Eric Johnson gets Jimmie Vaughan and Steve Miller on board

The first Eric Johnson album since 2005 features a helping hand from Jimmie Vaughan and Steve Miller as well as Jonny Lang and Sonny Landreth.

'Up Close' is the Grammy Award winning Johnson's sixth studio album. The album features 14 new songs plus a cover of Black Flag's 'Texas'.

' decided to let go a bit and allow things to happen and just go with the flow,' explains Johnson of his approach to the album in a statement. ' like my work to have a high proficiency, but I also wanted to go for the energy and magic of the performances.' He precedes the album's release with a special acoustic Guitar Masters tour alongside acclaimed players Peppino D'Agostino and Andy McKee in October, and follows it with his second appearance on the Experience Hendrix tour later this year and another leg of the Guitar Masters tour in January 2011. Lyrical themes of reflection, emotional revelations, personal growth and fulfillment are underscored on the album by Johnson's most daring, urgent, progressive and at times raw and fervent guitar work to date. As with all of Johnson's work, his all-encompassing style draws from rock, blues, pop, country, jazz and classic to exemplify his stature as 'an extraordinary guitar player accessible to ordinary music fans'

'Up Close' will be released in December, 2010 through Johnson's own Vortexan label.

Undercover.com.au