Eric Johnson - Desert Rose

[@domenicobambara6289]

it is a pity that one of the greatest guitarists of the last decades is unknown to many people

[@Progmium]

Agreed! I guess it is our job to spread the word.

[@paulgentile1024]

Set some guitars on fire 🔥 that might help.. I agree the guys phenomenal

[@Jaco4e]

Last decades? No, of all time

[@jazzram_]

Agree

[@bigelile07]

@@Jaco4e IMO, it's between Eric and SRV. Most underrated guitarist ever is Eric, although he wrote and played the greatest guitar solo ever...It makes no sense.

[@Artybruh]

Wait this guy can sing AS WELL?!?!? Seriously one of the most talented musicians

[@bazzmx]

also he's originally a piano player i think

[@jazzram_]

@@bazzmx like eddie :O

[@Ariovistus1]

The Best!! Love Eric's Positive And Bright sounding Music! Seen Eric Several times! Epic Showman and So Humble and Soft Spoken! Absolutely Fantastic!

[@AlexZander688]

Eric's singing is no where near the level of his guitar chops.

[@seanbaines]

@@AlexZander688 Not many people's singing is.

[@MrSmiley1964]

The talent. The hair. This man truly has God on his side and he's a gift for us all.

[@raferalstonisgoat4457]

funny he says the same thing about himself. He says that he can't take credit for writing songs like cliffs of dover cause it came from a divine power.

[@FreeportAaron]

Amen

[@travislee9662]

As a kid growing up in the 80’s and "feathering” my hair back I totally agree his hair is on another level here...and his playing isn’t too bad either 🤪

[@toddprater14]

Eric Johnson’s emotive guitar style is beautiful,very violin like......His hair is very similar to Johnny Rzeznik’s- from the goo goo dolls.. around the late 90’s.....

[@jakemf1]

Broke Dick Dawg lol

[@vinny5004]

I hate to add the obvious, but what is so impressive and amazing about EJ’s playing is not simply the accuracy and endurance of his long fast runs, but that he uses all those blazing notes musically. So many hacks try to impress with fast shredding, but it’s rarely musical. Eric’s phrasing and slight pauses and slow downs in between the fast runs is his genius and is rarely matched. Almost no other player can deliver that many notes so fast and actually produce a beautiful song, even those that try to copy him. EJ’s melodies subtly emerge from like every 5 or 10 notes, and he knows our ears will catch it, while still being pleased from the decoration of the rest of them.

[@Marcus_C51]

Beautifully put, I think you are on point about his hummingbird quick lightning lines being so musical and enchanting. Yes it's true magic what he does, I'm not really sure if I've heard any other guitarist pull off what he plays. Yes, the phrasing is lights out genius and thank you for the comment on the pauses/rests and slight ritards. I hadn't really realized just how important they are to sort of "framing" the melodies for our ears to catch, yes yes! The ear can't assimilate notes in a constant barrage, he has taken that into account beautifully. We all have heard them, the virtuoso speed merchants, who at times sound like they are playing nothing but scales/modes nonsensically noodling. Even when they are attempting to copy him, the head and heart are sometimes disengaged from the hands. Really love your idea of subtle emergence of the melodies in 5-10 notes, truly I tend to just enjoy the musical bliss and haven't analyzed him in that much detail. I now hear those nice motifs interspersed between the lightning runs. Hmmm, I'm now thinking of hummingbirds again, the way they feed, then fly off is much like this. Thanks for insights-EJ is such a legend!

[@tjkinsella1111]

Simply put, EJ is the king of sweeps. I've been trying to play guitar for 30 something years. (translation: I hardly ever play, but this guy inspires me to pick up my acoustic just for fun.) I don't know where this guy comes from but GD, so fucking inspired. EJ, I saw you open for Rush on the Presto tour circa '90 at the Rochester War Memmorial. Still in awe 34 years later.

[@pingshanluan8049]

I thought Cliffs of Dover was the most difficult song by Eric, until I started learning this one. My Gosh how was he able to play like this in between singing and switching pedals? Absolutely amazing.

