Texan guitar god Eric Johnson is back with his first solo effort in five years. Up Close is aptly titled, as the guitarist seems hell bent on opening up his musical soul on this one. The instrumental “Soul Surprise” is a masterpiece, both musically and emotionally. Of course Johnson takes special care to pay homage to his home state of Texas. “Fat Daddy” is full of Texas groovy riffs and wiggles and shows that Eric is not resting on his reputation and just going through the motions. His playing is stronger than ever and his songwriting is maturing, like fine wine, getting better with age.

The song “Texas” features two of his superstar buddies, Steve Miller on vocals and Jimmie Vaughan on guitar. The tune, originally done by Buddy Miles and Mike Bloomfield’s band Electric Flag is a rebel rouser and these three Texans do it mighty proud.

Up Close is guitar music for guitar players. The album is a mix of instrumentals and vocals. Other than the star-studded Texas, however, the instrumentals will be the fan favorites here as Eric Johnson is so damn good one just wants him to keep his mouth shut and his fingers busy. That is not to say the songs with vocals are not well done and tasteful, as they are. It is just that Johnson has the uncanny ability to speak with his six-string as easily as with his mouth.

Check this one out if you love listening to skillful, complex and emotional music.