Instrumental Review: Paul Johnson - Liquid Blues

Paul Johnson, a guitar maestro of legendary proportions in the surf-instro community, has been a household name since the 1960s. His creation of classic surf-instrumental songs, such as “Mr. Moto,” is a testament to his expertise and influence in the industry.

Now with Liquid Blues, the man defies any musical categorization by blending every popular genre into one instrumental gem after another. 

Some styles you will find more prevalent than others, hence you have descriptive titles like “Liquid Blues” and “Albion Blues”, whose main focal point is its namesake, but with a more of an instro twist, using bits and pieces of every genre and sub-genre to make it a full menu of instrumental delights. And oh, so delightful it is.

PJ has his foot on the pedal, and he gives it plenty of gas on every track on this fantastic CD. He has it all covered on tracks 1-14, and each one is a standout musical statement. With a rich history of creativity behind him, he expertly records an all-inclusive, non-stop trip around the musical map. While tremendous technical ability is an asset, one cannot overstate the importance of the experience and knowledge that an artist acquires over the years. Regarding his favorite weapon, the versatile six-string… PJ has a resume to be reckoned with.

Once again (as on Surf Unplugged), PJ covers “California Dreamin’” only this time he plugs it in. For me, hearing this song is a divine musical transport. I recall it from when I was a little boy, and I knew it was special back then. It still holds a particular attraction and power over me, coaxing chills up and down my spine.

Paul Johnson is heaven-sent, and his music is delivered straight from heaven via his heart and communicated through his hands. This CD is a masterwork of guitar genius. This is what music is all about; it’s supposed to make you feel every possible emotion, sight, and sound that we know as sentient beings on this planet.

If you have an unquenchable appetite for instrumental music like I do, you will Love this CD.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
March 17, 2001

Artist Commentary:

I asked Paul why he titled the album Liquid Blues. This is what he had to say:

Partly, it depends on how you define "blues." No, this ain't a hardcore blues collection (though I think "Albion Blues" might qualify in that dept.) But most of the music is "blues-based" in its structure (this is
true for a lot of music) in that it's derived from forms rooted in the blues idiom.

But more to the point, it evolved as an album title after I came up with that name for the title tune. After I created that piece, I wanted to name it "liquid" something, because of its fluid nature. And even though it isn't "down and dirty," it is very much a blues-structured tune. Hence - "Liquid Blues." And since everyone seemed to like the ring of that, it went into high contention for an album title.

Tracks:

01. Andele

02. California Dreamin’

03. Greenroom

04. Uptown Strut

05. Spiro

06. Java Jump

07. Desert Madness (tango)

08. Coney Island Fever

09. Big Shot

10. Tsunami

11. Liquid Blues

12. Albion Blues

13. The Ring Of Truth

14. Perseverance