Occupied, the latest album from Dayton-based soul-blues singer/guitarist Eric Jerardi, teams him up with legendary producer David Z (Prince, Fine Young Cannibals, Johnny Lang, Etta James) and the iconic Muscle Shoals rhythm section to create a musical tour-de-force delivering heartfelt performances with the added soul of the Muscle Shoals horns.
Jerardi’s trademark soulful vocals and bluesy guitar sounds literally drip throughout the new album, showcasing all original songs, with the exception of “Don’t Take It Personally,” written by Jerry Lynn Williams (who wrote “Givin’ It Up for Your Love”) and Jeff Healey. Besides Eric Jerardi on vocals and guitar, the sessions recorded at Nutthouse Recording Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, feature David Hood (bass); Clayton Ivey (electric piano/organ); Milton Sledge (drums); Kelvin Holly (rhythm guitar); Charles Rose (trombone); Steve Herman (trumpet); Doug Moffet (saxophone); and Marie Lewey and Cindy Walker (backing vocals).
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the years, and this record is a reflection of my dedication to my craft,” Eric Jerardi says. “Thanks to my team and everyone at Muscle Shoals for making my best record yet.”
With a solid reputation as an exceptional guitar player, executive producer Allen Farst (Niche) and producer/engineer David Z were instrumental in encouraging Eric as a gifted songwriter – and more importantly – as a vocalist, and the results are undeniable. Occupied has officially put all others on notice that Eric Jerardi has come into his own.
Eric Jerardi began his musical career by winning a battle of the bands contest in 1989 at Ohio University. Two years later, Jerardi won another contest at OU, which secured a spot on MTV as the Midwest’s “Best Unsigned College Band.” Over the years, he has shared stages with Little Feat, Robin Trower, and Jim Belushi at the House of Blues in Chicago and LA; played with Eric Johnson on Cape Cod; jammed with Keith Urban, Wynonna, and Kenny Chesney in Nashville; and headlined B.B. King’s in Memphis, Nashville, LA, and New York City. He has played countless blues festivals, major concerts and a myriad of other shows around the country for more than 25 years.
All of Eric Jerardi’s touring and the excitement generated by his fan base has resulted in numerous sponsorships and endorsements, including Clarendelle Wine, Cantera Negro Tequila, and the just-announced deal that Eric is now an official brand ambassador for Stella Artois beer. Stella Artois is one of the oldest brands in the world, first appearing in 1336!