[@AlexanderBoothe]

Pingshan Luan because of his freak spider fingers. Lol

[@72hdryder]

how does he do it for 2 hours straight !

[@sonicsaviouryouwillnotgetm6678]

uh trail of tears and lonely in the night rank up very high as well.

[@MightyMaiTai]

Pingshan Luan how “was he?” He still does it lmfao! He’s 65 and a badass!

[@Couperetarded]

MAÏTÉ MILLER I couldn’t believe for his age how awesome he is still, saw him live earlier this month and it was still unreal!

[@agnezabarutanski1963]

His clean tone is unmatched. His dirty tone is incredibly clean. His style and technique are recognizable after a single note. His songwritting talent is immense. He has a great voice as well. And as if all that isn't enough - he owns that glorious jacket and that glorious hair. Eric Johnson is a gift from universe that we didn't deserve, but boy oh boy, am I glad we got him!

[@SureshKumar-ez1ew]

Can't agree with you more!! EJ is G.O.A.T. guitarist. There are many great guitarists but the sheer quality, talent and brilliance without resorting to too much of pedals and gizmos is the hallmark of Eric's style. He is truly God's gift to humanity.

[@laurakent750]

White cliffs of dover just floored me. Incredible and quite a sultry voice too.

[@jamesmorgan403]

There's a guitarist who never thought, "that's good enough".

[@david34802]

I think his perfectionism was his biggest setback. You can see in his first solo break how a slight mistake or tone issue throws him off a little. I think he has spoken about how his obsessiveness resulted in taking ages to release new music.

[@SwingCritic141]

@@david34802 spot on

[@Michaelgracon]

@theburningfield Plus why his tones are so unique when he switches signal chains.

[@analogman9697]

I read where Jeff Beck called up George Martin to do a retake on one of the tunes on "Blow by Blow" after the record was already pressed. Same perfectionism.

[@jeffdawson2786]

Absolutely nobody plays like him. He’s the tone master. 🎶

[@mvhax2ftw352]

Eric gales is The new Eric Johnson

[@TheLizardskin]

His style is utterly unique, period.

[@SwingCritic141]

@@mvhax2ftw352 how tf is he the ‘new’ Eric Johnson? Stupidest comment I’ve read today for sure. EJ is alive btw…

[@mvhax2ftw352]

@@SwingCritic141 Listen to eric gales, he revolutionized eric johnsons sound.

[@justinmorgan2126]

So, f**kin' clean... impossibly clean

[@mauijaystar]

The two solos on this song are two reasons to go on living, all by themselves. We love you, Eric.

[@tiktokyt]

He plays the first one and you think "WHOA!" and then he drops the outro solo like a bomb.

[@mauijaystar]

@@tiktokyt yup. Itʻs almost like that first solo is an appetizer.

[@steray8112]

Got Jesus for that, but I know exactly what you mean. Go on living . . . large, if permissible.

[@goodforever1792]

This is the peak of Eric johnson.

[@jakemf1]

Good Forever he was on fire

[@Michaelgracon]

When you see his 1984 Austin City Limits compared to this it’s like he’s ten times better!

[@patrickangell5387]

Check out him in the Electromagnets, he was amazing in the late 70's.

[@talpajam]

@@Michaelgracon took my g/f [rip theresa] summer '83 ej opened for srv..it was an off-world guitar battle..insane. best of times

[@philf4086]

One thing unique to EJ is how he pops in an effect or amp for just a measure or two, sometimes just for a note or two. Crazy skill and concentration. It is amazing.

[@theabsolute23]

P Frank I think Santana does the same thing

[@Skipperj]

That's why many of us are into his music I like to think so

[@ShanntahnPininchula]

The Tone Poet!

[@rodrigoaurich]

3:06 ~3:09

[@Snowy0123]

I remember the first time I heard an Eric Johnson song, trademark ,the reason I've been playing guitar for 10 years. changed my life

[@zaccyo]

Fuck yes. He changed my life too. Desert Rose and Lonely in the Night still give me full on goosebumps!!

[@kevgh3869]

Fuck yes to the fuck yes.

