing. Like I said, what a great way to isolate

[@Grendal54]

These are world class players. People always have to make it a contest. You can learn to play guitar and play your whole life and never approach these guys. They were born with enormous talent. To bad mouth or belittle either of them is just plain ignorant.

[@STORYTASTIC]

great stuff what a shame u can't hear eric!! Joe who normally copies EJ stuck to his Best traditional Blues!! and rocked...thanks Joe for not copying Eric!!...this time:) thanks for putting this up!!

[@nuendo2496]

Joe is a true blues guy with monster chops.

[@yobhsiFehT]

Look, I like this video, I have significant respect for both of these guys, so don't jump down my throat TOO much for saying this, BUT... honestly, how does Bonamassa manage to flatten out the groove of EVERY song he plays?? o.O

[@chikkipop]

Was just noticing that myself.

[@1986Lynott]

Gotta say I think he holds back when he plays with other guys...by himself it's just the way his Musical brain works..? but yeah

[@gitbse]

I love watching and listening to both of these guys. EJ is a legend, and always will be. He can outplay anybody, and his music is spectacular, and always very innovative. However... He never really had a good stage presence. I remember awhile ago watching him on stage shredding like crazy.. standing in one spot with headphones on. I would go see either of them in a heartbeat. However, I would always choose Joe first. JB has a stage presence, and a feel in his playing that EJ doesn't. JB has shown from all of his solo music, to the bands he's been in, Bloodlines up into Rock Candy Funk Party, that his musical range is limitless. EJ does what he does best, and will be one of the legends. However, JB will always be my #1 guitar player.

[@tonyfondacaro1980]

I saw EJ last year on the Experience Hendrix tour. When he came out the place erupted, and he proceeded to tear the house down with his presence and his playing. Maybe you saw him on an off night, because my experience of him was nothing short of legendary.

[@youhavetogoback8449]

No way you're crazy. I have never heard anything Bonamassa has made with as much soul as Desert Rose, Lonely in the Night, Trail of Tears, or Pavilion. Eric Johnson is in his own league.

[@bbb8997]

Rory Gallagher & Danny Gatton will be Joe's fav players

[@anitavassar1]

I adore Eric.

[@EthridgeMarkS]

all though several years old nice to see Eric playing a Les Paul.

[@jumbleothia]

Johnson = God, ..Bonamassa = Servant!

[@barbaracovell]

fabolous

[@bassplayersayer]

Its recorded on a phone, That's why I can't hear the other amps. It's pretty cool, Really cool show. I think the guys had a lot of fun.and that's what its all about. Rock On.

[@libbysvideos]

bassplayersayer I shot the video - I can tell you that it was not recorded on a phone - Eric's amp is low because I was not in front of it, I was in front of Joe's. Simple as that. Joe's appearance that night was NOT public knowledge beforehand. I was privy to it though, and chose visual position over audio perfection. They definitely had fun and so did I. Glad you enjoyed the video (I think?). :)

[@russelmurray9268]

Not your fone it's the engineer

[@dalefunk9863]

I've seen both of these guys at different times in their careers but never together. They are both extremely talented and if I could play a tenth as good as either one I might critique them... but.... I can't.... I can only say they are both great and fun to watch and listen to.

[@natecassou6832]

Those fast arpeggio licks are all EJ's even what JB was playing.

[@rfd73]

Totally agree

[@dirliedirl]

Absolutely true, but Joe has always maintained that he learned a great deal from EJ, including those licks. So at least he's not being an a-hole about it.

[@BoxcarFred]

Wow! Two genius guitar players! I'm happy now!

[@thebalance6869]

Two master, doing what they love to do, having fun, sparing, jamming, creating on the spot. The haters are all just jealous they ain't up there nor never have had such an experience. I'm thankful to of been on a stage with other fun loving guitar players letting loose, overextending ourselves and the solos, wanking off and having a great time.

[@WileECoyotey]

Joe (and of course Eric) have brought rock guitar solos to another level.

[@divinesouls5535]

That fire bird is stunning

[@BossHossStudios]

LIBBY.. You are the BEST!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@jeffreyburton7284]

Holy Moley, that is insane. Two monster players with very complimentary styles. I love how these guys just love to JAM!

[@christiangasior4244]

Eric aged so gracefully. Dude always looks good.

[@DilbiWilber]

they make each other better.

[@adamxlr2010hotmail]

Saw Eric at Bath in UK last year, for part of the encore he did The wind cries Mary spot on to the original.

[@bryanmannoia8410]

nice video, thanks for shooting and sharing!

