Eric Johnson - Bloom (2005)

Grammy Awards 2006 - Category: Best Pop Instrumental Album


"Texas guitar prodigy Eric Johnson returns to recording after a near-decade absence with a lush, typically restrained collection that eschews flash for fluid cool. Arranging the album's 16 songs into a musical triptych whose sections are labeled "Prelude," "Courante" and "Allemande," Johnson aims at creating a landscape of shifting moods that's as subtle as it is mature. The guitarist's trademark lyrical style is immediately showcased on the title track, "Summer Jam" and the stately fallen astronaut tribute, "Columbia." The first section is also energized by the funked-up "Good to Me," before Johnson turns to fare that's variously more impressionistic (the instrumental "Sea Secret"), conscience-driven (the pop-savvy ballad "Sad Legacy") and smooth-groove, r&b sultry ("From My Heart"). The infectious finger-pickin' "Tribute to Jerry Reed" segues into a final act that includes the romance of "Your Sweet Eyes" (with guest Shawn Colvin adding her distinctive harmonies), "Hesistant"'s tasteful Wes Montgomery-isms and the 70's charged, acid-jazz of "Magnetized." His fusion-lite cover of Dylan's "My Back Pages" and saccharine "Sunnaround You" withstanding, it's another fine tribute to Johnson's tasteful, often introspective muse." (Jerry McCulley)



Track Listing / Faixas:

Prelude
1. Bloom
2. Summer Jam
3. My Back Pages
4. Good To Me
5. Columbia
6. 12 to 12 Vibe

Courante
7. Sea Secret
8. Sad Legacy
9. From My Heart
10. Cruise The Nile
11. Tribute To Jerry Reed
12. Your Sweet Eyes

Allemande
13. Hesitant
14. Sunnaround You
15. Magnetized
16. Ciel