Source: Agitreader.com
Alain Johannes is the type of multi-instrumentalist journeyman that you don't see that often in this day and age. In addition to having performed in the band Eleven with his wife and creative partner Natasha Shneider for more than 15 years, he's played, performed and written on albums for artists all over the music spectrum. Everyone from Chris Cornell to Kelly Clarkson has gotten the Johannes touch, but his highest profile role has been as a member in the Josh Homme universe. He's done stints in the Desert Sessions project and Queens of the Stone Age, collaborated with occasional Queen Mark Lannegan, and become a member of Spinnerette (Homme's wife Brody Dalle's band) and the touring band for Them Crooked Vultures.
Following their work on QOTSA's Era Vulgaris, he and Shneider left the band to re-launch Eleven. Unfortunately, during that time Shneider was diagnosed with cancer and later died in 2008. The staggeringly prolific Johannes could have settled into a quiet role as a sideman following the loss of his wife and chief collaborator, but instead he's found the determination to release his first solo album, Spark, on Homme's Rekords Rekords label.
As a producer, Johannes doesn't have a heavy handprint, but there is a very distinct sonic style. If you've heard Chris Cornell's Euphoria Morning or any song from Eleven's catalog, you'll recognize the exotic guitar phrasing and instrumentation and the arrangements that manage to keep every element in perfect balance. His one trademark would have to be his remarkable restraint. Spark continues with the program of no empty calories. The one moment of bravado comes within the opening minute of "Make God Jealous," where Johannes unloads a furiously technical, flamenco-influenced acoustic guitar solo. But that move isn't just flash—it sets the mood and drive for the rest of the song. It's almost unbelievably well thought out.
As a tribute album to Shneider, Spark lacks almost all traces of darkness one might expect. Yes, there are some serious moments, but the record is shot through with a celebratory mood. Even "Endless Eyes," written in the immediate aftermath of Shneider's death, is more anthem than dirge. Johannes then pushes the mood higher with the insanely bouncy "Return To You." But like everything else on the record, the sequence is clearly by design. Spark is an unabashed celebration of life without an ounce of mawkish sentimentality.
Written by: Dorian S. Ham for The Agit Reader