Trademark

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a deep dive into "Trademark," the stellar instrumental track by Eric Johnson from his 1990 album Ah Via Musicom, now spinning on THE ZOO! This song, a pop-jazz gem, hit No. 7 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, showcasing Johnson’s signature crystalline tone and fluid guitar work. In a 2022 Reddit AMA on r/Music, Johnson revealed that "Trademark" was an idea that sparked spontaneously, with his friend Vince naming the song. The track’s evocative melody has been likened to an IMAX-worthy journey, as noted in a 2009 LiveJournal post, capturing the magic of Johnson’s songwriting and his ability to weave a narrative without words. Guitar nerds and casual listeners alike dig its pristine execution, a testament to Johnson’s perfectionist streak that makes every note feel like it’s been waiting to be played.

Another tidbit from the Reddit AMA sheds light on Johnson’s creative process—he often writes on the piano, which likely influenced "Trademark"’s melodic structure. Fans have long been captivated by the song’s vibe, with one blogger recalling how it evoked memories of the Toronto Blue Jays’ transformative early ‘90s era, when it played at the SkyDome. Johnson’s attention to tone is legendary; a story from his guitar tech, mentioned in the same AMA, recounts how he once noticed his overdrive pedal’s battery was slightly flat, subtly affecting his sound. This obsessive care for detail shines through in "Trademark," making it a standout for Zoo Freaks who crave music that’s both technically dazzling and emotionally resonant.

Eric Johnson, born August 17, 1954, in Austin, Texas, kicked off his musical journey in a family steeped in music. His three sisters studied piano, and his father was a whistling enthusiast, but it was the guitar that called to young Eric at age 11. Influenced by legends like Mike Bloomfield, Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, and Django Reinhardt, he rapidly honed his skills. By his teens, he was gigging with the rock band Mariani, even opening for Deep Purple in San Antonio around 1970 or 1971, as he shared in a 2020 Premier Guitar interview. His time with the Austin-based fusion outfit The Electromagnets in the ‘70s further shaped his eclectic style, blending rock, blues, jazz, and more.

Johnson’s big break came with his 1986 debut album Tones, which earned a Grammy nomination for the track "Zap." His 1990 release Ah Via Musicom, featuring "Trademark" and the Grammy-winning "Cliffs of Dover," went platinum and cemented his status as a guitar virtuoso. Praised by icons like Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnson’s unique sound—often coaxed from his 1954 Fender Stratocaster named Virginia—has made him a hero in the guitar community. Keyboard Magazine called him “one of the most respected guitarists on the planet” in 2006, and his genre-spanning approach continues to inspire.

Stay connected with Eric Johnson through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on tours, like the 2024 G3 Tour with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, and new releases. Zoo Freaks can also dive into the fan-run EJFans.com, an archive packed with merch, pics, videos, and tour dates. Join the Eric Johnson Fan Club on Facebook to vibe with fellow fans, swap stories, and celebrate the genius of this Texas guitar wizard. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more tracks that make your soul soar!