"Even though I've made my living as a piano player, I'm more of a singer," says celebrated sideman turned solo artist, Ericson Holt. "That's what this record is about." Holt's new album, the rootsy, bluesy, soul-dipped, leaning-towards-country The Blue Side, showcases Holt's singing-and piano playing-to be sure. But it also marks the debut of a brave, raw and insightful songwriter.
"He avoids the usual sideman-steps-out mistakes with his fine album, The Blue Side, proving to be an exceptional vocalist and an emotionally vivid songwriter. His rich-toned voice - think Jackson Browne with more swagger - holds its own (singing) with powerhouses like Raul Malo and Joy Lynn White, and his tightly crafted material moves from smoking roots rock to New Orleans jive to revved up country shuffles." (Michael McCall in the Nashville Scene, 11/2004.)
Before moving to Nashville, Ericson, a Virginia native, worked on the East Coast Blues and Roots Rock circuits, fronting his own bands, and playing with other popular bands such as the Meteors and Lil' Ronnie & the Blue Beats, often opening for national acts including the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Roomful of Blues, and Delbert McClinton.
As he began to write and sing his own songs, his ambition took hold. Advice from friend and mentor, guitar great Michael McAdam (Steve Earle, Radney Foster, Lee Roy Parnell), coupled with an unexpected conversation with Bruce Hornsby, convinced Ericson it was time to make the move to Music City in 1994.
Holt's resume now includes recordings, international tours and television appearances with Grammy winners the Mavericks, and Oscar nominee and critics' favorite Allison Moorer. He has played alongside Lee Roy Parnell, Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale, Lari White, Tracy Nelson, Phil Lee, Ricky Van Shelton, the Amazing Rhythm Aces, and Delbert McClinton, just to name a few. On many occasions he has either opened shows or performed some of his own songs during the concerts.
In 2005, The Blue Side began to climb the Americana Music chart on the strength of original songs like "Lonesome River," "Tired of Waitin' Around," "I've Got Your Number," and the title track. Though it's an independent recording, starting out with a regional radio campaign, the cd jumped 39 spots to #52 on the 2/21/2005 chart, making Ericson one of the Top 5 most added artists for the week.
"I'm all about singing and playing real music that has energy and drive," says Holt "and the joy of entertaining a crowd."
On his own, Ericson has performed at B.B. King's and the Bluebird Café, as well as numerous other venues in the Southeast, and appeared on radio programs on WPLN and WFPK. He is determined to continue building his fan base throughout the U.S. and abroad. Mark Wehner of Americana Tonight writes: "As a writer and performer, he has all the magic a frontman needs to succeed. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy."
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