Collection: Eric Sommer & The Fabulous Piedmonts
Eric Sommer has been described as one of the most explosive guitar pickers on the Americana Music scene today. To some, it might seem like he just appeared, but he has been bubbling under the radar for years. And now that’s changing. Besides being an outstanding player, Eric’s soulful, rich, baritone voice complements his unique songwriting, and suits his musical stylings. He’s got a remarkable ability to turn a phrase on a dime, and craft a lyric on the for many, many artists. His lyrics can shimmer in front of you, be funny and thought-provoking or deliver a powerful image with subtly clarity and acute perceptiveness. His albums have been praised by the City Beat, Musical Xpress, The Midwest Record, and many others. Eric started his musical career in the Boston area and has been a regular player on many national tours and showcases. He worked in Europe for two years with Nick Lowe, and toured with acts Bram Tchaikovsky and Wreckless Eric on Danish, German and British rock stages. Eric left Denmark, returned to Boston, and formed The Atomics, a cult power-pop band in South Boston. The Atomics were signed to Arista Records and toured relentlessly with Mission of Burma, Gang of Four and The Dead Kennedys and many others. His influences are as diverse as Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Steve Howe and David Bromberg. Mr. Sommer's current project with power trio "The Solar Flares" shake up Chet Atkins and David Bromberg influences with those of Randy Travis and British Rocker Elvis Costello - a remarkable mix. He has been on the road, in the studio, on stage, in front of or behind Jerry Douglas, Leon Redbone, John Mayall, Dr. John, David Bromberg, Andy McKee, John Hammond Jr., McGuinn, Clark and Hillman…too many to name. This Artist is many things: Eric Sommer is a singer, writer, and guitar player with a style that's a cross between David Bromberg, Taj Mahal, Willie Porter and Steve Howe, delivered like a velvet hammer - Crown Royal poured over #2 sandpaper. With a unique set-up that generally includes 4-5 guitars, 3-4 small amps and a stomp box, it is musical mayhem: guitar, slide & open tuning stuff wrapped around songs for people who care about things that matter. Things like insane ex-girlfriends, wrinkled shirts, failed love, broken hearts, bad coffee, flat tires, gas station hot dogs, dumb pets... and checkout lines. The spectacle of his one-man set bears constant comparison to legends of showmanship, brilliance, madness, and invention. While audiences are captivated by his solitary form and the show itself, Sommer is focused on the serious message of the songs. From the cold-water lofts of South Boston, and green rooms from Chicago to Memphis, he has been building a vast musical catalog, writing a world into being that is his vision, his emotional projection, and one that is meant to be shared. Solo on stage and on the road, his mind is crowded with characters, narratives, voices, imagery, sounds as wide and varied as early morning truck stops, the vast green of central Vermont and roadhouse juke boxes on highways going everywhere. His internal compass spins through digital loose-ends, old post cards and the empty streets of Nashville, El Paso, the desert towns in Far West Texas… an original herald, a chronicler of the planet's inevitable destruction and rebirth. Amen. With this 2020 release, “Turning Point,” Sommer blends musical virtuosity with anchored literary traditions, and delivers a roadmap of hope and salvation while searching for the endless new day.
Genre: Roots/Pop Americana
Booking:eric@ericsommer.com