[@zaccyo]

:)

[@Davetheguitarhero108]

First time I heard Cliffs of Dover it made me buy a guitar. Been playing about 7 years now. Best decision ever. EJ is my musical hero.

[@zaccyo]

Dave - that's awesome man!! I was already playing when I came across Cliffs, but I immediately got a hold of all of his stuff and kind of never stopped listening. I was 14 at the time, and I'm 26 now. More in love than ever!!

[@surefair8]

When this song hits you, it feels like you're touring back in time. Thank you, Eric, for your existence in the guitar world.

[@jamesbowers5946]

There is nothing more badass than a lead singing lead guitarist

[@joeblow4785]

Also David Gilnour, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Rik Emmett, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Prince, Steve Miller etc etc etc..........

[@Abenson1983]

@@joeblow4785 James Hetfield

[@j.dragon651]

Why thank you. kzbin.info/door/MgevEkujQUerxvNqYNJ8PQ

[@uvuvwevwevweonyetenyevweug2953]

​@@Abenson1983he's a rythme guitarist most of the time

[@Abenson1983]

@@uvuvwevwevweonyetenyevweug2953 yes

[@catherinemacleod4985]

For me it's utterly real that so many people mention God in relation to his playing. He is tight and nervous in the first solo but you can feel the energy building, and in the second solo it's like he tunes into the Divine after 3:00 and I can never listen to it without being reduced to tears and an actual memory of heaven. His first manager was from his home neighborhood and told me that sometimes other bands would be practicing when he started to do his own practice routine, and that they would stop playing to listen to him. That really says it all.

[@davidbrothers8504]

Dear Eric I am 64yrs old and I hope you know JC. so you will be in paradise to play for us you are the best player I have ever heard bar none you have been blessed to have a talent like you have and your humility is great people please give this man a listen God bless keep on playing

[@rodgerbelveal6684]

@@davidbrothers8504 Amen brother! I want to listen to him on the other side!🙏

[@chrisa4971]

Man oh man that bend at 3:20 is so. freaking. sweet.

[@awkwardme5375]

Man, I know! I got genuinely chills up my neck when he hit that bend. What a guitarist.

[@fenderstyle4644]

David gilmour love that bend

[@FiRePrOoF502]

You ain't lyin! A true master...

[@ClifHaley]

There's not been a truly unique, one-of-a-kind guitar player like EJ since. All other "shredders" sound the same. But no one sounds like EJ.

[@wafflesaregreat775]

dude has not heard of marty friedman or jason becker

[@jackholm1204]

That guitar will need CPR after that. Totally shredded.

[@gregtoolson1606]

The first solo on the album version of Desert Rose is probably for me the most impressive EJ solo. It's just so eclectic and obviously his playing is impossibly proficient. But with this live version it's the second solo that stands out. That bebop jazz run at 4:05 is immaculate. And the perfect wah accentuation at 4:39. And of course he nails the last note pinch harmonic.

[@paulvigliotti444]

Couldn’t agree more

[@cory3518]

Eric ( like EVH) has his own immediately recognizable tone and sound. Nobody else sounds like Eric. Seen him twice in concert and blew me away.

[@ChindlerBong]

The guitar on the chorus is just beautiful, what a great, underrated song.

[@bukeksiansu2112]

My memory back to 1989 when first time to found his Ah Via Mucicom cassette on local music store..That was a beautiful day!

[@gregtoolson1606]

1990.

[@sapreaper]

same!!! but for me was around late '93ish. Played it on my Sanyo m9935k boombox in my truck (6-D batteries) as I could not afford a car stereo. Memories

[@bukeksiansu2112]

@@gregtoolson1606 Yup, 1990 thx for your correction

[@davidb1973]

Can you imagine having that much focus? Singing, playing and knowing exactly when to stomp your pedals. Outstanding!

[@j.dragon651]

Bar bands do it every night across America.

[@artysanmobile]

@@davidb1973 I take it you don’t play music. Musicians use muscle memory while ‘thinking’ about the song. We don’t consider each and every move separately like a machine.

