ERIC STECKEL BAND: Havana

Eric Steckel Band

Havana

© 2006 ESB145, LLC (837101154321)

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Spirited and soulful guitar oriented Blues from Eric Steckel and his talented band. Deeply rooted in the Blues, this live record celebrates the arrival of Duane Trucks on drums and recalls the sound of the 60s and 70s Blues Rock era.

notes

Originally from Pennsylvania where he was first known for his energetic guest appearances with many of the area's finest performers, Eric's early musical influences inspired him to pick up his first Fender Stratocaster at the age of nine. There was no looking back.............

Eric's passion for the Blues enabled him to eventually share the stage with many nationally known artists including Bob Margolin, Debbie Davies, James Armstrong, Steve Guyger, Kenny Neal, Chris Beard, Tommy Castro, Joe Kubek, Solomon Burke, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Hubert Sumlin.

With a feeling and natural ability that just can't be explained for someone so young, Eric delivers a Freddie-BB-Albert King influenced performance with an intensity and skill that belies his youth. With a style at times reminiscent of the great ones, Eric combines a variety of influences while reminding everyone the real thing comes from the heart and soul.

The Eric Steckel Band's debut CD, "A Few Degrees Warmer", was recorded live in April 2002 when Eric was a mere 11 years old. "A Few Degrees" quickly became a CD Baby Top Blues Seller and the record continues to delight Blues Guitar fans across the globe.

In follow-up to “A Few Degrees”, the ESB released a studio record titled "High Action" in 2004 which is also available through CD Baby.

In addition to developing their own faithful following over the past five years through many regular club gigs and festival appearances, the ESB has enjoyed the opportunity to open for Marcia Ball, Tommy Castro, Shemekia Copeland, and B.B. King. The ESB also had the honor to open for Johnny Winter in Amsterdam as part of their second European Tour!

In the Summer of 2004, Eric appeared in Sweden, Norway and Denmark as a special guest with John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers during their Scandinavian Tour. Mayall was so impressed with Eric’s performance during the tour that he asked Eric to join the Bluesbreakers in the studio as a special guest guitarist on the “Road Dogs” record. Listen for Eric's lead guitar work on the track "Chaos in the Neighborhood".

Eric now resides in Jacksonville, Florida where was introduced to Duane Trucks who joined the band in late 2005 as their regular drummer. Music fans will immediately recognize Duane as the brother of Derek Trucks and the nephew of the legendary Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks. At only 18 years old, Duane is already an extremely talented musician in his own right.

In celebration of Duane's arrival, the ESB released their third record, "Havana". Arguably their best work to date, "Havana" captures the essence of the band. Deeply rooted in the Blues, their performance recalls the sound of the 60s and 70s Blues Rock era.

WWW.ERICSTECKEL.COM

reviews

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  • I'm simply blown away!
    author: Daniel Marois

    I've played guitar since I was 14 (I'm now 55) and this kid just wows me! He sounds like Colin James and plays like SRV. After listening to Eric I'm starting to believe that reincarnation is real. That could be Stevie Ray in Eric's body!! I just hope he keeps loving the blues for what they are. I can't imagine how he'll be playing 10 years from now.

  • Wonderful Surprise
    author: Cheryl Mobley

    I heard your version of Little Wing on XM Radio and thought surely it would be Stevie Ray (one of my faves) and was pleasantly surprised to find you. Reading your bio, I had to try out your album. I have a 16 year old son who is an excellent guitarist and has a small local band. Thought he would enjoy hearing someone who learned and excelled young. We have both really enjoyed the album and will keep watching for more!

  • author: Kari Nurminen

    Hello Eric ! How much cost when you coming to FINLAND ?? PS. You take only Guitar with ???

  • author: asthon

    The CD is awesome!! I love it this kid will do great things!!!

  • Blow me away, kid! I can only imagine where this kid will be in 5yrs
    author: Gene from Chattanooga

    Awesome CD. Vocals are getting better & better. The music just blows me away, every time I listen. I can hardly believe that this kid can't even legally drive yet. I saw Eric perform at the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga,Tn in June....You think the CD is good? Catch him live!!!

  • author: Bernard from Belgium

    This CD is great, this guy has the talent! More of this please...

  • Amazing Blues!
    author: Ton Vermeulen (The Netherlands)

    This guy is so good, I bought all the cd's at the same time. Eric is a brilliant guitarplayer. I love it and hope to see him soon in Holland.

