Nick Johnston (heavy prog)

Some additional information on Remarkably Human album

Musicians:
guitair - Nick Johnston
bass - Bryan Beller (Mike Keneally, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats)
drums - Gavin Harrison (Dizrhythmia, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree)
piano - Luke Martin (Plini, Cartoon Theory)

DPRP Review:
Canadian guitarist Nick Johnston's fourth CD, Remarkably Human is a rock-solid jazz-rock release. Built on the pairing of strong compositions and marvelous playing, the entirely instrumental CD cries out for repeated spins. Comparisons of Johnston to Steve Vai and Joe Bonamassa abound, but what stands out most here, are the musical hooks, and Johnston's craftiness. Indeed, unlike so many examples of the genre, here the songs sink-in rather than merely float by. Throughout, Johnston entertains with tasty and refined chops, rather than glitz.

The high-end band accompanying Johnston, including drummer Gavin Harrison, fills-out the sound without intruding on Johnston's starring role. Here the lead is (almost) always Johnston's, but, if you can take your mind off of his playing, you will notice that he's in excellent company.

Peppered throughout Johnston's playing are unexpected, tactful flourishes. Often, in the midst of an already satisfying lead (and the CD is chockablock with these), a sound burst surprisingly surges, and further lifts the experience.

No clunkers are to be heard here, and a good debate could be had among those trying to choose a favorite tune. But Impossible Things andWeakened by Winter should be near the top of the heap: on each (and on other tunes), the guitar lead builds energetically and the flowing, Allan Holdsworth-like runs are somehow both dainty and powerful. Fear Had Him by the Throat is a tour de force where Johnston's guitar lines flow wonderfully. No doubt the mellifluous, bluesy guitar lines in the closer, A Sick and Injured Brain, might cause that tune to also receive near-top honors. Really though, any jazz fusion fan would likely love all of this stuff.

So, it's time to visit Johnston's back catalogue. More, please!

Joel Atlas: 9 out of 10

My personal suggestion

Something for LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT fans but less metal. The playing is very melodic and emotional. No shred fest here although some virtouso playing. Not really jazz fusion imo. I don't know what sub-genre would be most appropriate for this music. Maybe heavy prog?


Edited by terramystic - April 17 2018 at 08:12

I hear also prog.

https://youtu.be/ZdZicTR916g?t=6m44s