Since I can remember, musicians I have enjoyed listening to and drooling over have been acoustic guitarists that rest their chiseled bicep over the guitar's body and have messy hair. My first crush was Randy Travis, then there was Dave, and Jason Mraz. My latest infatuation is my local friend, Erick Baker.
About a year ago Erick played his first solo performance in downtown Knoxville for 7 people. He opened up for John Legend last summer at the Tennessee Theater and his performance was, in my opinion, better than the headliner. In November, he played at an intimate cave-like bar in downtown Knoxville and he had the room stifled and mesmerized. Some of his songs made me want to cry but I also wanted to laugh with him and mess up his hair. For such a happy person, he can really let the melancholy and emotions of loss, especially lost love, out in his lyrics. Last night Erick, now accompanied by viola, piano, stand-up bass, and drums, had a CD release party for his first LP: It's Getting Too Late To Say That It's Early. He was the happiest man in the room, despite the sad songs: 250 people were there to see him perform. He has relied on his myspace site, www.erickbakermusic.com, to market himself and relied on the support of local radio and music scene. He has a lot of support and now it is time for the big break. On Friday he got the call he will be openning for James Blunt in Asheville Monday. Cheers to EB! To some of you out there, you may like his tunes too. Here is a recent article published in Knoxville's Metro Pulse: Music Therapy and a delectable selection of live performances...

{When Will I Be Loved - 05/09/2007}


{Nothing At All - Blue Plate Special 2007}


{Next to Me - Blue Plate Special 2007}