  • Wonderfull
    author: Frédéric

    This guy is simply wonderfull. In a few years, he will one of the greatest guitarists. On the cd Havana, his version of " little wing " is amazing. You have to listen as soon as possible !

  • He gets better with age
    author: Frank E.

    Eric has reached new heights with his guitar on this release. He was pretty damn good a few years ago but now he is as good as the best. And the voice is still great, too.

  • Gives me goosebumps
    author: Joel Wetzel

    This kid can wail on cover tunes and originals alike. It's amusing when he sings of love and loss because he's so young but I bought the CD for the guitar playing. Little Wing gives me goosebumps because at times I think he's SRV reincarnated. Buy the ESB CDs and support an extremely talented player so he won't have to get a real job. You won't be sorry.

  • Absolutly The New King Of The Blues
    author: Thomas Kirkegaard

    This young kid, is an amazing wizzard with he´s guitar, Eric Steckel are the next generations new Blues King.

  • some of the finest I've heard in a long time!
    author: Barry

    as I said in the 'short version' it is an awesome CD. He is one of the finest guitar players ever.

  • author: Catherine

    I purchased this cd as a gift for my father who just happened to casually mention that he would love to get his hands on any of his recordings. Me being the wonderful daughter that I am...I searched and found the perfect Christmas present. He was so surprised and loves the cd so much. He has told all his friends, so I'm sure Stickel's record sales are about to sky rocket!!

  • sweet
    author: mike wilkins

    i first read about eric when he toured on the continent with john mayall and the bluesbreakers. any musician who can play with john has got to be exceptional. i couldn't find any of the eric steckel band's recordings...until i was told of CD BABY by my son. i have all three of the ecb cd's now and all are outstanding....both CD BABY and ECB are highly recommended!

  • this kid is on his way to great things
    author: roger mayo

    a great cd.looking forward to more.saw Eric play live. a marvelous talent

  • This kid is super-talented!
    author: Bruce M.

    I first heard the Eric Steckel Band as I was driving to work on XM Radio's Bluesville station, and made a note of the name of the band, so that I could look it up later. When I Googled the name, and found his website, I soon read that he was only 15 years old, and could hardly believe it! I am a guitarist, and have been for much longer than Eric has been alive. He sounds like his chops have been developing for 30 years or more! Phillips Highway was the song I heard on the radio, and it is so great, but when I played the rest of the CD, I didn't stop playing it for several days. And I told everyone I know who is into the blues and music in general about The Eric Steckel Band! If he can keep his head together, which is difficult to do in the music business, this guy is going to be very well known. And the rest of the band is great too...the drummer is Duane Trucks, nephew to the great Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band, and the keyboard player and bassist are very tight also. I highly recommend this CD!

  • Getting Better & Better!!
    author: Mike D.

    Eric is a real compilation of all of his mentors...Clapton, SRV, All the Kings, Hendrix etc. with a mix of his own soul..Just like it should be. I have turned a # of musicians on to him that had not heard of him & we all agree. Eric is well ahead of where Johnny Lang was at the same age. It will be interesting to hear his voice continue to mature & catch up to his incredible playing. I'm a 63yr old guitar playing wanna be!!! Keep rockin' Eric!

  • author: Albert

    ok, I'm from Holland; heard the Jimi Hendrix song on radiostation Arrow and ordered the cd after some surfin' on the internet at this place. Service was quick and solid by the way!! Now the cd: very, very good raw blues cd. It's in my car since I received it and played already over and over. Hope to see this band sometime live in Holland.

  • Great stuff, what's better is the best is yet to come. Pressure, pressure.
    author: Asgard

    Everything you think it will be and more. Turn it up loud. Preferably outside with a bottle of cold beer.

  • like a fine wine-better with age
    author: gary the blue

    all i can say is i hope eric keeps writing a making cd's with the passion he has shown since his first one at age 11. it's truly spooky that he came along about the time we lost SRV.

  • i would say this kid is a bb albert king junior
    author: sean payne

    hay eric, you are mind blowing. you blew me out of my seat i recived your cd,s as a birthday gift. i am left wanting more you are a bb king junior. a little stevie ray vaughn you make my head spin for some one so young. i hope to see you soon in new hampshire please come to nashua my home city eric you have the heart and soul of some three times your age please keep it up sean payne nashua nh

  • Great album! Keep it up Eric!
    author: Ricky

    Love the CD! Keep up the good work! Wish you were playing live somewhere in Georgia!

