This latest volume of Nick Johnston’s Atomic Improv series was released on Dec 15 2019. This volume features 4 improvisations that range from 47 seconds to 1 minute long. This instalment is transcribed by Gabbo Puente. As with the previous volumes, you get the videos (MP4 format) & the transcription in standard notation & TAB, in both PDF and Guitar Pro format files.
I’m going to nickname (pun intended) this volume the “Bach” Atomic Improv as we get to hear Nick use some Bach-inspired ideas that blend beautifully into his lyrical melodic shred guitar style.
Improvisation #1 begins with some gnarly ideas going into a lyrical phrase that goes into muted legato, a Bach-type phrase and ending on some nice sustained arpeggiated ideas.
Improvisation #2 begins with some power chords that go into a nice chordal introduction. Then, some bluesy ideas fluidly blend into Lydian colours and finally into some Bach-like sounds at the end too.
Improvisation #3 also has some nice Bach pedal point ideas too incorporated in between Nick’s beautiful perpetual motion lines.
Improvisation #4 introduces some spaced phrases with a lot of tasteful pickup changes to bring out the sound of the lines.
I love this volume for the musicality of Nick’s playing. For me, the beauty of the Atomic Improv series is to study the threads of Nick’s style. Some elements seem to be present throughout the different volumes & some go in and out. Purely as a document of his evolving style, this series provides tremendous insights into Nick’s unique guitar style. Strongly recommended for fans of this guitar style. I for one, have learned a lot from this series & look forward to using more of what I’ve learned from Nick.
Pros: Great musical ideas for the modern electric guitarist. Beautiful selection, lots of awesome licks to digest.
Cons: This volume doesn’t include Improvisation Insights PDF to explain the solos. Not necessary but it would be amazing to still have those in these.
TLDR: If you’d like to see how to musically blend a multitude of musical influences and moods into your improvised lines, this volume of Atomic Improv is one to check out.
You can get Atomic Improv Vol. 6 here: https://nickjohnstonmusic.com/atomic-improv
[Review Archive]
I wrote a lot of other book, course and video reviews too.
Check out the rest here:
[Read more reviews]
[Submissions for Review Consideration]
- Are you an author who wrote a jazz, guitar or music book?
- Have you created a DVD or an online video course or subscription based website?
- Would you like me to review your book/course?
Please send me a message at azsamad2 at gmail.com with:
For courses: a link to the course/video/product + access info etc.
For books: a link to the book (Dropbox) or PDF attachment (if it’s small) for review consideration.
Depending on whether I dig the book/course, I’ll let you know if I do plan to review it!
I cannot guarantee a review for every submission & if I’m not too into it, I may opt not to review it. I mean, it’s better to get a good review that for me to write a bad review just because it’s not a match for the kind of stuff I dig right? :p
NOTE: All reviews reflect my honest personal opinion so be aware that I will point out both cool Pros and Cons that I see in the work. You dig?
Leave a Reply