Thursday, July 13, 2006

The Stories of Eric Andersen - Live in Paris, July 12


Never one to stray far from his preferred choice of music, Hervé Oudet and acousticinparis.com brought veteran folk musician Eric Andersen to town for a solo concert. Accompanying himself on steel string guitar and piano, Eric showed us a true master version of what the classic American "folk singer" is.
Looking in fine form for all of his 63 years, the Eric Andersen of today is probably not much different sounding than the one that started his recording career back in 1964. His subjects would be what you would expect: quiet tales of empty highways, lost (and found) romance, little political commentary and the musings of an artist whose life has been spent in observation and travel. His is a fine voice, like a nicely aged whiskey, which he uses with effect and consummate skill. The music never challenges but is quiet, gentle and honest.
A nice concert was made even more pleasant by the accompaniment of Inge Bakkenes on vocal harmony.
At the end of the concert he played a very nice version of Tom Paxton's song Last Thing On My Mind and prefaced the song by saying something like "a lot of these old folk songs are as good as anything being written today". (To be honest I think this was partly meant to highlight a CD of his he was selling at the show, which featured just such covers of classic folk songs). In another word: relevant. True perhaps BUT the folk music of yesteryear does not speak for the youth of today. THAT music is being written today! Great music will usually survive the test of time but certainly one important aspect what makes music great - whether it survives or not - is its relevance to the people and times in which it was written.
Still, and with respect, one must tip a hat to him for his dedication and mastery. Eric Andersen, a true hero to all of the 45+ year olds that make up his audience.
Bookerfatz2
Forthcoming shows in La Pomme d’Eve are:
- Allan Taylor – Sunday, July 16
- Kris Delmhorst – Thursday, October 12
- Michael Weston King & Terry Clarke – Tuesday, October 24

More info on
acousticinparis.com

Photo : P. Artero

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Was just doing a search for blogs about Eric Andersen and came across yours. Thanks! Eric will be performing this coming Friday night at the me & thee in Marblehead. I can't wait!

4:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Was just doing a search for blogs about Eric Andersen and came across yours. Thanks! Eric will be performing this coming Friday night at the me & thee in Marblehead. I can't wait!

4:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wish not approve on it. I regard as nice post. Specially the title attracted me to read the intact story.

12:31 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home

javascript hit counter