Album Notes

2007 brings a new release from Eric Congdon, a ten song collection titled “Angels& Cigarettes”. The title is semi-autobiographical summary of Eric’s life. One foot in the world of his religious upbringing, and the other in the carnal world of Rock n Roll. The songs cover a range of topics from addiction, racism and economic justice, to more light hearted efforts like “Join the Band” about hanging out with friends and having a good time.

“Angels & Cigarettes” is a more guitar driven effort than Eric’s well received debut “Green River”. While holding on to the Alt Country flavor from that effort, this new CD features more jamming and more of a Classic Rock feel, notably on tracks like “Ask Me”, a Neil Young/Pink Floyd hybrid, and “All Yer Luv”, which might remind you perhaps of a classic Allman Brothers song. A wide range of styles is presented here to keep the listener guessing & engaged.
2006 was spent promoting “Green River” and playing out live. It was the great response to the music that helped inspire Eric to carry on & make another CD. Many of the songs on “Angels & Cigarettes” were first performed out live and that approach carried over to the making of the CD. Most of the tracks were recorded live in the studio, with over dubs added later. Eric wanted to achieve a more immediate feel and vibe to the disc, and rough spots were often left in.

Eric Congdon was born in New York but has lived most of his life in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He has travelled all over the world, always finding a way to end up playing wherever he goes. From busking on the streets of London, to jamming with a Moroccan band in Marrakech at the age of 15, Eric uses all of these experiences to find inspiration for his next song which is always just around the corner.

Look for Eric to be everywhere in 2007 and beyond.