ERIC STECKEL BAND: High Action

Eric Steckel Band

High Action

© 2004 ESB145 (829757770628)

CD permanently out of stock. Sorry!

With a feeling and natural ability that can't be explained for someone so young, Eric delivers a powerful Blues Guitar performance with an intensity and skill that never fails to amaze. OUT OF STOCK - PLEASE LOOK FOR ERIC STECKEL "EARLY PICKIN"

tracks

1 Funky C Funky Do
2 Slow Train
3 Espirita
4 Hey Sister
5 Char-Broiled
6 Some People Tell Me
7 Blues is a Feelin'
8 Oh Yeah
9 Born Under a Bad Sign
10 Further On Up The Road
11 Lucille
12 Never Run From The Rain

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 Freddy-BB-Albert King influenced performance with an intensity and skill that belies his youth. With a style at times reminiscent 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 CDBaby Top Seller in the Blues genre and the record continues to delight Blues Guitar fans everywhere as it receives positive critical feedback and enthusiastic international attention.

The "ESB" has thrilled and amazed live audiences with their powerful brand of guitar oriented Blues as Eric's spirited and soulful guitar work is complimented by the solid backing of a professional and cohesive band. While remaining deeply rooted in the Blues, a live ESB set often recalls the sound of the 60s and 70s Blues Rock era.

The ESB developed a strong following as they played several multi-act festivals and many regular club gigs including opening sets for Marcia Ball, Tommy Castro, Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Winter and B.B. King.

In November of 2003 the ESB appeared at the Sarasota Blues Festival where Eric delighted the crowd with his powerful set and cameo appearances to become the talk of the day. Although Eric would later earn a return invitation by popular demand in 2004, it was the 2003 festival where Eric was introduced by John Mayall as the youngest person ever on stage with the Bluesbreakers.

Eric left a lasting impression on Mayall and 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. In early 2005 Eric traveled to Los Angeles where he joined Mayall for session work on the Bluesbreaker's record titled "Road Dogs".

And so it continues.....the Blues is a feeling.

"High Action" was recorded during the winter of 2003-2004 and first released in April 2004. During the Summer of 2005 the ESB traveled to Holland and Belguim for a 10 concert tour in support of a European release of "High Action". By popular demand, Eric and the ESB were invited to return in 2006 and 2007.

Eric now resides in Jacksonville, Florida and the ESB continues to forge ahead by performing at selected clubs and festivals.

Although the ESB went on to release a new record titled "Havana" in 2006 (also available through CD Baby) "High Action" represents an important point in the development of the band and is a must for all ESB fans!

reviews

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  • This is some serious guitar work
    author: Bill H

    Eric shows some real maturity in this CD. All I can say is WOW. You really have to hear it to believe it. WOW

  • the next great one!
    author: bob

    Just saw eric Steckel in November, and although the cd's are amazing, you have to see him live . He will be as big as Hendrix or Stevie, i've seen a lot of guitarists and this 15 year old kid is better than 90% of the players out there and he's just starting out. An amazing snapshot of an amazingly gifted person, if you don't buy this cd, you don't know what your missing!

  • Amazing - Char-Broiled brought tears to my eyes - wonderful.
    author: Bill H

    This kid is absolutely amazing. I have loved the blues for a long time, but this is really something.

  • What Planet is this Kid From ???
    author: Brent L

    Earthling kids certainly dont learn to play like this at such an early age. He may be a prodigy....or an alien...I havent decided yet for sure. Either way, this guy makes that strat wail the blues like nothing I've ever heard before. Watch out Clapton, theres another Eric out there lookin to take your job. heh heh

  • Fantastic CD !!!!
    author: Francis

    What a fantastic guitarist,and so young!A great blues guitarist!

  • author: Craig

    Eric just keeps getting better. All my friends are buying his 3 CD'S. We're nuts about this young man in Wisconsin.

  • Great CD! Go Eric!
    author: Ricky

    Great CD! Buy this one, you will not be disappointed!

