Tones is the first studio album by guitarist Eric Johnson, released in 1986 through Reprise Records; a remastered edition was reissued on February 23, 2010 through Wounded Bird Records. Both "Zap" and "Emerald Eyes" are re-recordings from Johnson's then-unreleased 1978 debut album Seven Worlds, which eventually saw an official release in 1998. The instrumental "Zap", released as a B-side to the single "Off My Mind", was nominated for Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the 1987 Grammy Awards.[3]

Tones
Studio album by
Released1986 (1986)[1]
RecordedAugust 28 – November 17, 1985
StudioOcean Way (Hollywood)
GenreInstrumental rock, rock
Length45:31[2]
LabelReprise
ProducerDavid Tickle
Eric Johnson chronology
Tones
(1986)
Ah Via Musicom
(1990)
Singles from Tones
  1. "Off My Mind" / "Zap"
    Released: 1986
  2. "Trail of Tears"
    Released: 1986

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [1]

Daniel Gioffre at AllMusic gave Tones four stars out of five, calling it "an exceptionally strong debut" and "a beautiful and important album by one of the greatest electric guitarists ever to pick up the instrument." He also noted "Trail of Tears" and "Bristol Shore" as highlights.[1]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Eric Johnson, except where noted

No.TitleLength
1."Soulful Terrain"4:16
2."Friends"5:34
3."Emerald Eyes" (Johnson, Jay Aaron)3:23
4."Off My Mind"4:01
5."Desert Song"4:15
6."Trail of Tears" (Johnson, Carla Olson, Stephen Barber)6:01
7."Bristol Shore"6:41
8."Zap"4:43
9."Victory" (Johnson, Roscoe Beck, Tommy Taylor)6:37
Total length:45:31

Personnel

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Awards

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Title Event Award Result
"Zap" 1987 Grammys Best Rock Instrumental Performance Nominated[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Gioffre, Daniel. "Tones - Eric Johnson". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2014-03-27.
  2. ^ Tones (CD release "Reprise 9 25375-2").
  3. ^ a b "29th Grammy Awards - 1987". Rock On The Net. Retrieved 2014-03-27.
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