By STEVE GRAYBOW
Published: October 28, 2000

Rlchard Leo Johnson's sophomore set, ''Language" (Blue Note, Sept. 26), builds upon the solo excursions of the eclectic guitarist's debut by adding contributions by such musicians as drummer Matt Wilson, bassist Rome Workman, and slide guitarist Warren Haynes on various tracks. Johnson plays six- and 12-string guitars in tunings that he develops intuitively, and his angular jazz-meets-the-kitchen-sink compositions are a joy to discover.