Review: Eric Johnson 'Texaphonic Tour' - Islington Assembly Hall

Review: Eric Johnson ‘Texaphonic Tour’

Islington Assembly Hall – July 25^th, 2026

Reviewer / Photographer – Phil Honley

This is Eric Johnson‘s first UK tour in over a decade and the venue is packed tonight.

I have always been aware of the talent that is Eric Johnson but never really investigated under the surface with ‘Cliffs Of Dover‘ being my only reference point with regards the man’s solo career. I have, however, been more familiar with his work with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani in G3. Coincidentally I had seen both Vai and Satriani earlier in the year, the former replicating Robert Fripp‘s work in King Crimson with ‘Beat‘ and the latter with Sammy Hagar doing a very good Eddie Van Halen. Johnson, albeit with a few covers, was playing in his own skin.

In view of my opening paragraph you must excuse me but I will be very economical with the Eric Johnson facts. What I do know is that the concert itself is split into three sections, the opening section is definitely electric and Johnson opens the set with ‘Righteous‘ which immediately impresses upon me the technical skill of the man. ‘S.R.V.‘ follows and wow he is really getting some tone out of his Strat.

‘Forty Mile Town‘ is a real joy, not only can he caress the frets but man he has some voice as well. With such a voice my only wish would be that he wrote more that lent itself to lyrics and vocals.

The first cover of the evening is Duke Ellington’s ‘Caravan‘, which allows another star performer on the stage to impress us and Daniel Kimbro steps forward with an amazing bass solo.

‘Friends‘ follows and another opportunity to soak up Johnson’s sublime vocals.

A very interesting and captivating electric opening section is followed by an acoustic section. Johnson and Kimbro trade licks during ‘Resolution‘ before combining beautifully for ‘Abelia‘. ‘Chester‘, Johnson’s tribute to Chet Atkins, follows and is relatively simplistic in comparison.

‘Kimbro‘ gives us an absolutely brilliant bass solo before ‘Once Upon A Time In Texas‘ brings in Johnson to interact.

‘Song For George‘ is more bluesy , bringing the acoustic section to a fitting end before the Stratocaster replaces the acoustic for ‘Stella By Starlight‘.

The third section of the show sees Johnson continuing with blues-rock jams. ‘E Flat Groove‘ and ‘Trueheart Blues‘ follow, the latter featuring a stunning guitar solo. The nod to the blues wouldn’t be complete without a “Blues Jam” and that is what we got with the whole band enjoying itself.

‘Steve’s Boogie‘ and ‘On Green Dolphin Street‘ follow before Kimbro dazzles us once again on bass and then Tal Bergman gets his opportunity to impress on drums and of course he succeeds.

‘Desert Rose‘ is a welcome arrival as we get to hear Johnson’s sweet voice again. This followed by the introduction to ‘Cliffs Of Dover‘ which brings a huge round of applause from the very appreciative audience and I have to say, hearing it in the flesh, so to speak, you can appreciate why it was deserving of a Grammy.

The set list suggested that either ‘Zap‘ or Axis: ‘Bold As Love‘ would be played out for the encore but we got both.

An interesting and altogether excellent evening and I can now check out Eric Johnson’s extensive back catalogue.