[@thewonderfulMRnoob]

I really want to draw attention to how spot-on Eric's pitch is. All this time I thought he only played guitar but it's blowing my mind how awesome his voice is too.

[@haydengodfreymusic]

Eric is just so amazing. He's in my top four favourite guitarists list along with Steve Hackett, Alex Lifeson, and David Gilmour.

[@KellenFredricksen]

Same... perfect list

[@Swybryd-Nation]

top Electric guitarists : Holdsworth, Frank Gambale, Steve Morse, Shawn Lane, Brett Garsed, Reb Beach. Wtf “Hackett”? Technique isnt everything but Dude has the dexterity of an arthritic nonagenarian

[@nicolasarbogast2739]

Jani Liimatainen

[@j.dragon651]

Your selection of players goes to show that more isn't necessarily better. Thanx. I must say my all time favorite was Clarence White, he was taken from us way too soon.

[@jimroccasano8068]

Ummmmm, Stevie Ray?

[@ajcjcarvalho]

Perhaps Eric is the guitarist with the most unique sound and style. He's so underrated! Watching im 2020

[@jamesnorton7601]

King Edward.

[@bobbartlett246]

Eric and Jeff Beck are in a class by themselves. Tone masters.

[@slammerton]

This is unreal.

[@GCKelloch]

Man, this was why. Trully, a new brilliant voice in virtuosic guitar-based pop music.

[@lapdbestofthebest]

3:50 this part made my heart melt, so fricking good!

[@Red88Rex]

Best Eric Johnson song.

[@wickedtowatch6979]

it annoy me so much, because he is such a better guitar player then slash and the rest. without being specialy big

[@pauladawson5409]

I love Trademark♥️

[@krisbohac4582]

I'll have to confess I've never been a Jimi Hendrix fan... although I appreciate his talent. But Eric Johnson... wow.

[@PEPPERJET7]

Raw talent ❤ This we see once every 50 years if we're lucky 😊

[@memoblaze5159]

Out of this world. GENIUS.

[@audioexcels]

EJ took off where SRV left us at...two of the top 5 ever, bar none...

[@barrontrump3943]

Mike Strode dude i was thinking that but it didnt fully register holy cow

[@timothywetta8619]

Hellyeah!

[@cmc2234]

@@barrontrump3943 How's that when this was 2 full years before SRV's death? Not only that, but the their styles are very different and Stevie would have churned out 5 times what EJ ended up doing. One might agree in the case of KWS, but alas, there's never been anybody like SRV. Absolute one off!

[@barrontrump3943]

@@cmc2234 oh lord way to state the obvious

[@Graystonvaz]

The most amazing guitar player this world has seen....ej you're amazing...

[@jerryhernandez9775]

Check out 9 year old yoyo doing cliffs of dover!! Incredible!!!

[@Frapzoid]

For the most part I quit listening to rock music almost 50 years ago. In my opinion Eric Johnson is best rock guitarist of all time. He has a wicked tone and his solos are the most musical and lyrical of any rock guitarist I ever heard.

[@victornapper-white1122]

I agree

[@zachvarbel]

Such an iconic musician. Truly a genius

[@heretik6121]

the pentatonic genius !

[@BergstrandHR]

Eric Johnson would have blown Jimi Hendrix mind.

[@deasnutz4ever]

Totally agree!

[@jasonkeith9317]

No doubt Jimi blew his!!!

[@nathanclaflin4352]

2 different styles

[@pauladawson5409]

💯🎸

[@pauladawson5409]

@@nathanclaflin4352 2 different styles but both innovators with magic that flows from those fingers onto 6 strings that can be hypnotic and intoxicating. Can you imagine if Hendrix was still with us today....WOW!!!

[@Guardian853]

I love this man also ... I'm 70 years old this past June. Such a beautiful expression this man is in this dark dismal world ....Born to fly .....I wish I had heard him sooner....I don't have the words to express the effect of his music on my spirit. K.R.

[@isaacdepaula2103]

This look like a early 90/2000s song Its ahead of its time

[@himynameisjoe4009]

Yk what, I’m gonna say it, he is the best blues player to ever live on earth.

