Eric Johnson - Mexicali Blues
Teaneck, NJ - May 22, 2004 - CD-R2 - Aud 5
Disc 1: 1. 12 to 12 2. S.R.V. 3. Forty Mile Town 4. My Back Pages 5. Trademark 6. The Way Hendrix medley 7. Love or Confusion 8. Wind Cries Mary 9. Columbia 10. Meet Me At the Bottom 11. Vortexan 12. Tribute to Jerry Reed 13. Manhattan 14. Your Sweet Eyes Disc 2: 1. Bristol Shores 2. Cliffs of Dover 3. Anthem For Today 4. Zap 5. Friends / Hendrix Medley 6. Spanish Castle Magic 7. All Along The Watchtower 8. Down On The Floor 9. Steppin Out
Comments: Eric Johnson is simply without reservation one of the single finest singer / songwriter / guitar players to ever roam the earth, and truly a GOD of TONE to be worshipped. However, Eric - and more particularly his management, are rabidly anti-fan in their attitude towards taping and sharing of music. The lame excuse given is typically that they do not want to see "substandard" performances available, which begs the question: if the artist and management feel that the performance is substandard, do the folks who paid for tickets get a refund? Obviously not. Therefore as much as we dig EJ's music, and will continue to purchase his albums, instructional videos, etc., we must suggest that given a choice between going out to pay to see this artist versus another, more fan friendly band on the same night, we will come down on the side of supporting those bands who support their fans. We're sure that they are nice folks, probably kind to puppies and old people, but just with slightly weird ideas about their music.
With that said, for those fans who might care to listen to a great performance - even one "substandard" enoough not to be officially released or sanctioned - this is a great one to check out. Hard as it may be to believe, EJ's tone just keeps improving!