Description
Guitar Heaven is an instrumental album by the American surf guitarist Paul Johnson featuring The Packards, released on Frontline Records in 1986, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded by Doug Doyle at his 3-D Studios in Costa Mesa, California; during the spring of 1986, with Paul Johnson and Doyle producing. Arrangements by Paul Johnson.
Paul Johnson is known as one of the founding fathers of surf guitar, writing the 1961 classic “Mr. Moto” for his band the Bel Airs.
Even in a day when nearly every major Christian label is jumping on the instrumental music bandwagon in an attempt to Christianize redemptive values of contemplative music and cash in on the new age trend, Paul Johson stands out from the crowd. Why? Because he plays rock. That’s right. Rock instrumentals. Not blues or jazz which is often the case when a rock guitarist like Jeff Beck turns to instrumentals.
Some folks argue that there is an underlying tone to instrumental music made by Christians which sets it apart from that performed by others. While few Christian musicians have moved me in the same way as Keith Jarrett, B.B. King, Allan Holdsworth, Miles Davis, or Return to Forever, this is a totally moot point when discussing Paul Johnson, a truly unique and authentic musical talent. Once you’ve heard Johnson play, his “sound” is as recognizably his own as that of Mark Knopfler or Eric Clapton. Johnson’s easy control, bright inflections, and flowing compositions make for uplifting listening whether or not you catch the titles like «Those That Seek Me Early Shall Find Me» and «Let Us Go into the House of the Lord».
Generally, most people find music without vocals unappealing. This record is not for them. It is for people who enjoy an easy listen that is not easy listening; for people who sigh at the end of a sweet strat line and hold their breath when the drummer pauses for a four-count. This may be the instrumental album for rockers who fall asleep listening to contemplative sounds. One thing for sure, the title says it all: ‘Guitar Heaven’. [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, December 1986]
Some folks claim to be able to “discern” Christian instrumental music from its secular counterpart. Well, I haven’t that particular gift. But I do think a Christian’s instrumental music should uplift and energize the listener, and by my own criteria, ‘Guitar Heaven’ is the BEST instrumental LP by Christians to date.
What about Koinonia, et al? Remember, a true-blue rocker authors these reviews, and one thing decides what’s rock and what ain’t: a predominance of electric guitars, movin’ along in 4/4 time. So it is with Paul Johnson’s truly masterful work.
Remember the instrumental bands of the ’60s, the Ventures, Bel-airs, etc? It so happens Paul was in the Bel-airs, which explains a lot. For instance, how many guys can make an electric guitar sound like an electric fiddle? Johnson is a rock guitar virtuoso, tapping into blues, folk, and gospel genres, yet never losing track of his primary calling, good ol’ rock’n’roll.
If you’re one of us who inserts finger in throat when Windham Hill is mentioned (and maybe even if you’re not) get ‘Guitar Heaven’. Your ears will thank you. [Jon Trott, Cornerstone Magazine, 1987, Vol 15 Issue 81]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/guitar-heaven/387948425)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Armor Of Light”
A2. “The Magnificat”
A3. “Pressing In”
A4. “Joyful Blues”
A5. “Gird Thy Sword On”
Side Two
B1. “Those That Seek Me Early Shall Find Me”
B2. “Don’t Be Too Proud (To Be God’s Child)”
B3. “The Lord Is A Light To Me”
B4. “Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord”
B5. “He Is Lord”
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Frontline Records. Re-issued on CD by Frontline Records in 1993, coupled with their 1987 album California.
CREDITS. Produced by Paul Johnson and Doug Doyle. Engineered by Doug Doyle. Recorded at 3-D Studios, Costa Mesa, California, during the spring of 1986 (except “The Lord Is A Light To Me” recorded solo multitrack by Paul Johnson, Autumn 1978). All arrangements by Paul Johnson. Cover Art by John Dickenson. Back Cover Photo of Paul by Linda Dillon Baley. Band Photos by Gordon McClelland. Art Direction and Layout by Ed McTaggart.
Musicians: Paul Johnson (Lead Guitar) and The Packards – Marc Burroughs (Rhythm Guitar), Guy Hufferd (Bass), Ray Huskey (Drums). Additional musicians: John Garau (Keyboards), Alex MacDougall (Percussion), Paul Carman (Sax and all brass charts), Steve Crum (Trumpet). Background Vocals: Rob Watson, “Common Bond” Kenney & Paul Johnson.
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