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!