Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-10-18
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Johanson released his new album The Open Bayou October 16 on his independent label Levee Ward Records. Available on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms, the album follows the singles “Shake the Fever,” “Alligator Smile,” and “Mercy & Madness.”
Listen to or order The Open Bayou HERE.
Recorded live with touring bandmates Will Repholz on bass and Jake Gartenstein on drums, The Open Bayou captures the interplay and spontaneity of a power trio. Mixed and mastered by Bill Skibbe (Jack White, The Raconteurs, The Kills), the record pushes Johanson’s blues roots through hypnotic rhythms, gritty grooves, and adventurous guitar work.
Johanson’s 2023 album The Deep and the Dirty reached No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart. Guitar Player named him among its 25 Best New Blues Guitarists, and Total Guitar included him among its 50 Greatest Blues Guitarists of All Time.
The Open Bayou is available now, as Johanson continues his fall tour.
About Eric Johanson
New Orleans guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Johanson makes guitar-driven rock with deep blues roots. His album The Deep and the Dirty reached No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart. A Grammy-nominated musician for his work with Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, he has shared stages with The Record Company, North Mississippi Allstars, Anders Osborne, Tab Benoit, and Samantha Fish.
For more information, visit ericjohanson.com.
