Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1970, then moving to the Los Angeles, California area in 1990, guitarist Eric Sardinas burst forth on the blues scene with the stellar 1999 debut release 'Treat Me Right'. One of the elements differentiating the musician from the rest of the throng of talented players was his choice of instrument. Instead of the regulation Stratocaster or Les Paul he chose a Gibson Dobro®, an axe more commonly used by early blues guitarists such as Tampa Red, Son House and Blind Lemon Jefferson, and on acoustic recordings by such legendary rock players as Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher, both of whom were big inspirations to the young musician growing up. The twist is that, unlike the aforementioned who used the instrument acoustically, this is pure amplified rock power in a blues setting. The results culminate in a unique sound which makes him stand out.
One of the most hard working artists in the business, Sardinas amasses over 300 live shows in the course of any given year, a fact that has given his performances a tightness rarely matched in any genre. While there are times when this mercurial, flamboyant performer stands stock still in a live show, when inspiration strikes he's liable to play slide with a Budweiser bottle, go roam the crowd, or even set his instrument on fire. Incorporate this with the electrifying music being put forth and it makes one of his appearances one of the most exciting to witness, and will leave you craving more.
Now, after a recording hiatus of 5 years, Sardinas is back with a brand new album on Steve Vai's Favored Nations label,'Eric Sardinas & Big Motor', a collection which showcases his prodigious abilities not only as a musician but as a songwriter to full extent. Expanding the sound palette this time around to include flourishes of Hammond organ and gospel styled female background vocals, this is the work of an artist at the peak of his game.
Recently I was fortunate to catch up with Eric in California between dates of his current U.S. tour, where we discussed the new album, his influences, what his philosophy regarding making music is, and much, much more. Read on as we have an exclusive conversation with one of the hottest slide blues players of the present day, Mr. Eric Sardinas....
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1 comment:
I saw these guys a couple of years "Back to Back" at the Eureka Springs Blues Fest. in Arkansas and once in OKLA. At the time, I told my friends that this guy "Wasn't long for this World"....Unbelievable, I think they may not have been asked back... They're out there "Livin' It" ! ! For a three piece Power Band they are "smokin' tight".... It all breaks loose when the "wirey" Mexican bass player jumps up on his "Stand-up" and "Wales"..... One word "FUN"
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