Eric Johnson is one of the finest jazz guitarists on the scene today. He has a wide background of experience starting at age 16. His playing experience began in his native Pittsburgh's local R & B and jazz/funk circuit. At the age of 18, Eric began touring with the legendary organ combos of Jack McDuff, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Jimmy McGriff, and the alto legend Lou Donaldson.
After moving to New York in 1978, Eric performed with the groups of Willis "Gatortail" Jackson, Sonny Fortune, Big John Patton, Hank Crawford, Ramsey Lewis, and Jimmy Owens. While with the Owens group, Eric toured Europe and North Africa. They also did many lecture-seminars for numerous colleges. When he was not touring, Eric led his own trio that played many clubs, concerts and special events in the New York/New Jersey area.
Eric decided to return to his native Pittsburgh roots in 1987. He soon became an important part of the Pittsburgh jazz scene, performing with Walt Harper, Harold Betters, and his own dynamic trio, "The Fabulous A-Team".
The year 1993 represented a breakthrough in Eric's career with the release of his first CD, "Bumpin' In LA" on the Clarion Jazz label. Due to the CD's success nationwide, Eric relocated to the Los Angeles area.
While in Los Angeles, Eric played with jazz greats Buddy Collette and Lorez Alexandria. In addition, Eric's trio was a much acclaimed hit around town performing private parties for Inglewood Mayor Ed Vincent (now State Assemblyman Ed Vincent), John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston. The trio played many west coast venues including: B.B. King's Nite Club, where they were the opening act for George Howard, Gerald Albright and Pamela Williams.
Shortly after returning to the East Coast Eric has been recording for the Blue Jay label.
Blue Jay's first three releases were "Spare Ribs" by saxman Nat Simpkins, "Blue Gardenia" by Dave Brabham and Eric's own CD "Makin' Whoopie".
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