I just got back from seeing Eric at the House of Blues in Dallas, and at Stubbs in Austin. The rooms at both venues were rather small, so the shows had a great intimate feel to them, and despite both shows being sold out, there was still plenty of elbow room. They did not oversell the spaces.
Eric’s band has expanded from a trio to a quartet and the difference is amazing. First, Steven Robinson sets the pace on drums and does some backup singing. Next is Andrew Perusi on Bass and backup vocals. He is always smiling and even did a little Temptations like dance number with Eric. And finally, the addition that makes the most difference from the trio, Elliott Blaufuss on guitar/keyboards/backup vocals. When Eric is on keyboards, Elliott can take over guitar duties. When Eric is on guitar, Elliott can move to keyboard. He “fills out” the sound of the band. The energy these four musicians bring to the stage is incredible.
Eric started off with “Best Days” from the new album Moving Up Living Down. Then he blasted into a funked-up “You Don’t Have To Believe Me” off of his freshman (not really) album Sounds Like This. With the audience now rocking, he blazed through 2 hour of music, pulling from both albums, and surprising everyone with “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” from the Beatles, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” from Queen, and an “improv” song each night. His voice has never sounded better and the new addition of backup harmonies from Steven, Andrew and Elliott bring a new dimension to the live show.
Eric is a truly gifted vocalist and keyboardist, and his guitar work is uncanny (does everyone realize how hard some of those songs are to play?) If the enthusiasm of the band didn’t win over everyone in the audience, then Eric’s quick wit and sly banter surely did.
Stay tuned for more pics, more videos, and an interview with Eric.
Hutchead - Eric Hutchinson Fansite 