Eric Johanson Pays Tribute to Robin Trower with New Single "Bridge of Sighs"

Eric Johanson Pays Tribute to Robin Trower with New Single "Bridge of Sighs"

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New Orleans guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Johanson returns on July 17 with a powerful new rendition of Robin Trower's classic "Bridge of Sighs." The release marks the first project from Johanson's new partnership with Levee Ward Records and Amplified Distribution.

Long admired for his soulful guitar work and modern approach to blues-rock, Johanson says the inspiration to record the iconic track came after years of hearing fans compare his playing to Trower's.

"For a long time, people would come up after shows and ask if Robin Trower was an influence," Johanson explains. "I knew the name, of course, but I hadn't really gone deep into his music. After hearing that comparison enough times, I finally dove in a few years ago and it made sense immediately."

He adds, "That era really resonates with me. It wasn't about recreating the past. It was all these ideas and elements coming together in a really natural way. People were taking those roots and pushing them somewhere else."

Rather than simply recreating the 1974 classic, Johanson makes the song his own. His version showcases expressive vocals, a blistering original guitar solo, and the dynamic chemistry of his band, transforming the track into a fresh interpretation while honoring its legendary source.

"Bridge of Sighs" had already become a staple of Johanson's live performances, where its dark, hypnotic groove and expansive guitar passages allowed the band to stretch out organically each night. That same spirit carried into the studio.

Recorded live in a single take at Split Window Studios in Texas and mixed by Bill Skibbe (Jack White, The Raconteurs), the recording captures the raw energy of Johanson's live show, delivering a performance that feels spontaneous, heavy, and deeply authentic.

Johanson has emerged as one of the leading voices in modern blues-rock. His acclaimed Ruf Records release, The Deep and the Dirty, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart, earning widespread praise for its blend of blistering guitar work, soulful songwriting, and contemporary edge.

Backed by his electrifying power trio, Johanson has performed in more than 100 cities across 10 countries, touring both as a headliner and alongside artists including The Record Company, Samantha Fish, Tab Benoit, and North Mississippi Allstars. He has also shared the stage with Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, the Neville Brothers, Terrance Simien, and Corey Henry's Treme Funktet.
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With his fearless take on "Bridge of Sighs," Eric Johanson pays homage to one of rock's greatest guitarists while reaffirming his own place among today's most compelling blues artists.
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Tourdates Europe:

11/15/26 Casten, The Netherlands Bikkel Blues
11/18/26 Chamburg, Germany Nica Jazz Club
11/23/26 Salzburg, Austria Rockhouse Salzburg
11/24/26 Crimsting, Germany Blues Club Chiemgau
11/28/26 Bucharest, Romania Transilvania Blues

Website:
​ericjohanson.com