JACK JOHNSON MAY not have the most advanced guitar technique, but the hugely popular acoustic influencer has a treasure that precious few other strummers possess: a signature rhythm style. The Hawaiian with the hallmark rhythm hand planted his flag with Brushfire Fairytales, his 2001 debut that featured such breakout hits as “Flake” and “Bubble Toes,” which incorporated a snare-like muted “whap” on the two and four into a few go-to strumming patterns. The former professional surfer and accomplished surf moviemaker delivers his grooves with an infectious laid-back, hang-loose feel. Often imitated, Johnson’s original approach remains so instantly recognizable that he purposely mixes things up in the studio.
Meet the Moonlight (Brushfire), his first album in five years, marks a bit of a departure from past efforts. The record is textural and takes a slinky, nuanced approach to contemplative, spiritual material. Several cuts feature his longtime bandmates, who include keyboardist Zach Gill, bassist Merlo Podlewski and drummer Adam Topal. But the primary difference is producer and multi-instrumentalist Blake Mills, who is known for his work with Alabama Shakes and My Morning Jacket’s Jim James. Mills is an accomplished guitar player who brings a slew of interesting things to Johnson’s table, including a fretless guitar that he reportedly picked up from Ry Cooder. Mills and Johnson developed the material player to player, and his influence pervades the 10-song affair. Check out the ethereal title track to hear the significance of Mills’ presence. Their languid slide interaction on “Calm Down” is simply lovely. On “3AM Radio,” Mills holds down the groove while Johnson steps out for a few melodic acoustic lead flourishes.
Esta historia es de la edición November 2022 de Guitar Player.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 2022 de Guitar Player.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'I Play Less Notes These Days, but They All Mean a Lot More'
On Broken, Walter Trout packs his licks for maximum impact as he testifies to the hope that can save our divided world.
Steel of a Deal
Jerry Byrd’s Steel Guitar Favorites packs a heap of American styles in one outstanding disc.
The Knockoff That Became a Knockout
Forced to stop copying U.S. guitars, Ibanez launched the all-original Artist line and took America by storm.
UNCOMMON FOLK
He grew up in a folk music haven. As he celebrates his latest album, Wide Open Light, Ben Harper shares sights and memories of his childhood home.
WILD SIDE
After Lou Reed's Berlin concept album bombed, guitarists Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner helped him get his groove back. The result was Rock 'n' Roll Animal, the live classic that redeemed his spirit and saved his career.
'THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF OUR BAND IS TWO GUITARS'
Sleater-Kinney were making bass-less records long before the White Stripes and the Black Keys came along. Says co-leader Carrie Brownstein, \"The power comes from the conversation the guitars are having with each other.\"
YOUR INFLUENCES STICK WITH YOU
Scott Henderson spent lockdown training his ears and building improv skills. As Karnevel! shows, his jazz chops flourished, but his blues-rock roots remain as strong as ever.
EYE ON THE PRIZE
Erstwhile blues-rocker Hannah Wicklund finds her true self with an album of songs she calls the most authentic I’ve ever written.”
TIP SHEET
Think effects are a crutch? Reeves Gabrels has a few choice words and good advice) for you.
WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE
As he releases One Deep River, Mark Knopfler reflects on the guitars he's loved, the music that keeps his passion youthful... and how he'd like a do-over on that Dire Straits Rock Hall induction.
