It’s been nearly six long years since Eric D Johnson and chums last graced these shores and that’s six years too long. Thanks again to the Green Man festival this date has been thrown in for us. Rewind 6 years and I remember a short and sweet set that night in Hoxton. Tonight it’s an early start due to the usual Saturday night disco afterwards
It’s a reasonable but not full crowd tonight but given the long absence from England that’s not too surprising. What we lack in numbers we make up for in enthusiasm and noise and every song is greeted with whoops and hollers.
It’s a beautiful stylistic blend of rock, psychedelia, country and pop and Johnson’s unique voice suits them all. He is ably supported tonight with a full band who provide the perfect backing to Johnson’s lead. The interplay between the guitars is good and the keyboardist provides subtle harmonies throughout.
The set is predominantly from the last three albums but thankfully there is space for ‘When you Love somebody’ from my favourite Fruit Bats album ‘Mouthfuls’. The pace of tonight’s set is judged perfectly moving between foot stompers like ‘Humbug Mountain Song’ and ‘Dolly’ to the delicate ‘Baby Bluebird’. A great night had by all and don’t leave it six years next time please Eric.