2024 – Dick Earl Erickson
By Phillip Smith; Dec. 7, 2024
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
I find a genuine affinity to
the intoxicating sounds of Get Up Off the Ground, the second release
from Utah-based blues-rockers Dick Earl’s Electric Witness. Taking third
place at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, this
family-centric band certainly grabbed my attention with their masterfully crafted
songs, smooth vocals, searing harmonica licks, and tight rhythm section. With Dick
Earl Ericksen at the helm on guitar, banjo, harmonica, jaw harp, and vocals,
he is joined by his son Isaac Ericksen (co-producer/bass guitar), his
wife Alice Ericksen (co-producer/backing vocalist), Mari Ericksen
(drums/percussion/backing vocals), Zoe Ericksen (backing vocals) Thomas
Anderson (guitars/kalimba/charango/backing vocals), and Matt Green (organ/keys).
The album opens with title track “Get Up Off The Ground” which emits a very cool spaghetti-western/down-at-the-crossroads vibe. Topped with deliciously twangy guitar and a fiery harp performance, this is an absolute treat. Following up right behind is an ode to hitting the open road “Black Lines and White Crosses”. This call-back to the trucker songs of the Seventies has an infectious hook and strikes me with an instant familiarity. The Electric Witness serves up a big fluffy platter of funky blues with “Eggs”. I love the jam-band friendly approach they take with this track. It reminds me of one of my all-time favorite bands Phish. A thick groove, a pounding beat and thick bass guitar opens up the Latin-infused “Vinyard” for Dick to deliver a bone-crushing dose of scorching harp. This one is a downright amazing pozole of sound. Dick delicately balances his troubadour vocals and extraordinary harmonica prowess on “On Her Heart”. It’s a wonderful track.
Get Up Off the Ground hits like a classic Steve Miller Band record, as blues, rock, western, and Latin sounds merge together for big sound. Dick Earl’s Electric Witness has sure won me over with this record.
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For more information about Dick Earl’s Electric Witness, visit the website
@ https://dickearlselectricwitness.com/
Find Dick Earl’s Electric Witness on
Bandcamp too.