[@Rhythmicsolo]

You can Hear these guys have waited a long time for this show down. Joe definitely has the balls and the talent to stand toe to toe with Eric.. Just incredible to watch. Wow!!!! Blown away!!!! I love the Comment saying Yoda meets Luke...lol... so true. :)))

[@russelmurray9268]

Eric has a definite style while Joe has the ability to cover everyone's style not that Eric can't

[@rccarsandmusic2641]

After reading the comments Eric owned this!

[@littlewing62]

for those people saying that they sound similar. well there you go, the proof that they're different and just share the same of the pentatonic scales as every one else.

[@shemueltannak4799]

VIRTUOUSSSSSSSSSSSS👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏AMAZING JOE!!! GREAT JOE!!! UNBELIEVABLE JOE!!

[@gitmani]

It's nice to see to very gifted guitar players, sharing the same stage and enjoying each others playing. I think that's what music is all about! Thanks you for the post!

[@michaelharrisson1683]

Man that Eric Johnson... He's the train.

[@imissmysol]

One of my fav's totally shredded by two greats. I have been privileged to see EJ but not JB yet...one day....

[@bbb8997]

don't waste your time

[@vilmosswb2403]

Two greats with their own unique style of playing blended into a blender and you get .Titans of music... both are gifts from God... if Jeff Healey was still alive i'm sure he would love to jam it up even more :))) keep on rockingggggggggggggg SwB

[@jhinds0630]

I agree with other posts. I'd pay good $ to see either in concert. Both have done other projects with other artists, and they are very humble with a "how can I help" mentality.

[@TheLespauladdict]

Absolutely AMAZING! Both are incredibly guitarists and this is a killer cover of a Blues Classic!

[@less_concerned1221]

Joe sounded incredible through that Firebird!

[@BrettFairchild]

Two colossal titans on stage with another, how did the stage not explode

[@levicowan2650]

Eric Johnson and Joe Bonamassa, what are a great collaboration

[@rodolfoperalta5180]

Is anyone paying attention to the bass player? he kicks ass !

[@gordonrehm3350]

Truly amazing, in the moment playing. Would you happen to know his name?

[@dennyburnworth5032]

Battle of the guitar nerds with the audience being the winner!

[@jhinds0630]

I saw Eric as a guest at Joe's concert in Austin about 18 months ago. Eric played about 2/3 of the time, and he was absolutely incredible. Joe was very humble in his intro, and the roles were reversed. You can search KZbin for "Bonamassa Johnson Austin" to see for yourself. I'm not sure of your background, but I've seen enough blues jams to know that the guy on the mic calls the shots, and, if he doesn't feel the other musician caught his signal, he's going to keep playing.

[@killereverb3928]

When you hear EJ play, eyes closed you KNOW it's him and no one else. That's called a signature style - harder to develop than many realize. All the greatest have that. When Joe plays, he sounds like anyone of a number of players. His style is more muddled. Let the analysis start there. Have fun!

[@recordjnky]

Joe's tone is UN FUCKING TOUCHABLE -- so clean and precise....Eric takes a back seat to the new master

[@calumobrien9234]

Joe Bonamassa doesn't sound like any player to me. Tonally, maybe he doesn't stand out as such, but his playing style is extremely distinctive, very cleanly played and consistent.

[@maximalist5038]

Aaron M you do realize that even Joe B would say that's bullshit right?

[@rccarsandmusic2641]

Well said Eric worked to perfect his style and is one of the best skilled player with his own style!

[@BBQDad463]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@deadreckoning292]

Damn. That was flat out awesome.

[@keithelliott2657]

Unfortunate that Eric's guitar couldn't be heard but what a performance anyway!!

[@libbysvideos]

I was standing pretty much directly in front of Joe (and his amp). One has to make choices - go for the best sound.... go for the best shot? Try to get a balance of both with limited equipment? I usually do the latter. Glad you enjoyed. :)

[@libbysvideos]

You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@cubsfands29]

joe bonamassa has the absolute best fretted playing chops of anyone alive. fucking amazing player, could play circles around me but he seriously should reconsider treating guitar playing like a competition like these two had in this solo. its not even music at that point man.

[@Badger469]

Bonamassa vs. Govan, Battle of the decade.

[@rfd73]

And honestly, if this was a competition, Eric won that competition twenty 23 years ago when he released Ah Via Musicom, in my opinion there is no Bonamassa album that can match all the musicality of Ah Via Musicom.

[@hulldanfan]

Badger469 LOL - There's no point in having that competition. Joe is very very good at what he does, but Guthrie is just godly at everything.

