Customer Reviews

Electromagnets

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Writing in 2005--has it really been 30 years? In 1975, I was a 19 year-old guitar player in what might have been the only other fusion band in Texas (Denton, that is). When I heard Eric Johnson and the Electromagnets, I almost deep-sixed my axe...except it was so inspiring. Johnson had such sparkling agility--and not just in terms of speed, but variations of sound, melodic contour, feedback control. He could get such a light, woody, singing tone (out of what I think was his Gibson 335), like no one else we'd heard.

Somehow, we got ahold of dubs not long after the sessions were recorded, and I listened until the music, and particularly Johnson's playing, was burned into my brain (though my fingers couldn't catch up). But I hadn't heard this music since I more or less retired my turntable. Then I found the CD. I wondered: How would it hold up?

Magnificently. This really was one of the best fusion records from that time, and I can't say I've heard much since then that matches it in youthful exuberence, a glowing sense of excited discovery, yet a modest grace. I suppose one could criticize some of the writing as being overly episodic, not quite convincing. And surely there is better-sounding live material out there than the two additions to the original LP. But those are quibbles. I played the first cut for a 71-year old artist buddy of mine, and he said, "Wow!" You will, too.

Had this album been on a large label when it was first released, there's no doubt jazz/rock/fusion fans would have been talking since then about the Electromagnets in the same breath as Return To Forever, Weather Report, Jean-Luc Ponty, Jeff Beck, Brand X, John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, and Steve Morse and the Dregs. And it's not Eric Johnson's incredible playing that makes this great music. All four band members are highly skilled players AND excellent composers and arrangers; indeed, it's the strength of the compositions that truly impresses me and makes me wish I had had this album 25 years ago. I believe this is simply one of the very finest albums of the genre ever released. And even if the sound quality of the live cuts leaves something to be desired, I would love to hear anything else the 'Magnets might have recorded live.

I can't imagine a review of this CD getting less than 5 stars. One reviewer quibbled about the recording quality of the live bonus tracts - but they are of significant interest to guitarists, because Eric usually goes even wilder live than on record, and that's the case here. If anyone reading this review has not heard this work, simply order it now - you can't be disappointed - the music is too good. If you're a guitarist - you should already have it! - An Eric fan since'75

Another gem is "finally" released into the Eric Johnson catalog. I had heard about the Magnets for years and had searched high and low for the album without any luck. I happened to find the CD by mistake at a used CD shop. This album is chock full of great compositions, soloing, and jamming, not to mention the phenomenal guitar playing of then 21 year old Eric Johnson. The CD is a window into EJ's past. His playing was much different then than it is now (it's obvious that Jeff Beck and John McLaughin were major influences on young Eric). The coolest thing about the album is to see the beginnings of EJ, Stephen Barber, and Cristopher Cross' careers. These guys have always worked together through the years. Theye are excellent musicians, then and now, and the Electromagnets is testimony to that. If you are an EJ fan or love great guitar playing, you should add this to your CD collection

Electromagnets are Kyle Brock on bass, Stepen Barber on keyboards and vocals, Bill Maddox on drums/percussion, and Eric Johnson on guitar. That is right Eric Johnson on guitar! This band personifies what is great about jazz-fusion. All the musicians are fantastic. Even though Eric gets most of the soloing time, all of the other members of the band are each outstanding in their own right. This album is high-energy, jazz-fusion. There are some mellower songs on the album like "Motion" and "Salem." It is really a shame about Eric, because if this album, like another reviewer has said, would have had more commerical success it would have launched Eric Johnson into the guitar great category alot sooner. He would have been a guitar icon in the '70s rather than the early '90s. Anyway, we can wish for things all day long, but that doesn't change things. Thumbs up to all of the incredible musicians on the album.

This CD is a load of fun for me for the college days (daze) memories it brings back. Back in the mid seventies, I was lucky enough to see the Electromagnets live five different times in San Marcos and Austin, Texas. The good old days...buck or two cover charge, dollar pitchers, and an evening with the Electromagnets. Great live sound....could really clean your sinesus right up.
Frank Zappa was right about them being "Mahavishnu with a sense of humor".
For good no-nosense fusion, get this CD.

I've listened to this CD again and again and it just keeps getting better. Originally recorded in 1975 it was remixed, remastered and rereleased in CD format in 1998. Lucky thing for us! With Eric Johnson on guitar (need I say more), Stephen Barber on keyboards, Kyle Brock on bass and Bill Maddox on drums...the talent of the individual band members here shines through. More significantly though, their individual virtuosities blend beautifully into infinitely listenable MUSIC! Even if you've found Jazz Fusion to be a bit "heavy"...this CD goes way beyond the classification of Fusion and should be classified simply as Quality....Buy this CD and enjoy...Music lover in Austin, Texas

Hard to believe it's been so long since this disc was first released. I used to see Eric Johnson play around Austin during my college years and have always marvelled at not only his technical ability but ability ot generate unique sounds and soundscapes from his guitar. Put him together with the Kyle (the Funk Surgeon) Brock, Stephen Barber on keyboards and Bill Maddox on drums - all equally talented on their respective instruments - and you've got a whole that is so much more than the sum of the individual components. Very Mahavishnu Orchestra-esque, but still unique in it's own way. It's a shame that there weren't more recordings by the Magnets, but this one is so good I still listen to it occasionally after all this time. Some recordings leave an imprint on you and stand the test of time - this is certainly one of them.

This is the best fusion release you may have never heard.

Originally recorded as a demo-tape and then re-mastered for its 1975 independent release, the Austin, Texas-based band clicked musically, especially with the interplay between guitarist Eric Johnson and keyboardist/vocalist Stephen Barber - comparable with John McLaughlin & Jan Hammer in the Mahavishnu Orchestra - whose work on electric piano, organ and mini-Moog synthesizer is scintillating.

The group included Kyle Brock (b) and Bill Maddox (d), though several guests appear, including vocalist Chris Geppert, who later raced up the pop charts as Christopher Cross.

This re-issue includes two live cuts and a new cover. This is an absolute gem, which demonstrates - again - that when the major labels miss on a pitch from a solid band, they fan with a Ruthian swing.

An excellent band of excellent musicians fresh out of the gate when I knew them 30 years ago. Jazz/Rock Fusion was not really named at that time - only experienced. Eric Johnson, the young guitarist in this band has gone on to fame, but I think his performances with this band and these recordings are still the best he's ever done. Steve Barber, the keyboardist, is one of the most versatile musicians and composers I've ever known. Kyle Brock, on bass, and Bill Maddox, on drums, contributed driven performances and excellent compositions as well. The only thing these guys lacked to achieve jazz fusion fame was some connection to Miles Davis in their resumes.