Released by: Ruf Records

Release Date: Out Now!!!

Genre: Blues Rock

Links: https://www.ericjohanson.com/

Tracklist:

“Nowhere To Go”
“Undertow”
“Just Like New”
“Yellow Moon”
“Galaxy Girl”
“I Walk On Guilded Splinters”
“Hard Time Killing Floor Blues”
“Familiar Sound”
“Changes The Universe”
“Don’t Hold Back”

Eric Johanson is one of the finest new hotshots in the world of blues/rock. This American blues rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter has been making music since he was very young, but it took some time to release original studio albums. In 2023 he released his finest effort so far, his 4th album The Deep and the Dirty, which musically speaking gained him a position close to similar guitarists such as Joe Bonamassa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Philip Sayce.

In 2024 a live concert of his was recorded and is now released as Live In Mississippi on Ruf Records. Right from the start with the uptempo rockers “Nowhere To Go” and “Undertow,” it is clear that not only his studio material, but also live on stage Eric is a phenomenal guitarist and singer.

Photo credit: Chis Rugowski

During COVID he started to make a name for himself, but he began performing in Europe only recently (2024), so let’s hope he will tour again soon, because this live CD shows that he is definitely the future of heavy blues rock. His band further consists of bassist Will Repholz and drummer Terry Scott Jr. who provide a solid rhythm section for Eric.

As mentioned, he is both a phenomenal guitarist, but also his soulful voice is very enjoyable, such as can be heard during the calmer pieces like “Just Like New” and the superb songs “Yellow Moon” and “Changes The Universe” (INCREDIBLE!). The set has a nice mixture of calmer bluesy pieces and straight-ahead uptempo hard-rocking tunes, and from start to finish Eric sounds picture perfect both vocally and on the guitar.

This is quite unique and especially Joe Bonamassa fans should really check out Eric from the newer generation of blues rock musicians, because he delivers the same high level of music, both in the studio and live on stage. Perhaps it’s best to start with this live CD and fingers crossed he will tour Europe someday soon, because he is on my must-see list!

Written by: Gabor Kleinbloesem