Eric Johnson When You Call (CD)

(The Blues Foundation) 13 tracks, digisleeve

A very varied album, on which Matt Lomeo combines soulful pieces (One Moore 1&1, Accepting Applications), Tex Mex (Unsentimental You) with roots music (She Was The Best, When You Call, 27). It is not until the sixth track Got a New Woman that the first blues sounds are heard. All the tracks are written by the band itself, sometimes with the help of Terry Wilson, who contributes to the album as bassist, guitarist and keyboardist. Billy Watts delivers the languidly played Outside Of A Song with beautiful slide work that pairs beautifully with the acoustic harp playing of Matt Lomeo. The rocker Why Do I Cry?, with fine piano playing by Kevin Mckendree, is followed by two (Van Nuys Blues, Took My Bar And Left Me) jazzy blues songs. And finally, a groovy rendition of the title track, 'When You Call', which sounds completely different from the first version of this song we encountered on this album. A good first introduction to this talented musician and songwriter who does not limit himself to one style.