Eric Johanson

Eric Johanson Live at Heidi's Jazz Club | Thursday, Aug 15th | 6PM Doors, 7-10PM Show

please note: two item minimum, all sales final

Eric JohansonBio–2024 Don’t Hold Back TourEric Johanson stands at the forefront of modern blues music with his groundbreakingalbum,The Deep and the Dirty. Released in July 2023 on Ruf Records, his albumskyrocketed to the top of theBillboardBlues charts, cementing Johanson's status as atrailblazing force in contemporary blues.As Johanson embarks on his headlining tour in 2024, following an electrifying run on theDeath Wish Bluestour with Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, his innovative approachand unwavering commitment to musical authenticity continue to captivate audiencesnationwide. He stands as a beacon of modern blues, redefining the genre's boundarieswhile staying true to its soulful essence.His musical journey began at an early age when he received his first guitar at five,quickly becoming a self-taught prodigy. Embracing blues legends like Freddie King andRobert Johnson, he honed his craft on regional blues stages, sharing space withseasoned musicians from New Orleans to Memphis' Beale Street. Yet, his musicalinfluences extended beyond traditional blues, drawing inspiration from diverse genressuch as rock acts like Tool, Soundgarden, and Nine Inch Nails.Time living abroad further broadened Eric’s musical horizons, shaping hiseclecticapproach. Settling back in New Orleans, he fused his myriad influences into a distinctivemusical style that defied conventional genre boundaries. His solo albums, notably 2017'sBurn It Down, introduced audiences to this unique amalgamation of blues, rock, andfunkelements while his work as a sideman for acts like Cyril Neville kept his guitar skillsrazor-sharp.The Deep and the Dirty,produced by Jesse Dayton, exemplifies Johanson'smusicalevolution. This album showcases sharp songwriting and incendiary guitar work, earningcritical acclaim for its boundary-pushing style. Guitar Player lauded his "electric whiz"persona, praising his prowess on both acoustic and electric fronts, while AmericanSongwriter drew parallels between Johanson and Hendrix, acknowledging his ability topush the blues/rock boundaries with compelling melodies and lyrics.The album's tracks offer a diverse sonic landscape, from the fuzz-laden energy of "Don'tHold Back" to the raw, Delta blues-infused sounds of "Just Like New." It seamlesslyweaves together roadhouse roots-rock in "Undertow" and introspective, bluesyAmericana in "Familiar Sound." Each song resonates with Johanson's commitment toauthenticity andself-expression, a testament to his refusal to be confined by musicalnorms.Eric Johanson's philosophy reflects his dedication to genuine musical expression: "Musicis a way for me to try and make sense of my world and myself." His latest release, "TheDeep and the Dirty," encapsulates this ethos, representing a dynamic fusion of hismyriad influences. It's an album that embraces the rawness and humanity of blues whilefearlessly venturing into new sonic territories.

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