  • Great live CD!!!!
    author: Francis

    Now Eric's voice is stronger,all the titles are fabulous!!! Especially "the thrill is gone"Eric is a great bluesman !!!!

  • AWESOME GENIUS - ERIC STECKEL - HAVANA: NEW CD
    author: Maria & Kevin

    The new CD, Havana, is great - just like all of Eric's CDs. We're going to "Havana" soon to see Eric again in person. We're old fans!

  • Excellent
    author: vincent

    loved this CD`s, I bought all three the same time.

  • author: Craig

    Eric is simply amazing on all the tracks. And now his voice is catching up to his playing. What a bright future you have Eric. Keep on kicking them out.

  • author: bluesy

    Amazing player, close your eyes and you hear SRV, but not just a copy..., he has his own style.Little wing is fantastic, as are his own songs, especially song 5 Hope to see him live in Holland, keep up the good work Eric

  • ESB 4 EVER AND EVER
    author: Carlos

    Siempre he pensado que dar 5 sobre 5 era pasarse, pero la verdad, es que no sería justo conmigo mismo, si diese otra calificación distinta a lo que acabo de oir. The ESB cada día suena MAS y MEJOR. Gracias Eric. Gracias Wayne. Gracias Nick. Gracias Duane. Gracias y bienvenido Robert. El Jaywalkin suena redondo, pero mi corazón siempre estará en el Café classics april 2002, tal vez sea porque nací un 22 y el niño que cantaba me dejó KO. Que os vaya bien a vosotros y a los vuestros.Salud. Carlos. P.D. Para cuándo se darán cuenta en Montreux que hay suficientes razones para que The ESB sea presentada en el Festival.

  • oustanding voice improvement
    author: bluesrocker

    Absolutely bloody great the improvement that this kid has experienced lately in my opinion.In my latest review about one of his previous records the only "but" that i put against him then was his voice.Nevertheless my contention was justified by a lack of maturity that Eric obviously had at that time(four years ago to be precise);what i meant then is that he had a good voice but it was the voice of a young boy which had still to evolve and consolidate itself.Well folks,i´ve been able to see with huge pleasure that this evolution has become a fact in these last four years. On top of that,he has also improved by leaps and bounds in his guitar style like it could not be expected in any other way. Last but not least one marvellous detail:A keyboardist has been introduced in his band ,which has contributed to expand as well as enrich its already great sound.Congratulations mate and keep it up!!I´ll purchase this cd too in accordance with the respect and admiration i feel for you.All the best.

  • Eric continues to shine!
    author: Mark Singlehurst

    I always like to support upcoming young artists and I am pleased to see that Eric, still only 15, has brought out another good value, long-playing CD that is a real showcase of his growing talent and enthusiasm. It was nice to hear more of his voice on this CD, too. Though I don't tend to listen to a lot of blues music, I must say I have enjoyed listening to all of Eric's CDs and wish him well for the future.

  • Virtuoso Playing!!!
    author: rgroundhog

    I have his other 2 CDs, and Eric gets better with age. His chops are truly incredible, and his voice is rounding out really well. I enjoyed the CD, and the only thing that I felt took a bit away is that his superb technique sometimes overshadows gut-level emotion that would show through with far less notes.

  • awesom dude!
    author: jonesie

    Awesom, getting better every year! See ya in Georgia...

  • Amazing blues
    author: Matthias

    I really liked Eric's last two albums (his guitar work was genius), but this album is my favorite so far. In Havana, Eric shows himself to be not just a spectaular guitar player, but also a great singer. The album really captures the spirit of some great blues. An excellent album!

  • Continues to grow
    author: Brian in DE

    Eric continues to grow as a player and singer. He's always had amazing style and phrasing, but this CD is a big leap forward. Not a novelty, this CD stands on it's own. I played the disc for a few friends, one a guitar teacher, after I got it, and they were loving it. I was a real kick telling them afterwards that Eric was 15 when he recorded this. We're planning on seeing Eric in PA this year. VERY GOOD CD....PERIOD! It stands on it's own with any blues being made today.

  • Music to Chill To
    author: ianchorley

    So here am I workin' thru a row of stubbies chillin' to those cool sounds from a real pro performer...