  • author: Carlos

    Mis dioses se fueron, JH y SRV. Siempre pensé que dejarian algo aquí y un día escuchando ElectricBlues Radio en Live365.com creí volver a oirlos.... pero no era SRV and Double Trouble, era ESB en Double or Nothing... Si ya me conmocionó "A few degrees warmer" con Wayne Smith y Bethany Guerrero (buenas versiones de clásicos de toda la vida en directo), en "Double or Nothing" ya con Nick Franclick y por supuesto Wayne Smith me hizo caer de rodillas y hoy en High Action después de escuchar Char-Broiled estoy KO. Gran balada Never run from the rain. Tal vez, Espirita un poco mas lento...Gracias Eric. Gracias Wayne. Gracias Nick. Muchas gracias por vuestro Arte, por vuestro saber hacer... Good job Eric....You just broke one of their rules... You just wanna play your guitar.....Go ahead your heart always will fly free and you will never run from the rain.... You know.... blues is a feeling.... and you got it.... Desde Madrid, España...Cheers folks Larga vida y Salud para ESB

  • author: Carlos

    Mis dioses se fueron, JH y SRV. Siempre pensé que dejarian algo aquí y un día escuchando ElectricBlues Radio en Live365.com creí volver a oirlos.... pero no era SRV and Double Trouble, era ESB en Double or Nothing... Si ya me conmocionó "A few degrees warmer" con Wayne Smith y Bethany Guerrero (buenas versiones de clásicos de toda la vida en directo), en "Double or Nothing" ya con Nick Franclick y por supuesto Wayne Smith me hizo caer de rodillas y hoy en High Action después de escuchar Char-Broiled estoy KO. Gran balada Never run from the rain. Tal vez, Espirita un poco mas lento...Gracias Eric. Gracias Wayne. Gracias Nick. Muchas gracias por vuestro Arte, por vuestro saber hacer... Good job Eric....You just broke one of their rules... You just wanna play your guitar.....Go ahead your heart always will fly free and you will never run from the rain.... You know.... blues is a feeling.... and you got it.... Desde Madrid, España...Cheers folks Larga vida y Salud para ESB

  • i wasn't a bluesman.....
    author: mauricio rodriguez

    well i don't listen blues normally......but from now on i will. i believe this little man is going to give us a lot of good music for a long time......

  • author: Jesús Guerrero

    Hola, soy de España, este chaval toca como el mismisimo Dios, esta claro que va a ser el sucesor de Eric Clapton. Venga, un saludo.

  • Stunning!
    author: Diamond-angel

    I've been listening to the blues a long time, and own every version of BBKing and SRV there is. I am impressed. I've turned your web link and cd's over to a radio personality here in D.C. I will be watching the local schedule to see you live - go for it - you've got it.

  • This Kid know his Tunes
    author: Hotdog18

    Buy this Cd, This little dude really knows how to rock his music..

  • unreal, entertaining, exciting, great, fantastic.... AWESOME!!!
    author: Donna Wood

    When I first bought the CD I figured it would be...OK, What a shock! It was wonderful! Eric is so talented, a true prodigy. His parents must be really proud! I am and he's not even related to me. Great job guys, keep it a coming!

  • author: blues-rocker

    I was in absolute shock the first time i had the opportunity to listen to this amazing kid.He plays with a confidence,intensity and maturity that do not correspond with a child of his age at all.His blues-rocker style reminds me of someone from whom i had very happy memories:the great and sadly missed stevie ray vaughan.I´m sure that all being well this boy will earn himself a well-deserved place in the pantheon of the best masters in the blues-rock genre.For the moment He´s become a fantastic guitarist and all the rage in the world of the blues. He has got only one tiny flaw:his voice is as nobody could have obviously expected diffrently the voice of someone who has to evolve over the next ten years.In spite of that i like it too.Congratulations and keep it up eric!!!You have earned a solid fan in me for a long time.

  • Awesome Baby!
    author: Steve Gerrard

    If Dick Vitale were a blues fan, he would definitely be screamin' AWESOME BABY! No wonder Erick Steckel is such a sensation; his guitar comes alive in every song. A legend in the making!

  • SMOKIN'
    author: Bryan

    Simply amazing. What incredible talent for such a youngster. As others have mentioned, his voice is a bit young sounding, but he IS young, so what do you expect? He'll get there. I think he'll be a great singer as well once his voice matures a bit. I'm happy that he's the lead singer though, because he'll only get better after starting at such a young age. Rather listen to him singing now than have another KWS episode (NOT enjoying his newest album!). But anyways, enough can't be said for this kids guitar playing. Makes the hairs on my body stand up. I purchased both of his CD's and am ROCKIN! Can't wait for more releases. Keep it up Eric, its refreshing to see another fine rockin blues player out there.

