“I WOULD HEAR BASS AND DRUMS IN MY HEAD, AND I’D DO MY BEST TO CREATE IT ALL WITH THE GUITAR ALONE”
JACK JOHNSON MAY not have the most advanced guitar technique, but the hugely popular acoustic influencer has a treasure that precious few other strummers possess: a signature rhythm style. The Hawaiian with the hallmark rhythm hand planted his flag with Brushfire Fairytales, his 2001 debut that featured such breakout hits as “Flake” and “Bubble Toes,” which incorporated a snare-like muted “whap” on the two and four into a few go-to strumming patterns. The former professional surfer and accomplished surf moviemaker delivers his grooves with an infectious laid-back, hang-loose feel. Often imitated, Johnson’s original approach remains so instantly recognizable that he purposely mixes things up in the studio.
(Brushfire), his first album in five years, marks a bit of a departure from past efforts. The record is textural and takes a slinky, nuanced approach to contemplative, spiritual material. Several cuts feature his longtime bandmates, who include keyboardist Zach Gill, bassist Merlo Podlewski and drummer Adam Topal. But the primary difference is producer and multi-instrumentalist Blake Mills, who is known for his
