Nick Johnston

Nick Johnston - In A Locked Room On The Moon - 2013 - Nick Johnston

An instrumental guitar record absolutely oozing with tone and melody. This collection of music brings together a wonderfully eclectic sense of style and features guest solos from the legendary Paul Gilbert and Guthrie Govan. © http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/nickjohnston2

If you enjoyed my first release, 'Public Display Of Infection', you'll love this music. There are guest guitar solos from Paul Gilbert and Guthrie Govan and Travis Orbin returns once again to lay down some incredible drum performances. The album is soaked in beautiful tones and melodies and I highly recommend you check this out! - © nickjohnstonmusic.com – Nick

Back in Nov 2011 I reviewed the debut instrumental guitar album by Nick Johnston called Public Display of Infection which is a great album but I feel that Nick has really taken it to another level with his latest release ‘In A Locked Room On The Moon‘. While the album is just as eclectic mixing various styles the composition and playing sounds more mature as do the guitar tones. Nick has gone for a much beefier guitar sound but not swamped in gain, you can still hear when he is using single coils such as the 2nd track on the album ‘Dizzy With A Dame‘ which has a sort of 60′s feel to it, just listen for yourself! Nick’s playing is just phenomenal he easily blends sounds from Latin music, Blues, some sort of eastern European Polka… ok I’m guessing with Polka but just watch the 1st video above and tell me what kind of genre that is? I have no idea but I love it. For this album Nick lined up a couple of guest guitar players to contribute solos one of which being the… erm I’ve run out of adjectives to describe him, Guthrie Govan. Nick trades licks on the blues groover ‘Electric In My Veins‘ and it sounds like Guthrie is using his Vigier fretless with lots of slidey runs. I personally would be scared shitless having someone like GG playing on one of my tracks, in fact I wouldn’t include a solo of my own because it would sound terrible in comparison but Nick is totally comfortable playing alongside the big man and has quite a similar style of soloing. Also guesting on the album is another guitar legend, Paul Gilbert who trades solos on the track ‘Trick Question’, another sort shuffley blues rock track. The cool thing about Paul and Guthrie is that they are instantly recognisable but they fit in with Nick’s tracks and playing perfectly. This is a really great album from start to finish and not a predictable shred album in the slightest. Nick has composed some really enjoyable guitar music that has enough changes in styles and tempos to keep you interested throughout. Definitely one of the best instrumental guitar albums I’ve heard this year. Check out Nick Johnston’s website for details on how to purchase and for links to his various social media channels. - Posted by & © Jon in Reviews August 30, 2013 at 4:32 pm © 2014 Guitar Noize. All Rights Reserved. http://guitarnoize.com/nick-johnston-locked-room-moon/

Nick Johnston is a Canadian musician known primarily for his instrumental rock guitar style. He started playing guitar when he was 13 and learned and played songs by Metallica and Nirvana while jamming with a band in his basement. He later took a great interest in Shrapnel artists like Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker and more which inspired him to practice immensely hard. At 16, he played a school concert for over 700 people, which gave him the confidence needed to become a great guitarist. Nick then took lessons with guitar teacher Adrian Raso, who helped Nick immensely to become the great and unique guitarist he is today. Around this time Nick was aware of guitarists like Greg Howe and Brett Garsed and he practiced for up to eight hours daily to try and achieve the standard of these guys. In 2011, his first album ‘Public Display Of Infection’ received great critical acclaim and he is a huge talent today. His second album ‘In A Locked Room On The Moon’ featured here features legendary guitar players Paul Gilbert and Guthrie Govan, and strengthens Nick's already strong credibility and reputation as a brilliant virtuosic guitarist and songwriter. A great album and HR by A.O.O.F.C. Buy Nick’s ‘Public Display Of Infection’ album and support real music. Has anybody any info on an album called "False Step" released by Nick early in his career [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 100 Mb]

TRACKS

1 The Evil Stepsister 3:16
2 The Deepest Breath 4:30
3 Even If It Takes A Lifetime 4:47
4 Trick Question 5:13
5 Sandmonster 3:01
6 In A Locked Room On The Moon 2:56
7 The Pickpocket's Remorse 3:38
8 Dizzy With A Dame 3:18
9 An Extra Emotion 4:39
10 Electric In My Veins 8:21

All tracks composed by Nick Johnston

MUSICIANS

Nick Johnston - Guitar
Dave McDermid - Guitar Fills on Track 4
Paul Gilbert - Guitar Solo on Track 4
Guthrie Govan - Guitar Solo on on Track 10
Matt King - Bass
Travis Orbin - Drums