  • Splendid!!
    author: yuchamproo

    I've seen his intervier on REUTERS and instantly decided to get his CD. His guiter is really kickin'!! I love that. Anyone considering to buy his CD, don't think, just listen. You'll never regret that.

  • fantastico!!!!!
    author: nicolas (huelva-spain)

    esto no es una promesa, es una realidad de 12 años.sangre nueva para el mejor blues.

  • good quick delivery
    author: jan horjus

    good quick delivery

  • the next stevie is born go on eric
    author: pop-brood @wanadoo.nl

    the next stevie is born and i hope you go on with it eric keep the blues alive

  • SRV LIVES- This kid is perfection. Come to the Northwest son and blow us away.
    author: Sue

    Fantastic CD, the music is so raw and real. The CD is a 10 on my chart.

  • outstanding
    author: neil

    outstanding outstanding outstanding what else can i say

  • very talented young man
    author: hooper

    great cd

  • GRRRREAT!
    author: gary

    you have to hear it to believe it.

  • unreal !!!
    author: bill wisslead

    unreal!!! i'm just blown away at the tone & quality of his musicianship. i don't know what srv sounded like at 11 or so(everybody's measuring stick these days), but i don't know how he could be better. i hope the kid stays true to the blues,we need somebody to inspire the the young crowd to play real music that touches your soul.

  • Accolades to ESB
    author: Chuck

    I've seen Eric in concert twice and he is truly a great guitar player who plays with a lot of passion and technical ability. Check out his CD's or go to see him live. You will believe.

  • author: Erica Connery

    I've seen Eric live at Cafe Classics, now Maggie's Place in Doylestown, PA and let me just say that he is even more dynamic live.

  • What A Talent !
    author: Kees

    I love this CD and his first CD. What a talent! Hope to hear more from him in the near future.

  • Awesome
    author: Michael Lemieux

    I invision this is how good Stevie Ray Vaughan must have been when he was 13. I'm not comparing his sound to Stevie, just his talent. I just hope you stick with it, because if you do, you'll be the next king of rock and roll.

  • Truly gifted!
    author: Jude

    Eric is 14 years old - Stevie Ray died 14 years ago - coincidence? I think not.

  • Hard to believe
    author: Bill E

    When I saw Eric live I had to keep looking to make sure it was him playing! I had to tell him that having seen SRV in person the sounds and the feelings evoked were the same! This is the CD to buy if you like blues guitar at all and if you would like to be a part of future history.

  • Great CD - I suggest you buy it
    author: Rick B

    We saw Eric at the Sarasota Blues Fest this year and he stold the show. He has a ton of talent. I suggest you buy his CD and even better...see him in person. Thanks

  • Eric is the Real Deal!
    author: Jason

    I just heard about Eric from a friend a short while ago, he is definatly has a bright future ahead of him. It's amazing the young blues talent we are seeing this days. Speaking of young blues talent, if you like ES you should also check out Jimmy Bowskill from Canada! He also had his first album out at age 11 and his second cd just came out a few months ago and he's 14 now as well. How ironic is that! Jimmy style is different then ES but you owe it to yourself to check him out at http://www.jimmybowskill.com . A live onstage Jam with these two 14 year olds would be a site to see I'm sure!

  • Amazing
    author: SRV fan

    It's hard for me to believe that the amazing guitar work I hear is coming from this little kid. I heard Stevie was playing better than most at 14. It was always hard to believe. Not anymore. I can't help shake the feeling that Stevie's soul wondered into this little boys body somehow. Absolutely astounding. He's the best guitarist I've heard since Stevie and he's only 14.

  • he plays the blues so well.iam freakin on his sound.wow
    author: deadhead

    great a real treat to the ears

  • young stevie ray or clapton
    author: Bud from fl.

    great talent,i really enjoyed the cd.we could be listening to a young stevie ray or eric clapton.i'm looking forward to more cd's as he matures.

