Battle of the Johns…who wins?

I’ve come accross an excellent article written by Feana Kotter for Western Courier and I simply have to share it. The Johns in questions are our John and John Mayer. The author compares them in four categories: the solo, improv, live performance and crowd appeal.

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In the February 22, 2007 issue of Rolling Stone, guitarists John Mayer and John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) were crowned as two of the new Top 20 Guitar Gods. Picks in hand and amps cranked to 11, it’s time to determine who would prove triumphant in an old-school battle of the bands.

Most people might dare to automatically assume Frusciante would have the upper hand because he has been laying down melt-your-face guitar riffs for the Red Hot Chili Peppers since the late 1980s. He is widely known for his innovative solos and unique sound.

Mayer, on the other hand, has only recently won over critics after serving his time as every 13-year-old girl’s fantasy. His most recent album, “Continuum,” expertly showcases Mayer as a blooming blues guitarist capable of writing lyrics comparable to Anthony Kiedis’. And he is friends with Eric Clapton.

With four components, let the battle begin.

1. The solo. As evident by the single “Dani California,” not only can Frusciante deliver a gut-busting solo, but he can do it at the end of the song. For one blissful minute, Frusciante cleverly combines elements of rock and blues and serves up a solo so good it leaves you salivating for more.

Conversely, Mayer delivers his best solos in the middle of songs. His latest single, “Gravity,” envelopes the listener in a bittersweet, slow solo that lingers like chocolate. He seems content to dabble in the blues, but his chord progressions are still unpredictable and fresh.

The winner: Frusciante.

2. Improv. Frusciante told Rolling Stone some of his best musical creations often have roots in solid improvisation. Though part of his success as a guitarist has been magnified by the funkilicious bass licks of Flea, Frusciante draws from his musical influences in a way few other guitarists can. And what a sweet ass.

Those who have seen Mayer live know his improv between songs is almost the best part of the show. Like an actor who’s gone off-script, he momentarily strays from the set list while still mischievously teasing the audience with a familiar chord blended in. Whether for five seconds or five minutes, Mayer’s improv keeps listeners guessing.

The winner: Mayer.

3. The live show. In true Jimmy Page style, Frusciante grasps the attention of the venue during concerts with a medley of rock star-like movements and expressions. Those lucky enough to be in the front rows can see the sweat forming on his brow as his fingers weave a musical tapestry on six strings. He is the epitome of his craft, and interacts with his bandmates as though they are having the greatest time of their lives.

Mayer combines wit and sometimes swearing to entertain the audience between songs. During the July 4 concert at the Taste of Chicago, a man yelled he loved Mayer, who responded with “I love you too, sir. I’m going to have to survey my feelings on the matter, but I’m pretty sure they point to yes. I love you too, sir.”

It’s a tie.

4. Crowd appeal. The Red Hot Chili Peppers give perhaps the best live show since Zepplin, and Frusciante is a key ingredient. While Keidis works the stage like a brilliant vaudevillian, Frusciante stakes his own corner and almost gingerly lets the music sway his body. He makes sparse eye contact, but when he does, everyone within 10 rows can see he is in his element. During familiar guitar riffs, the audience goes wild and Frusciante leaves a lasting impression.

Mayer usually opens with a hit song to get the audience engaged from the first moment. Recently, his set has become a masterfully mixed blend of his past two albums as well as some genius covers of other familiar artists. He sometimes changes lyrics from “I” to “we” or “us” and sparks a united feeling in the audience. Though some members in the audience are too young to appreciate his musicianship and lyrics, Mayer does not change any part of his act to cater to any certain age group.

The winner: Frusciante.

Though it seems Frusciante reigns slightly more supreme, Mayer is melodically climbing the charts of his former critics as he proves he is not merely a pop music sensation.

Frusciante has finally been recognized for his inspiring melodies, and will no doubt remain a musical force to be reckoned with for many years to come.