Electromagnets-Electromagnets (1974)

Electromagnets was an interesting jazz-rock band known for having a very young Eric Johnson in its line-up, who was already showing signs of becoming one of the great jazz and blues rock guitarists. Originally formed under the name Aussenhorowitz in 1974 by keyboardist Stephen Barber and drummer Bill Maddox, they were soon joined by bassist Kyle Brock and guitarist Eric Johnson, changing the name to the definitive Electromagnets. That same year and under the EGM Records label they recorded their self-titled debut album, and ultimately their only release, where they showcase the instrumental virtuosity of the four musicians, especially Barber's skillful and sinuous jazz keyboards and Johnson's eclectic guitar sounds. Tracks like the funk rock “Hawaiian Punch”, the energetic jazz rock “Dry Ice” or the dynamic jazz fusion “Blackhole” show the outstanding mastery of Electromagnets, which together with an excellent production is among the highlights of jazz rock in the mid-seventies, almost at the level of the great bands of the genre such as Weather Report or Return to Forever.