  • Another ESB great!
    author: Darren Jacksch

    This ESB’s fourth album and it is truly inspiring. Although this does not have the same energy as ESB’s ‘A Few Degrees Warmer’, this is a cleaner, more refined work that can only be produced in a studio. ESB's venue is best live. He plays to the audience well. ‘High Action’ gives a glimpse of his live work with one track but the rest is still outstanding. There are eight Steckel originals here with four he collaborated on. This Album will give you fresh new Blues ESB style. ‘High Action’ is ‘High Energy’ and Highly worthwhile!

  • Great great guitar player
    author: Bent Gregers (Denmark)

    I've now been listening to this cd several times,and the same results comes out everytime.Fantastic, great, amazing (is this boy from another planet).Hard to belive a boy on 13 years plays guitar that way,continue that way Eric and there will come a lot of great stuff from you in the future.

  • Awesome
    author: Tom from PA

    You can hear how much he's grown as an artist from his 1st cd to this one in just a few short years.See him live if you can!!

  • Stunning and original
    author: Alex

    Simply put, this album made me a blues fan. The guitar riffs are stunning and original. Each song is full of feeling and can be listened to over and over. Amazing!

  • So young and brilliant: come to Holland.
    author: Ed Lasker

    I wait for the new production of the first cd

  • Stunned
    author: Jim

    How can a 11 year old develope the hand and finger speed with percision timing,Stevie Ray Vaughn did not die look into this little guy's eyes I bet you see him the spirit of Stevie is in there.

  • Stevie Ray Vaughan lives!!!
    author: clive @oxygene fm (Pamiers France)

    Have played this on my show and the response has been terrific! If anything his voice will no doubt imrove with age,but musically blew me away,is he coming to France???!!!

  • 30 year old talent in a 13 year old body
    author: Sarge

    I did'nt think he could do better than his first cd. WRONG. More kickass blues from the future of rockin blues.

  • Very good work!
    author: fran (spain)
  • Chillin'
    author: ianchorley

    Hey grab yourself a can or better a six-pack and chill to those incredible blues sounds of this young performer with a great guitar and a big voice...

  • Truly a talented artist today and for years to come.
    author: Kevin

    Eric and his band have put together an excellent blues CD. This group has some outstanding talent. I look forward to hearing them perform live.

  • So young,... so many styles!
    author: Gary Kness

    It's hard to believe that someone as young as this kid is could be able to totally ace the style(s) of so many accomplished artists. Being more of an instrumental lover, I prefer his amazing guitar artistry to his singing (somehow, Little Richard's lyrics don't seem appropriate for a little kid to be conveying),... he absolutely NAILS some very complicated guitar licks. If there's a child prodigy in the Blues world, he's got to be IT!

  • WOOOWWW ! ! !
    author: Matthias (Germany)

    I would not have believed that Eric knows its first CD still toppen. succeeded him.

  • Superb work, Eric and band
    author: Sheila

    Eric shows beautiful finesse & fluency in the guitar work of each song on this CD. The diversity of songs showcases Eric's ability to master a variety of styles - funky, soulful, rock n roll, jazz, - even a passionate ballad. Eric's voice has matured with a natural assuredness and nuances of sweet inflection. Wayne (drums, organ) and Nick (bass) did an excellent job backing this talented guitarist. Eric's guitar tone is very pleasing and the mix sounds just right. All the best to you in Jacksonville, Eric!

  • Awesome!
    author: Music Fan

    This CD is simply great. My favorites are "Never Run From the Rain," "Oh Yeah," and "Lucille." I don't really like the organ in the background sometimes. It makes me think of cheap video game music, but thats just me. :) Buy it and you'll never have to changes CDs (except when you listen to his other CD A Few Degrees Warmer)!!!!!

  • The ESB has a Winner with this set of excellent guitar blues.
    author: Herm - ElectricBlues.com

    Eric is maturing and it shows. His voice is still young, but stronger and more convincing. Eric plays guitar with fire and spirit, and his already amazing talent continues to grow as well. Forget that old cliche "he's good for his age"... Eric's guitar work is excellent, period! The band sounds more seasoned, and 'High Action' features a great mix of covers and high quality originals. If you like firey, guitar oriented blues, you won't be disappointed with this one.

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