[@Badger469]

hulldanfan I'd have to agree. GG is something otherworldly. It looks like his style will never be popular though. He's probably a little too sophisticated for the average person. In the end, the song is just as important as the playing and Guthrie lacks the songs IMO. When I think Guthrie Govan I still think Jamtracks blues on You Tube. That's the best playing I've ever heard.

[@hulldanfan]

Badger469 Have you heard his solo album, 'Erotic Cakes' - Its a masterpiece and probably more accessible as a listener than the Aristocrats material, which I can well understand people not getting.

[@mjw6555]

Whoa...Thanks for the Steppin' Out tip! These guys are both just great...but Joe really shines on Steppin' Out...trying to get Eric to bite on the repeating line...but Eric wouldn't jump in...or should I say...he wouldn't step out. Fantastic just the same. Brother...you were really lucky to be there!!! Peace... MJ Wright

[@rrhwattimena1177]

Wow... Thanx for the upload. 👍🏽

[@DioHenda]

150 likes 0 dislikes.it says everything!

[@jgwolford]

Eric has always been a thin small guy and a fantastic guitarist. I saw him in a small club in Boulder Colorado1987 and he was amazing.

[@jamesquitadamo1917]

Chris Maresh on bass. smokin' Wayne Salzman on drums what a night!!!

[@robthemobthegreat]

Joe Bonamassa kicks ass in this song. Just listen to his bendings - great!

[@MrParisienWalkways]

You are exactly right! Joe has nothing Original to offer.

[@MrCoolhandLucas]

Oh wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Serious magic when the two guys start trading bars. Wonderful !

[@ergonzales]

Superb! Fantastic performance from these two great guitarists! Thanks for posting.

[@Onehappyworlds]

You know what this is AWESOME!

[@doppler55]

Bladestrummer said it best. What a treat to see theses two play. Thanks for posting

[@glenkepic3208]

"Watch this, EJ' This is just the beginning,,,"

[@bluzzpower]

Everytime I listen to this...just gives me all that much more inspira tion..Incredible Jam!

[@emanuelbief7088]

This is a jewel

[@oldfert]

I have never witnessed Mojo from either of these guys until now. Awesome....just awesome.

[@mjw6555]

Wow...Finally a version of Crossroads to rival, or even surpass Clapton's on Wheels of Fire! Of course...between Joe & Eric, I think they covered just about every Clapton lick from the original. I especially dug Joe's old single PUp Firebird, and Eric's gorgeous Gold Top! Thanks a million for this vid. Peace... MJ Wright

[@Bassballs5]

That was really awesome... Both players are well versed in MANY styles, but in this 1 4 5 they both stayed with the blues format and didn't go off in "shred" mode, which both are very capable of doing very well... Not to mention, GREAT rythem section...

[@castagnaf1]

Ummmm, So perfect!!! Thank You!!

[@blues860]

joe bonamassa is great blues guitar player.

[@project10bball]

this is some of my fav playing by joe in awhile

[@tunacolada2020]

Texas meets New York !its all so good

[@charlieford3]

COOL. Totally agree with what you wrote. On the vid, you can hear that Eric is quieter than Joe...... I like to hear him more, but I think he is the gentleman you say, and he lets the other guitarist go for it.

[@1954tele]

And who won the battle of the Titans?....................We did !! I remember viewing this for the first time.......Their trade-off from 5:02 thru 5:30.....I have yet to find the words to describe. Joe's expression at 5:15.........Priceless!!

[@berkstar]

I always found Eric Johnson to be the perfect Guitar gentleman. Never louder or overpowering other guitarist that are onstage with him. He would probably be the best Head cutter on the stage but would not overshadow the other guitar players. Just check all the other videos with him playing with other guitarist. I think you will know what I'm talking about. Playing by himself he is totally Godzilla stomping down Tokyo! Great jam here though.

[@Dontwant2thinkofuser]

Two best tones in modern guitar music.

[@tunesmith100]

I will bet that 99.9 % of the negative comments are from wannabee's that couldn't play their way out of a wet paper bag !! Both of these players are world class !!!

[@Tonguefunsome]

Always love the tone these two have,they never sound bad.

[@Fitzliputzli23]

Even a crappy mix like this one cannot kill top players like these ones. It is still amazing to listen to.

[@rpoole3]

Two of the best on the planet!

[@leftyzappa]

Completely excellent. Thank you for putting this up!

[@BlazeDriscoll]

absolutely great, especially for a one camera shoot

[@cme4u]

Great tones and great solos... ;)

[@andyslowhand89]

Did you see?, after of this they has fire on their fingers!!, awesome...

[@tMint0891]

EJ playing in 5 is incredible.

[@tanakornpraditsuwan9631]

Amazing jam. 😮