Blues-Rock Powerhouse Eric Johanson Meets Little Feat Spirit, with David Julia as opener.

Eric Johanson at Groove NYC

Eric Johanson at Groove NYC – August 13, 2025

Review: Blues-Rock Powerhouse Meets Little Feat Spirit, with David Julia as opener.

Last night at Groove—a cozy, intimate venue tucked into Greenwich Village—Eric Johanson delivered a blistering, blues-rock set that felt both deeply rooted and electrifyingly fresh. For fans thirsting for a dose of Blues‑Trower‑ish grit mixed with Little Feat–styled groove, this one was a full win.

Venue Vibe

Groove is a beloved fixture of the Village’s live-music scene, celebrated for its funk, soul, and blues nights. Reviews often note that, the musical quality typically shines through—and last night was no exception. Thank you Drew Heart for your exceptional professionalism.

The Sound

Johanson opened with his signature razor‑sharp riffs and deep Southern feel—an intoxicating mix of swampy blues and fuzz-drenched rock. His guitar prowled across the stage with confident restraint, never showy, always in service of the song. The tension between grit and melody was palpable—the very hallmark described by the American Songwriter: “displays his guitar prowess but within the borders of melodies and lyrics that push the boundaries of blues/rock.”

Hearing much of that energy, it’s clear why The Deep and the Dirty topped the Billboard Blues Chart, and why Johanson has toured relentlessly—100 cities, 10 countries—and attracted praise from Guitar Player Magazine, Total Guitar & now Blues Blast Magazine.

“Blues‑Trower‑ish” & Little Feat Vibes

The set leaned into a Trower-like rawness—heavy yet nuanced—and carried a loose, funky underpinning reminiscent of Little Feat’s funky swagger. Occasional slide guitar passages and rhythmic grooves gave nods to that heritage, especially when Johanson shifted from burning riffs into sleek grooves that had the audience swaying, heads nodding. The blend of expressive blues and funk-rock felt familiar, yet unmistakably his own.

Opener: David Julia—the Orlando Blues Virtuoso

David Julia, hailing from Central Florida, brought powerful early energy to the night. With a voice seasoned beyond his years and guitar delivery, he grounded the room in stylish blues with a hint of Country & R&B 

His backstory—playing professionally since age ten, competing in the International Blues Challenge, and releasing his debut LP Inspired—showed in every heartfelt phrase and guitar bend. 

Julia’s performance felt like a clear tip of the hat to blues tradition with a touch of Country slipped in, carving space for Johanson’s more eclectic explorations. It was a seamless, respectful handoff: Julia laid down the roots; Johanson built the branches.

Standouts & Highlights

Riff-driven intensity — Johanson’s opening numbers clawed into the room, locking in a tight, dynamic groove with the rhythm section.

Slide & swagger — Smooth slide passages broke through the rawness, particularly effective in blues numbers that echoed Little Feat's groove spirit.

Blues‑rock finesse — The band mastered the art of tension and release, threading searing guitar solos with soulful vocals.

Audience connection — The crowd responded with appreciative cheers and cheers of “encore”—Groove’s energy level was electric.

Final Thoughts

If you were looking for a night where traditional blues-rock collided with Trower’s grit and Little Feat’s funk, this was it. Johanson’s performance at Groove wasn’t about spectacle—it was about sincerity, passion, and guitar virtuosity. He brought fire, groove, and genuine soul.

Shout-outs & Thank-Yous

Kudos to Drew Hart for hooking onto that Little Feat‑ish groove—whether through song choices or stylistic nods, his proffesionalism in choosing the right bands is incredibly appreciated. A big heartfelt thanks to David Julia—a rising blues star who grounded the night in tradition while clearing a path for Johanson’s sonic exploration.

In sum:

Eric Johanson—ferocious, thoughtful, and authentically blues‑rock.

David Julia—young, charismatic, and deeply rooted in the blues tradition.

Groove NYC—a perfect stage for this caliber of raw, honest, guitar-driven magic.

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