Episode 16

Opening for Eric Johnson

First UU Church of Austin - 04/06/04

When I was a 16 year old adolescent kid in Bombay just starting to play guitar and constantly listening to my EJ tapes, I would have laughed if somebody ever told me that I would share the same stage as Eric. My reaction would have been: "I would give anything to see this musician live! Let alone actually open for him!"

Well - I was living beyond my dreams last Saturday at the First UU Church of Austin. It was a milestone day for me and there could have been no better set of musicians and friends to share it with than Laura, Abhinit, Pat, Ashish, Will, Janet, Casey, Angela, Prithvi and Surya. It was unfortunate that our two pillars - Prateek and Mansi were not able to make this event, but I was assured by them that their thoughts were with us through this occasion.

Mansi was having her own special event, being honored by the University for excellence in academia.

Saturday - April 3rd - The day of the show.

After the supportive and encouraging calls from my family that morning - I decided to try and keep things in perspective and not get too overwhelmed by the situation.

When the set started, Laura's soothing vocals on "Justice" took me to a place far away from the venue. And Abhinit's tablas along with Pat's bass kept me there through the entire set. I was able to immerse myself in the music and forget the reality of everything. And this was a good thing.

Eric and Elista Street

Eventually I was wrapped within the sonic textures of "Cherry Tree" and "Time" - in a blissful state of musical nirvana. It was an amazing feeling and it will be hard to ever feel that again. The novelty of being at a very special place, opening for a very special person and playing music that was so close to my heart was something that reminded me of the reason as to why I do what I do.

Gifting an autographed copy of "Shadow Box" to Eric

Eric's set was heavenly. Many people know of EJ to be a guitar virtuoso but only these intimate acoustic shows really showcase his amazing piano and song-writing abilities. After the show, my friend Casey described his piano playing perfectly when we were talking about his version of Hendrix's "Wind Cries Mary".

"When he (Eric) played that song he was channeling Keith Jarret" he said.

Sometimes I feel that Eric has reached a point as a musician where the actual physical function of playing the piano or guitar is just a secondary aspect to creating the music. Eric has achieved an unrestrictive channel between his soul and his fingers.

A couple of eastern pieces with Eric

Jack Bruce said it best about Jimi Hendrix. He said that the man could have picked up a Peruvian Flute and used it to express his soul and it would have sounded amazing. The guitar just happened to be there. (Hey Jack - you ain't too bad yourself ;) )

I realized last Saturday night that Eric and Jimi aren't too far away from each other when it comes to this connection with their inner and outer musical selves. Allowing strong spiritual development to occur between their souls and the world around them. Constantly having a heated communication and cultivating a strong relationship with time and space.

Hopefully, one day I can reach that point where I can experience a fragment of that kind of relationship. Until then I seek inspiration from those who have.

Thank you Eric, Joe, Kowecha and Park for making a young kid's dream come true.

Yes - that's a capo on my nylon string!

View the video clips from that show.