  • Nothing short of awesome!
    author: Ashley M.

    Wow! Awesome cd! It was totally worth the almost two year wait. Buy this cd you will not regret it. Can't wait to see Eric live in Davenport, IA for the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival!

  • author: DOUG

    Great CD. What would make it even better if I got to see the group live, hopefully they will perform somewhere close by.

  • Not just a kid playing guitar, he can hold his own.
    author: Lloyd

    loved this CD, I bought all three the same night after listening to the first one.

  • EXCELLENT!
    author: Bryan

    I own both of his other 2 albums and I've been waiting anxiously for another. It was WELL worth the wait! If you've listened to and enjoyed either or both of his previous albums, you're sure to love this one. As mentioned, his voice has definitely matured and deepened some. And I agree with another review on "Little Wing", simple amazing. That's one of my favorite songs of all time, and his version was great to hear. When it makes the hairs on my body stand up, it's a definite cranker! :) Get this and enjoy! KEEP IT UP ERIC!

  • Quite superb
    author: Steve, Dorset UK

    Brilliant Guitar playing and the best version of the Thrill is Gone i have herd for years.......

  • A great blues player on the rise
    author: Marc Cerrato

    I just bought this cd and if you want great blues this is the one for you. Every song on this cd without a doubt great. No skipping to the next song, you have to hear them all. No dissapointments on this disk at all.

  • music and clever packaging
    author: Darren

    When reviews consistently show a perfect score you may think that this CD is just too good to be true. Believe me when I say that this CD is truly the best! I would like to add that I was caught by surprise when I received the CD. I thought ESB was getting cheap and producing quality music in substandard packaging. That was until I took the CD out of the ‘case’. It’s a clever design! It’s made to resemble a tiny vinyl record and record jacket from the good old days! Great music and clever packaging can’t ask for more then that.

  • Are you kidding me?
    author: Kevin, NH USA

    As if the first two CD's weren't enough to leave you short on words, I simply can not come up with the words to properly decribe this one. From start to finish Eric simply excels, and his free flowing guitar playing will leave any true guitar fanatic grinning from ear to ear. As with each CD before it there is new origonals and as said already Radio blues is an instant classic. His cover of little wing, well Little wing has never flown so high. From song 1 to the end I don't think I heard a single flaw, not one bad note. Eric is simply amazing. Listen and you will not believe your ears.

  • Keeping the blues alive!
    author: Gary Dean Jennings

    I bought all of Eric's CDs as soon as I heard about him and then I listened to them in order. The first two were great but this one is a giant leap forward. With his music maturing at this speed, I can't wait to see what he does in the future.

  • Superior class
    author: John

    Just like Roy Buchanan predicted: the new blues messiah has arrived! During the Holland Tour of 2005, I visited Eric & his band four times and had two wonderful weekends. This live cd clearly shows why. A very fine selection of older and brand-new material. “Radio Blues” is an instant classic. The most precious jewel on this album to me, however, is Eric’s fabulous rendition of “Little Wing”. A true masterpiece which proves his superior class; grace, power and greatness are all blended into a perfectly harmonic, unique style. A must-have for any serious blueslover. Buy this cd -and the previous ones- and you’ll be hooked for life!

  • Unquestionably Eric's most well rounded release, and his best (so far).
    author: Herm - ElectricBlues Radio

    Being another live set, it borrows a couple tunes from each of his past releases, but Eric's growth makes them worthy of revisiting. And there's plenty of new stuff, including the smoldering slow blues Steckel original "Radio Blues". Although still (and unbelieveably) only 15, his voice has matured considerably. Compared to his earlier recordings, it's barely recognizable. From the beginning Eric has focused on guitar oriented blues, and the guitar work, as usual, speaks for itself. Every cut on the CD is a winner. Although both of Eric's previous CD were highly noteworthy, this is unquestionably Eric's most well rounded release, and his best (so far).

  • great :-)
    author: Chris

    saw him live, at the "take a walk" blues festival, (sittard, The Netherlands) even bought the cd "high action" (and eric put his autograph on it :-D) anyway.. :p back to the point. great cd, great sound, and eric's voice is really changed since the festival (much "lower") anyway, i wish you all the luck further eric, dont let the blues die! ;-) greetings, Chris (a very big SRV fan :p )

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