Johnny Hiland - Nashville, TN
Johnny Hiland - Debut CD Review
By Patrick Ferris

The long awaited debut album from Nashville guitar prodigy Johnny Hiland was released last month to national acclaim and praise from guitar heavies' worldwide.

Legally blind since birth, Johnny Hiland is a truly gifted musician and one of the most amazing guitarists I've ever heard. Within the first 10 seconds of his opening track, G Whiz, I immediately referenced his playing to guitar great, Danny Gatton.

As I read through his credits, I found out that Gatton was not only Johnny's main guitar influence, but Johnny's band was produced by legendary guitarist, Steve Vai, and includes Gatton's Sax/Keyboardist Bill Holloman and the rhythm section from Mr. Big: Steve Vai's buddies, Billy Sheehan on bass and Pat Torpey on drums.

For someone like myself that didn't get turned on to Danny Gatton until long after his death, Johnny Hiland's debut album has all of the flair, excitement, and jaw-dropping chops that have been missing since Danny's 1994 passing.

If Danny Gatton was "The world's best-unknown guitar player", Johnny Hiland has just burst onto the world stage as top contender. From beginning to end, Johnny's debut CD is a guitar player's album. Eleven instrumental tracks showcase Johnny's incredible prowess as a guitarist and songwriter. From barnburners like G Whiz and Swinging the Strings to scorching ballads like Song for Helen , Johnny's lightening fast licks pave the road for what is bound to be a guitar classic.

For more information on Johnny Hiland, CLICK HERE

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