Page 34 - BiTS_10_OCTOBER_2020

Eric Johanson—Below Sea Level—Nola Blue Records NB 12

Originally from Alexandria, Louisiana, Eric who now resides in
New Orleans has followed in the footsteps of his father and

grandfather as a working musician. Here is his debut album for
Nola Records, he released his first album in 2017 on Tab Benoits’
Whiskey Bayou Records entitled ‘Burn It Down,’ (not only was
Eric the first artist to be signed to Tab Benoits’ label but, he also
produced the album and provided the drum work). In the recent
past, Eric has worked with his cousin, Tiffany Pollock on the
album ‘Blues In The Blood,’ released in 2019 on Nola Records.
Over the years Eric has successfully practised his craft by
working in bands headed by Cyril Neville and Terrance Simien, he has also worked with JJ Grey
and Mofro, Eric Lindell, Mike Zito and Anders Osborne.

The 12 numbers here are all original compositions from Eric who provides lead vocals and guitar,
(production credits are shared between Eric and Luther Dickinson). Joining Eric in the Zebra
Ranch Studios in North Mississippi are Cody Dickinson on drums with Terrence Grayson providing
bass. From the opening number ‘Buried Above Ground,’ we are entering a world that is a
captivating dense musical amalgamation of Johnny Winter and Billy Gibbons with hints of Jimi
Hendrix and the stark darkness of Black Sabbath, to this, Eric supplements it all with a warm,
sweeping swaggering New Orleans feel. The hypnotic pounding drum work teasingly draws you in
as the burning shuffling fuzz guitar engulfs all. The ballad, ‘Changes The Universe,’ is driven by a
simmering, slowburning Hammond B3 and sparse percussion, while Eric’s solemn vocals are
underpinned by an understated wringing soulful guitar. ‘River Of Oblivion,’ is a darkly sad tale of
drug abuse that kills without exemption, the oppressive, industrialised percussion and hard edged
guitar work is suitably claustrophobic. ‘ Nowhere To Go,’ is a spritely and jabbing toe tapping

shuffler, the bouncing, ringing guitar and pounding percussion leads the dance. On the Acoustic
leading ‘Love Is Rebellion,’ Eric believes the answer to oppression is simply love, the underpinning
percussion allows the acoustic and electric guitars to soar, as does his belief. ‘Riverbend Blues,’ is
a splendid example solo acoustic delta blues, for Eric and his resonator delivers a delightful ode to
simpler times and expectations with shimmering guitar work and plaintive, evocative vocals.

Greatly endorsed!

Brian Harman.

Lisa Mann—Old Girl (E.P.)—Jay Ray Records

Singer, songwriter and much in demand bass player Lisa, grew
up in West Virginia, but is now based in Portland, Oregon. She
has, over the last twenty or so years, gained a good deal of
experience and skill, which has culminated in being bestowed
with a number of awards which include; the Blues Blast Sean
Costello Rising Star Award, Blues Music Award winner (twice),
Cascade Blues Association Awards and a deserved place in The
Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Her latest recording is a 5 track E.P.
recorded in the Primal Studios in Portland. Joining Lisa, lead

34