Eric Johnson - Souvenir - 2002 (2008)

Product Description: Souvenir finds Texas guitarist Eric Johnson raiding his tape vault for songs, live tapes, demos, scratch tracks, work sketches and other versions of unfinished pieces that had been building up over the years of his career. The CD is a collection of pieces from over the last twenty-five years - some left entirely as they were, some have been remixed, and still others were finished that were not complete. Souvenir offers an opportunity for the listener to hear between the notes and to read bwteen the words. Johnson elaborates, "I find that in all its humble aspects, there are some fun and interesting moments presented in these recordings. Some of this music is special to me for sentimental reasons. These songs are personal souvenirs, and I am glad to be able to share them with you." The album features the instrumental tracks "Space Of Clouds", "Paladin", "Fanfare One", "A Memory I Have" and "Dusty".

Review: "Souvenir" is a most have CD for Eric Johnson fans and guitar fans. The eclectic 12 songs showcase Eric's acoustic guitar skills and mellow vocals in addition to many wonderful instrumentals. Most of Eric's CD's attract Steve Vai, Jeff Beck and Brian May fans because of EJ'S incredible tones. "Souvenir" is different and has a style similar to some of Steve Howe's finest solo CD's. Eric Johnson's riffs, dexterity and tones have been consistently brilliant for over thirty years. This reclusive guitar master is an ageless vegetarian who personifies all that's hip and talented in Austin. "Souvenir" is a timeless gem.