It’s not often that one wants to hear a CD a second time the moment one is through listening to it, but such was the case for this listener with *Resonate*.  For one thing, his voice is better than ever, very confident, infused with the best of folk and rock traditions.  Also, he has made the clear transition from Rock Folk to Folk Rock, a subtle difference perhaps, but one that this listener has always thought best suited Himan’s talent and material.  This CD is even more personal than his past efforts – if such a thing is possible.  Which is to say that he exposes parts of his heart and soul that he has thus far not tapped in his recorded music.  Eric, of course, has never made a secret of being gay, and has touched on gay themes before (e.g., “My Decision” about the very real issue of gay date rape, and the poignant, “Love Shouldn’t Have to Hide).  In *Resonate* we hear of both his anger at right-wing homophobia  in “Protester’s Song” with the biting lyric: Are you afraid I’d be the hero that you were searching for / And you’d have to thank my faggot ass for winning you, your fucking war); and of his message of hope for queer youth in “Little Boy Blue:  Greener pastures surround you / A yellow sun and white clouds too / They don’t understand you, they try to command you).  No less moving is “Open the Door”: This is your final shot, show her you are not / Who you have been before / She is crying and trying to love you now / Open the door.  If this listener wasn’t already a little in love with Himan, as one often is of musicians and writers that speak to one’s experience, he would be now.  More importantly, this listener is glad that Eric Himan is making the kind of music we all need to hear.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
I don't know how Himan does it, but this gifted artist has managed to surpass himself with this release. From the angry 'Protest Song' to the bittersweet 'He's Using You,' the cuts run the gamut of emotion and style, all perfectly showcased by that voice, capturing the emotions while maintaining musical perfection. The only thing better than owning this CD is seeing him perform live, which I do whenever he is touring near me. From bluesy ballad to driving rock, the CD captures an artist hitting his prime,  with self-awareness and confidence, a master songwriter and performer. I can't recommend this highly enough.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Eric is an amazing talent and this latest release showcases his singing/song writing abilities masterfully. The only thing better than listening to Resonate is hearing him sing these songs live. I cannot recommend this CD highly enough.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Trying to put into words how certain musical talents can talk directly to your soul would take up too much space. Those of you that understand that thought, well, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Eric's music AND performance not only inspires me but also makes me feel so alive. Sharing that talent with all of us only shows what an incredibly gifted and giving individual Eric represents. NOBODY can beat his genuineness or his ingenuity. Thanks, Eric!!
                            Read more...