Video: OCEAN - John Butler - 2012 Studio Version

John Butler has described his instrumental song Ocean as an ever-evolving piece - and this really pushes all the boundaries...

John Butler and his 12 string can do some incredible things. I can't imagine any of you out there have yet to see the youtube video from many years ago performing Oceans live, but either way this newly recorded studio version is absolutely incredible. A must watch for certain (start at 5 min if you're stupid and impatient). You'd also be wise to catch him next time he's back in the states.

In an ode to a song that he, himself describes as "a very interesting aspect of [his] life. It is part of [his] DNA. It conveys all things [he] can’t put into words. Life, loss, love, spirit. As [he] evolves so too does ‘Ocean’." According to John Butler , since its original release in 1996, "Ocean" has been viewed more than 25 million times across its various formats. And throughout its seemingly timeless existence, the tale it tells remains the same. However, it is not meant for us or any one person to interpret, but for you to enjoy.  Allow for the [...]

Allow me, if you will, to be a little self indulgent for a while (or more so than usual, at least).  I don't often get gooey over guitarists, and my days as a John Butler Trio fan are well behind me (I've grown up in a town built on surfing, so I had to like him at some point), but Ocean - JB's instrumental magnum opus - is so lodged in my psyche that I just had to post about this new studio version.  It was the first song I learnt that was built [...]

• John Butler - Ocean (Max Sessions)