[@kuroo7824]

EJ is the only guitarist that really touched my heart, and i love his hair too🤍

[@donnycharlesvchannel4395]

Growing up ...with this song..eric J...guitar technique far different from others....one of a kind

[@wisdomoverfear2685]

When I listen to Eric Johnson ........so does my whole neighborhood !

[@lowspeedhighdrag566]

Eric is the GOAT.

[@bobbylloyd1336]

that sustained bend at 3:20 is unreal

[@TroyDurrance]

I was just replaying the same note!! That bend must be like 3 steps!!WTF!?

[@LuigiTheMetal64]

He would have to use light but strong gauge strings.

[@jamestp]

All I got to say is we should be grateful we are alive at the same time as EJ and able to see and hear him play.

[@holtcharlie501]

Where do I start with EJ, ive been playing guitar for around 15 years and ive always known about EJ but its only in recent years that ive properly got into listening to his music. I started listening to his live performances and I couldnt get my head around his feel. This is clearly a guy who has serious technical ability but its not just that, just listen to that sound. He would play a fast phrase and then hit a note with a feel that very closely mimics that of a violin which i think is such a cool feature. Then theres his use of chord voicings within his lead playing which is very oftenly overlooked by lead guitarists. I could go on for days about the amazing things this guy does but i remember when i first watched this live version of desert rose. When that final came, my jaw dropped omg, i replayed the performance many times over. Just an amazing player and is definitely one of my absolute favourite players

[@johningle7221]

In about early 1970 Stevie Vaughn was going to be at the New Orleans Club in Austin with Blackbird. He was about 15 years old. I think Eric was about 15 years old also, and too young to get in. My brother Bill (Panama) and I handed Eric some equipment and told him, "You're a roadie, now." Eric walked in with us, carrying some obscure piece of band equipment and we hid him side-stage for their set. Eric enjoyed the show. I don't remember if they spoke or not - probably not. But Stevie was already a master of tone in the Eric Clapton school of magic fingers. It was a fun night.

[@mksland3884]

How can such a beautiful song kick so much ass?! Love how he gets on his tip toes!

[@pvkoz8698]

And he parks the effing song on a harmonic hand brake...last note, astounding. To get through the whole song with vocals and crazy guitar and then just park it. Makes me think he's really nutted this out and knows where every note must be, when it comes in, when it changes and when it stops, all in time and all live. Eric Johnson.

[@phucue887]

This is hands down my favorite live guitar solos video ! As if the first solo isn't crazy......the second one is insane ! Best live performance ever in my book !

[@SureshKumar-ez1ew]

Mine's Cliffs of Dover.

[@Holdt15]

Gotta appreciate his charisma, self-confidence and just how calm and collected John is while playing these hard songs live. Wish John all the best in life, he deserves it!

[@ourwayne]

The first time I heard this I couldn't quite believe what I was hearing. After probably a couple thousand listens, it still is a revelation.

[@looseyourzlf]

god bless you Eric you are always brilliant

[@davidbrothers8504]

Did Eric play with the band called desert rose

[@johndboran]

Check out the sequence at 4:26. He's picking with his pick and his fingers....pick, finger, finger....pick, finger, finger.....Totally insane!!

[@glendaroland4190]

God was showing off when he created this Talented Man. Not only gorgeous bus so good. Love him

[@ruthlessreid9172]

The master class has begun.

[@just82much51]

Absolutely loved this album when it came out. What a gifted player and a nice voice as well!!!

[@FlavioAlvesReal]

Always awesome! Fantastic!!

[@future_proof]

beautiful song

[@ramelak1635]

Highly underrated and in fact almost forgotten...but never an another Eric there will be

[@peteyoung7665]

I don't think you can call someone"forgotten"when his recent albums/videos have over 1 mil views.

[@collinjamesguitar]

EJ from 1988-1992 is absolutely the finest the instrument has ever been played. Talk about a prime. Good God he had it all man. Feel, tone, jaw dropping shred, everything!

[@gingermany6223]

How does this not have more likes?

