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Guitar hero Eric Johnson heeds King's advice

12:40 AM, Jun. 22, 2012

Written by

Michael Smith

Filed Under

Top Ten

Trish Kington, Navy Program Analyst

1. “MotherShip,” Led Zeppelin.
2. “Mafia,” Black Label Society.
3. “Full Circle,” Drowning Pool.
4. “The Battle of Los Angeles,” Rage Against the Machine.
5. “Audioslave,” Audioslave.
6. “Paranoid,” Black Sabbath.
7. “Greatest Hits,” Grand Funk Railroad.
8. “Let There Be Rock,” AC/DC.
9. “Time's Up,” Living Colour.
10. “Fire Down Under,” Riot.
Share your all-time Top 10 favorite albums with the world! Email your list to pnjmusic@yahoo.com.

“Do what you do,” B.B. King said to Eric Johnson many years ago in the sanctum of a tour bus. “Do what you do that’s unique and most shines on you.”

Since that moment, the blues legend’s advice has stayed with Johnson, the Grammy Award-winning guitarist who will do his thing Tuesday at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 Palafox Place.

Guided by the wisdom of B.B. King, Johnson’s career has touched numerous milestones, including a Grammy Award in 1991 for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for his sparkling masterpiece, “Cliffs of Dover.” During the era of metal excess and shredding clones, Johnson’s unique musicianship and humility became the foundation for his success.

“I’m just a student of the electric guitar, trying to figure out a way to make it sound elegant,” Johnson said. “An electric scientist, I guess.”

As King gave advice to Johnson, the Texas native shared his advice for aspiring musicians.

“If you have undeniably, unique talent, and you want to pursue it, you should. That’s what the arts are about,” Johnson said. “But it’s really important that you have something. It’s got to be great, phenomenal, and pretty powerful. And something that is really attractive for people to listen to. To get to that point, you have to look at all aspects of what you’re doing and learn how to edit yourself to be the best you can be.”

This is an all-ages event. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Capps caps benefit

Johnson isn’t the only artist who will be “doing what he does” at Vinyl this week. Tonight, Grayson Capps headlines the Benefit Concert for Sherri Butts at Vinyl.

Capps is a Renaissance man whose greatest recognition comes from the stirring music he creates. With a sound he describes as “Southern soul and country stomp,” Capps is a compelling storyteller whose music knowledge is equally matched by his humanity. In June, Capps participated in the “Benefit to Save The Barn” event in New York; a concert created to save the recording studio and performance space of legendary musician Levon Helm, who died in April.

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Capps was more than willing to perform at tonight’s benefit.

“We were asked to be a part of it and come home,” the Alabama-based songwriter said. “Pensacola’s home to me. It’s an hour away and whatever I can do, I will. It’s a really good cause.”

Butts is battling cancer and the concert’s aim is to help her family with medical expenses and show support.

“This is unlike any of the other benefit concerts we’ve had in the past.” explained Vinyl’s Talent Buyer/Box Office Manager, Chris Wilkes, “Instead of charging (for) a ticket, we’re taking donations. If you have fifty cents in your pocket, or if you have no money in your pocket, come out and see great music. If you’ve got fifty bucks, come out. We want people to come out, even if it’s just for moral support.”

The benefit concert also includes Paloma and Brooks Hubbert. This is a free, all-ages event. Donations accepted. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For details, visit www.vinylmusichall.com.

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