Craig Erickson Project CD Reviews

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CRAIG ERICKSON PROJECT

While the Craig Erickson Project doesn't necessarily fit squarely into the hard rock and heavy metal mold of Rough Edge, "Shine" is gutsy, bluesy, raw rock-blues fusion with enough six-string histrionics for guitar fanatics to get excited about. A touch of rock-blues fusion never hurt anybody; Erickson succeeds in raising this form to new levels of class.

"Shine" is Craig Erickson's fifth solo CD effort in addition to numerous appearances on tributes and instrumental compilations. Erickson's prowess on the guitar cannot be denied. Whether going for the gusto on "Break Free," crunching an AC/DC-like progression on "Familiar," or laying down a sweet melody on "Shine," Erickson plays with soulful emotion. The hard rockin' vamp of "Bus Stop" turns up the heat when it is needed most. The extended jam of "Doomsday Blues" is like a calm breeze over the morning dew. A cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Angel" is a testament to Hendrix's legacy and Erickson's channeling of Hendrix's quiet glory with a modern update.

Erickson handles the vocals with a steady voice on many tracks yet it's the appearances of guest vocalists Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) and Rob Lamonthe (Riverdogs) that give the CD an added, bright dimension. Hughes' soulful tenor on Tommy Bolin cover "Wild Dogs" gives this laid back rocker a professional touch while Lamothe sings on six tracks and has deep yet silky voice that reminds me of a cross of Chris Cornell and Doug Pinnick.

Fans of King's X, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Johnson, and Robin Trower will enjoy Craig Erickson's "Shine."
"Shine" was produced by Craig Erickson and Joe Romagnola.

Craig Erickson Project is Craig Erickson on guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals; and Kerri Collings on drums. Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) sings lead vocals and Johhnie Bolin plays drums on "Wild Dogs." Rob Lamothe (Riverdogs) sings lead vocals on "Familiar," "Desperate," "Remember
Now," "Shine," "Brokedown Love," and "Angel." Cody Collings plays drums on "Familiar" and backing vocals on "Break Free" and "Bus Stop." David Morgan plays drums and Al Robinson plays bass on "Businessman." Lisa Winn sings backing vocals on the title track.

For more information visit http://www.craig-erickson.com or http://www.grooveyard.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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