2024 – Craig Erickson
Release Date : Aug. 9, 2024
By Phillip Smith; Aug. 3, 2024
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
I am always excited to hear
new music from world-class guitarist Craig Erickson. His songs are charged
with positivity and defined by no boundaries. When asked about the inspiration
for this record, Erickson stated “Music sometimes can be the soundtrack
of dreams....and sometimes hearing music inspires dreams. Having written many
instrumentals through the years, I've always wanted to share more of those
concepts and melodies with listeners. Like many fans of 70s music, I was
exposed to fusion, jazz rock pioneers like Jeff Beck, Tommy Bolin,
John McLaughlin, Weather Report, Chick Corea and funky
crossover artists like Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour and many more.”
With his brand-new release Dream Tracks, Erickson takes the listener on a VIP tour down a wondrous ten-track path of jazz-laden, prog-rock instrumental originals. Produced, arranged, recorded, and mixed by Gerard Estella, Dream Tracks teams Erickson up with Estella on keyboards, Jim Coates on additional guitars, Lincoln Ginsberg on bass guitar, and Dave Nanke on drums/percussion.
The journey begins with “Northern Drive”, a song textured with a musicscape which ignites the sense of excitement and curiosity associated with setting off for adventure. “Night Ride” rightfully follows next. It surfs a pulsing funky wave as Erickson creates an air of mystery around each corner. Things get even funkier on the Tommy Bolin/Jeff Beck-inspired “Heart Strut” as Nanke’s ferocious beat and Ginsberg’ s thunderous bass set the stage for a soaring jam with. I absolutely love this track. “Dancing River” is as beautiful and elegant as the song-title implies. Inspired by a long-ago family vacation to Loveland, Colorado “Loveland” reflects Erickon’s memories of fishing and camping out under the stars with infectious riffs, and waves of tranquility. It is indeed a gorgeous song. As if channeled from the ethers, “Tomorrow’s Promise” is a warm and peaceful track with a guitar performance which seems to ascend skyward. Erickson describes it as “Another dreamy wonder song about remembering the past loved ones and the hope of meeting again in a future infinite heavenly place.”. It’s an amazing listen. Dream Tracks concludes its musical journey with “Above the Clouds”. I can’t help but think a little bit of the music genius of Ennio Morricone as my mind opens up to this cosmic, symphonic selection.
Craig Erickson’s Dream Tracks has a brilliant way of locking the listener in for a gob smacking, musically-intoxicating listening experience. It garners my highest of recommendations.
For more information about Craig
Erickson, visit the website at https://www.craigericksonsskytrain.com/
For more PhillyCheeze reviews
featuring Craig Erickson, visit https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=Craig+Erickson
