By BILL MILKOWSKI
Published: July/August 1999

Creative Types will invariably reinvent the wheel, given the luxuries of time and solitude to pursue their visions. That is precisely what Richard Leo Johnson has done with the 12-string acoustic guitar. With no other guidance than his own ears and inner voice, the 43-year-old Arkansas native (a world-class photographer whose work is on display in numerous public and private collections) developed a whole lexicon of expression on the instrument that defies conventional wisdom. While guitar has been his private passion since the age of nine, Johnson finally comes out of the woodshed with Fingertip Ship, his inspired solo debut on Metro Blue.
From the rampaging opener "Hearts Of Palms" to the ethereal closer "Empitsu No Uta"with its koto-like effects, Johnson's dazzling fingerstyle virtuosity leaves listeners with the stunned impression that there are indeed two guitarists playing together in the studio. More Review >>>