Ever wonder what it takes to become a guitar legend? Eric Johnson’s early session days were a wild ride! From contributing to Cat Stevens’ recordings and touring with Carole King, to a memorable dismissal by Donald Fagen, his journey was far from ordinary. Discover how these experiences forged one of music’s greatest virtuosos. What invaluable lessons do you think he learned?

Before his groundbreaking 1986 debut solo album, Eric Johnson found himself at a crossroads, contemplating a career as a session musician despite a deep passion for the craft. His early professional life was rich with experiences alongside legendary artists, yet it was also a crucible that ultimately forged his distinctive approach to the electric guitar, setting the stage for his emergence as a true guitar virtuoso.

Johnson’s unique musical philosophy centered on a compositional, almost orchestral, approach to guitar playing, a stark contrast to the rapid-fire demands often placed on session professionals. He sought to craft deliberate, meaningful parts that served the song’s essence, rather than merely filling space. This methodical creativity, a “slow burn” as he described it, often required more time than typical studio sessions allowed, distinguishing his style early on.

His formative years were punctuated by collaborations with an array of iconic songwriters, including Cat Stevens, Carole King, and Christopher Cross. These engagements were invaluable, providing Johnson with a wider grip on music and an intimate look into the songwriting process. He credits these experiences with preventing him from “hacking at the guitar,” instead teaching him to listen and compose structurally.

One of his earliest notable encounters was with Cat Stevens, who invited Johnson to play on some recordings and join a planned tour. However, fate intervened as Stevens began to shift his focus towards spiritual practices, leading to the tour’s cancellation and Johnson feeling unable to contribute the depth of atmospheric guitar work he envisioned for the project, preferring instead to truly support the artist’s vision.

Later, Johnson found himself in Austin, Texas, working with Carole King on her record. This period was marked by a pleasant collaborative atmosphere where he primarily provided clean guitar and rhythm parts, occasionally contributing subtle lead elements. This experience further honed his ability to serve a song, focusing on backing vocals with tasteful licks and supportive rhythm.

His connection with Christopher Cross also evolved from an early friendship, when Cross was a “hot-shot guitar player” with a rock sensibility. Years later, after Cross achieved immense success, he invited Johnson for a guest spot alongside other prominent guitarists. Cross’s deep understanding of guitar, encompassing various styles and vocabulary, made their collaboration particularly enriching for Johnson.

Despite the invaluable lessons, Johnson’s distinct creative pace sometimes clashed with the fast-paced world of session work. He candidly recalls instances, such as a session for Donald Fagen, where his inability to immediately conjure the “certain thing” the producer sought led to his dismissal. These moments, though challenging, served as crucial learning experiences, reinforcing his need for a more deliberate approach to his art.

Ultimately, these diverse session experiences broadened Eric Johnson’s musical horizons and refined his compositional skills, laying the groundwork for his eventual breakthrough as a solo artist. The lessons learned from working with and being challenged by music industry giants like Cat Stevens and Donald Fagen were indispensable, shaping his ability to infuse instrumental pieces with the narrative and emotional depth of vocal tunes.

Johnson’s career trajectory underscores the profound impact of foundational experiences, even the challenging ones, on a musician’s journey. His transformation from a session musician navigating the demands of others to a guitar legend celebrated for his unique compositional voice is a testament to his unwavering dedication to crafting music that speaks with both technical brilliance and profound artistic intention.