Cliffs of Dover (Live 2005)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the iconic "Cliffs of Dover (Live 2005)" by Eric Johnson! This instrumental rock masterpiece, originally released on the 1990 album Ah Via Musicom, is a gift from the universe, as Johnson himself described it. In a 2021 Guitar World interview, he revealed that the song came to him in just five minutes while practicing in his parents' music room in 1983, after touring with Carole King. He called it a magical moment, like receiving a cosmic present. Johnson initially played it live for years, unsure if it would ever be recorded, as some early collaborators thought it sounded like a game show theme when he pitched it for his 1986 debut album, Tones.

Another fascinating tidbit about "Cliffs of Dover" is its unique recording process. Johnson shared in a Guitar Player interview that he used both a 1954 Fender Stratocaster (nicknamed "Virginia") and a Gibson ES-335 for the studio version. He wasn’t satisfied with the solo’s clarity when played solely on the Strat, so he punched in the ES-335 for the main solo, switching back to the Strat for the end. The tone shift halfway through the solo, around the 3:03 mark, is noticeable, and engineer Richard Mullen playfully teased him, saying, "You can’t do that!" Fans on Reddit have raved about the song’s emotional impact, with one user sharing how it made them cry from happiness, while another recalled blasting it on summer drives down country roads, windows down, feeling the music’s uplifting power.

The song’s title draws inspiration from the White Cliffs of Dover in England, and Johnson’s connection to the location resonated with fans. A Reddit user shared a touching story about visiting the cliffs and thinking of their late friend who introduced them to the song, highlighting its deep personal impact. Even Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, in a Total Guitar conversation, praised it as one of the most beautiful guitar songs he’s ever heard, admitting he listened to it while taking a ferry around the cliffs. The track’s technical brilliance is undeniable—guitarist Joe Bonamassa confessed at a concert that he’s tried and failed to master it, a testament to Johnson’s skill, as noted in a Reddit thread.

Eric Johnson, born August 17, 1954, in Austin, Texas, grew up in a musically rich environment. His three sisters studied piano, and his father was a whistling enthusiast, but it was at age 11 that Johnson found his calling with the guitar. Influenced by legends like Mike Bloomfield, Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, and Django Reinhardt, he quickly honed his craft. By his teens, he was gigging with Texas jazz-fusion band the Electromagnets and working as a session musician for artists like Cat Stevens, Carole King, and Christopher Cross. His breakthrough came with a 1984 Austin City Limits performance, which led to his signing with Warner Bros. Records. His 1986 debut, Tones, earned critical acclaim, but it was Ah Via Musicom and "Cliffs of Dover" that propelled him to stardom, winning a 1991 Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

Connect with Eric Johnson on his official website for tour dates, music, and exclusive content like his album Souvenir. Follow him on Facebook for updates and mini-lessons, where he’s shared insights on his chordal techniques. His Instagram offers glimpses into his performances and gear, while his X account keeps fans in the loop on new releases, like his 2022 albums. For fan communities, check out the Eric Johnson Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions and share their love for his music. While no dedicated fan websites stand out, forums like r/guitar and The Cracking the Code Forum are buzzing with players dissecting his techniques.