[@skipneumann1]

This still amazes me- now 2 years later and I am still watching Eric performance

[@tonymirabelli8516]

This and High Landrons are my absolute favorite songs from Ah Via Musicom

[@caminonovayer2700]

Always come back to this when we want to remember why we started playing

[@hamandvaid]

Superhuman, wow.

[@Aakarsh1068]

Absolutely breathtaking performance. It's good to know that SRV wasn't the only giant at Austin City Limts performances.

[@vinceotten129]

I love the way Tommy Taylor tastefully fills when Eric keeps time with that guitar ostinato during verses.

[@Ariovistus1]

Eric Johnson, Please Return to Las Vegas NV! You are Awesome!!

[@surefair8]

My first strat hero 🔥🔥🔥

[@JamieGValentine]

This is a work of art, a lesson in using tone changes, and an outstanding solo. Oh. My.

[@marcosgonzalez5617]

Waiting For Erick Jhonson in Tucson 2022.

[@MajorSecord]

That Austin dvd is a classic. Great sound and energy. Fine performances all around. My favorite version of Cliffs.

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

E. J . is the best . hands down. game over , wow.

[@jonathananderson3897]

I'm so glad I stumbled on this. I cannot believe a young lady has old men leaving the type of comments I've seen. I watch mimi because I get a kick out of seeing young people loving guitar. I have a daughter roughly the same age, and this terrifies me. Don't let it get to you, if you enjoy doing what you are doing and you make a living from it, then you have already accomplished more than many ever will in their whole life's. 👍

[@Heavenoid]

Hey Eric, can you play a 54 Strat, sing, work the echoplex, and play an incredibly difficult piece at the same time? EJ: get me my band jacket first, will ya?

[@jazzram_]

From the marching band*

[@johnburns272]

His humility and soft-spokenness are as beautiful and impressive as his talent and chops. When I've seen him in person, he's always like, "I'm not really where I wanna be with this next piece; hopefully next time I see you I'll have it more where I'd like it to be...but I hope this gives you an idea." (then he launches into something spellbinding)

[@azguitar]

What a gift to humanity, my friend, Eric Johnson.

[@lukeraynorguitar5885]

There aren't many guitarists that provide blistering shred and emotional musicality like Johnson for me.

[@AlexanderBoothe]

God given talent of true artistry and composition style. Anyone can learn to play quickly. Not everyone can write music like this.

[@PippeML]

Eric is such an artist, and such a humble human being,

[@arch3088]

NAILED IT!!!!

[@rogerkiethsyd]

Saw eric at the backroom when I was 13 years old. Changed my life forever. 🗽

[@_c_h_a_n_c_e]

I love how much of a tone freak Eric Johnson is, it feels as if there is like 5 different guitars going at it. He sure can sing and make that guitar sing!

[@christhomas267]

One of the greatest outros to a song ever. I've rewinded it way too many times now. When he hits that wah it sounds like what perfection would sound like

[@joeyvpoisonfree]

Best solos of all time barre none, no debate

[@DAHW7584]

EJ is a Genius and a guitar NINJA

[@javierclotides4094]

GENIAL Y RELAJANTE CANCION LLENA DE FRESCURA

[@se7encureton]

Got to see him live what a treat I asked for this song and he starting singing it and saying sting owes him money.

[@bakonfater4000]

One of the greatest performances of all time.

[@anthonybubadias5785]

We love you ERIC your are so talented you and your music brings so much joy and happyness to our lives thank you god bless .ZORBA NJ

[@zosoart]

this is an absolute masterpiece

[@themusiccovenant]

Legendary guitarist

[@jcsolomon6470]

He's a PrimE ExamPle,in constant MoTioN,ta get his SounD of vision,Thought Fully Conveyed,to Us!Thanks!Eric,Allways!Pure PassioN!

[@Truthinshredding1]

I recall doing a Masters degree listening to this album, I put a dedication in my dissertation to Eric Johnson.

[@nosik673]

This guy is superhuman. He plays this whole song a fret down to match the original in Eb and doesn’t have and issue understanding he must do all of it down a fret.

[@SadhanaTyler]

Like for real ?? 😅