Daily Tunes: Cliffs of Dover

In the heart of Austin, Texas, at the renowned Riverside Sound studio, a musical phenomenon was meticulously crafted. Here, Eric Johnson, the virtuoso guitarist known for his fusion of rock, jazz, and blues, embarked on a journey to create "Cliffs of Dover," a track that would define his career. With a painstaking dedication to perfection, Johnson not only played all guitars on this piece but also co-produced the album "Ah Via Musicom" with Richard Mullen, where this song would find its home.

Using a custom '54 Fender Stratocaster alongside a Gibson ES-335, Johnson conjured a sound so clear and precise, it was as if the notes themselves were sculpted from the ether. Roscoe Beck's bass lines and Tommy Taylor's drumming provided the backbone to this instrumental masterpiece, which, upon its release in 1990, would resonate with guitar enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

The song "Cliffs of Dover" would not only climb to fame but also ascend to the pinnacle of musical accolades, securing a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1992, a testament to Johnson's technical mastery and innovative approach to music. While "Ah Via Musicom" itself charted at No. 67 on the Billboard 200, "Cliffs of Dover" carved out its own niche, becoming a benchmark for guitar technique, its complexity admired and studied by many.

In live performances, Johnson would breathe new life into "Cliffs of Dover," his improvisational skills allowing each rendition to be a unique experience, yet always anchored by the song's iconic melody and structure. This track, lasting just over four minutes in its studio form, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music, a narrative of skill, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of musical expression.