It seems like a lot of Blues guitarists begin as a “young Blues prodigy,” something that bodes well for the survival of the uniquely American art form. Google those words and you’ll get a half millions results about musicians as young as 8 from all over the world.
Louisiana native Eric Johanson is a good example of a young player (he started when he was 5) who worked hard on his chops, stuck with his passion, explored new ground and grew up to become a reputable artist in the Blues world. Inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughn and his family’s rich musical background, Johanson began playing in bands by the time he was 13. The singer/guitarist deviated from the Blues and formed the heavy and progressive Alternative Rock band Cire, which released a pair of albums at the beginning of the millennium, then further explored beats and electronics with his Emptyself project.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina flooded and destroyed his apartment and studio, leading Johanson (who holds a degree in philosophy) to move to New Zealand the following year. When he returned to New Orleans four years later, the guitarist immersed himself in the city’s music and culture, playing with hometown heroes from the Funk and Zydeco worlds.
Eventually finding his way back to Blues armed with the musical lessons learned — as well as the emotional questions raised and the understanding gained while dealing with the Katrina fallout — Johanson released his Blues-based solo debut, Burn It Down, in October. He found a dedicated supporter in popular Blues artist Tab Benoit, who not only produced Burn It Down in his Louisiana studio, but also played drums on the album and released it on the label he cofounded, Whiskey Bayou Records. Burn It Down features tight, multifaceted Blues Rock in which one can hear his varied influences subtly infused between the grooves. Along with his solid playing and singing, Johanson’s willingness to write Blues music without adhering to the genre’s traditional structuring makes for a compelling listen, as does his deeper examination of the emotions that the Blues were built upon.
On multiple levels, Burn It Down represents a full-circle journey for Johanson, the most obvious example being his return to the musical field he was so passionate about as a child and onwards, he successfully figured out a way to make a living and life out of it.
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This article appears in Nov 29 – Dec 6, 2017.
