Johnny Hiland in Tokyo 10/17/01 mp3 clips

In October, 2001, we had the pleasure of bringing Nashville phenomenon, Johnny Hiland and his manager Mac Wilson, over to Japan for the Tokyo Music Fair and a few concerts. It was put together on reletively short notice, but with the cooperation of some friends in Japan, it all came together. I (Bob Weil) would particularly like to thank the following for their gracious help and hospitality:

- The Moridaira Company, especially Shigeo Moridaira, whose music connections got Johnny hooked up with some of the finest musicians in Japan, the Dr. K Project. Moridaira's translation and logistics support were also fantastic, as were their Morris acoustic guitars which they allowed Johnny to use.

- The Dr. K Project, a wonderful group of the best musicians Japan has to offer, led by the ever magnanimous "Dr. K"!



- Seiki Goto, of Fender Yamano Japan, who allowed Johnny to use the Visual Sound pedals while doing demos at the Fender booth.

- Johnny Hiland, for being a good friend and True Believer in me, Visual Sound, and most importantly, God!

- Mac Wilson, Johnny's manager, for being a good friend and tireless promoter. He can make connections like nobody I've ever seen.

Please click on the following mp3 links for 1 - 2 minute samples of Johnny Hiland playing with the Dr. K Project and friends. Johnny uses the Route 66 compressor channel 100% of the time, blending in other effects as needed:

Orange Blossom Special...A blazing demonstration of some serious country chops! Pedals: Route 66

Banjo Jam...with world renowned banjo player Arita Yoshihiro. It's acoustic with no pedals, but hey... who can resist a good acoustic guitar and banjo jam?

Blue Suede Shoes...Johnny got to show off his vocal ability a bit too. Check out his version of Elvis' "Blue Suede Shoes" for some great guitar AND vocal chops. Pedals: Route 66 (comp and overdrive)

Crossroads...For this and the next two clips, the Dr. K Project was joined by a fabulous blues guitarist/vocalist named Makoto. He and Johnny played so well together with the band, I think they could have kept on jamming all night! Check out this clip of the classic Clapton tune, Crossroads. Pedals: Route 66 (comp and overdrive), Jekyll & Hyde (Hyde distortion), H2O (Echo)

"Makoto Blues #1"...Check out this one for some very tasty slow blues. Pedals: Route 66 (comp and overdrive), H2O (chorus set on pseudo-Leslie, Echo)

"Makoto Blues #2"...Sometime later in the song, Johnny slipped on his slide and started making the guitar gently weep. Pedals: Route 66 (comp and overdrive), H2O (Echo)