Album Notes

I received your CD's and took the time to listen to them. I put all of the songs on Rocket 88. I wasn't sure what to expect but for some reason I had it in my mind that this is some "bar band" that played
songs like "Wang Dang Doodle" and other standard blues songs. Boy was I suprised! We all have ideas as to what the blues is all about. Traditional, electric rock and so on. I can't classify your style of blues as I feel it is unique. Your songwriting abilities are amazing to say the least and your delivery is fresh and compares to no other. If the big recording companies haven't signed you by now, then they need to open their ears and get this music in the hands of blues lovers around this globe. My comments are more about enjoying your music as an artist. It was like finding that "rare blues pearl" in a sea of sound alike blues songs. Reviews might say "vocals similar to John Mayall or songwriting similar to John Campbell", but the truth of the matter is you are Erick Hovey, and NO ONE can write and sing songs like YOU!
I found that I am repeatedly playing your CD's and look forward for them to come up in our playlist. Erick, my only advice is to keep on doing what you are doing as hard work will pay off. Thank you for this music as this is the injection the blues needs.

P.S. Just so you know that this is not a false pat on the back I did have a negative thought when I skimmed throught the first CD. I heard a fair ammount of wah-wah that I felt might have been over done. But when I actually listened I can't recall ever hearing another guitarist master that sound with such grace and command. Absolutely a grasp on what the blues is all about. Thanks again Erick!

Tom @ Rocket 88 FM 7-09


Erick Hovey is not your typical farmer, nor is he your typical blues guitar player, yet if you met him on the street you would think you are meeting Joe Average. However, the 5th generation gentleman farmer from Badger is one of Iowa's best guitar slingers in the state. As typical with Erick, he doesn't do things like the rest of us. Instead of releasing one CD, he puts out two. Recycled Souls, and Blues Farm, are two great discs of blues, jazz, and blues rock. Both these discs are similar. You really can't put Erick into a box. In one track he sounds like Eric Clapton, then the next song he is David Gilmore, or chunking along like a train in a jump blues style. Hovey's guitar just soars through out this disk. It isn't that over the top, wish I was Stevie Ray Vaughn style of guitar, but the playing of a guy who knows what he is doing and making great music.
Furthermore, his writing style is incredibly eclectic.
Erick kind of takes words from out of the ether, and sometimes an almost zen like quality of word play. Then at other times it is just down and dirty blues.
Throughout the disk Erick is supported by Dan Lodden on bass, Jeff Forman on drums, and the breathy ethereal vocals of Heather Kelly of H &K. A few friends drop by to help Erick out, Andy Schinder plays bass on Sweet Fire Rain, from Recycled Souls, while harp maestro Andy Blumenthal blows on harp on Blues Farm. Then there is also some piano player I have never heard of named Tom Gary, that sort of plays piano and organ on a few tunes:-)

This is a great CD to pick up. I can't recommend one over the other, just buy BOTH!! CD Baby has both discs.
Tom Gary, Blues Historian


J.J.Cale meets Tony Joe White - Terry Iredale/Tecka's Tracks


Erick Hovey is a songwriter, guitarist, singer, and fifth-generation farmer from Fort Dodge, Iowa. His albums What You Blue About and Prairie Dance Music have received critical acclaim for his unique, honest voice, cool rocking blues, and introspective grooves.

His new releases for 2009 are Recycled Souls and Blues Farm.

What You Blue About? was a Catfish Choice of Blue's Access magazine. According to Delta Snake Daily Blues, "Erick Hovey is a hidden blues gem in the farmland of the Midwest." La Hora Del Blues of Barcelona, Spain, writes that Erick "skillfully mixes and develops his own blues style." And Omaha’s Reader says his music has “genuine heart and engaging personality.”

Erick learned the blues scale when he was ten years old and began performing in local taverns when he was fourteen. He still enjoys playing in small-town bars but has performed in venues and festivals throughout the Midwest.