Search - W Johnson :: Spirit of Danc

WJT

Michael C. Wehner | AZ, USA | 08/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Spirit of the Dancer highlights the skill and invention of Wayne Johnson, along with drummer Bill Berg, Jimmy Johnson (both of Flim and the BB's) and even a guest track with John Patitucci on bass. It represents Wayne's 1st use of the then brand-new Roland guitar synth. What strikes the listener is the fluidity of the playing and the originality of the compositions. The recording takes major key jazz well beyond the realm of Kieth Jarrett and moves the bass guitar far into the compositional spotlight. Jimmy Johnson's bass serves an integral melodic function rather than the usual 'basso ostenato' found in 'smooth jazz' works. Truely a virtuosic performance, well played and well recorded."

One of the most underrated guitarplayers in the world!

Kenneth Skoog | LIMHAMN, xx Sweden | 07/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"On "Spirit of the Dancer". One of his earlier records, (it came out in 1988) Johnson proves that he was a player and composer to be reckoned with. For me if you like Pat Metheny, Brian Hughes, Bill Connors and lets say Carl Verheyen. "Spirit of the Dancer", "Keeping the Dream Alive" and "Grasshopper" is a trilogy that you can't be without.



"Spirit..." has a slightly more Allan Holdsworth influence than the latter ones. I rate this 4 stars close to 5 but "Keeping... and "Grasshopper" are definitively 5 star material. Johnson shows that he is a great composer.

There are many musicians that can play their instruments in a fantastic way but composing a good song is a different matter. He is also always one of those players that can get his guitar to sound huge and like several guitars at the same time. Okey there are overdubs on the records, but I have also heard him live. So I know.

Buy it before it goes out of print!

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