Dick Earl’s Electric Witness
Self Released
11 tracks/53 minutes Hailing from Utah, Dick Earl Ericksen and his band, Electric Witness, have made quite a splash in the blues scene, winning the Las Vegas Blues Society's Blues Challenge and earning a spot at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. "Voodoo Kitchen," their latest release, showcases Ericksen's prowess as a fantastic harp player, singer, and songwriter, leading a band that boasts impressive family talent and seasoned musicians. With his son Isaac on upright bass, daughter Mari on drums, and wife
Alice providing vocals and percussion, Electric Witness is indeed a family affair.
The album kicks off with the energetic "Voodoo Kitchen," where Ericksen's harp and guitar skills shine. The driving beat and bluesy licks set the stage for a dynamic musical journey. "Deep Blues Sea" slows things down, delivering a haunting blues with a touch of gospel. Ericksen's emotive vocals convey a sense of solitude, complemented by soulful harmonica melodies.
"No Headlights" offers a beautiful arrangement with vocal harmonies and layered organ sounds. Ericksen's restrained yet passionate singing builds in intensity, with well-executed guitar and harp solos adding depth to the composition. "Devil Don't Own" takes a darker turn, featuring wicked slide guitar and harp. Ericksen's vocals convey a sense of urgency, with haunting echoes from Alice adding to the atmosphere.
"Youth Is Beautiful" introduces soulful vibes with excellent contributions from the keys and horns. Vocal harmonies shine once again, creating a captivating sonic landscape. "Beautiful Girl" is a slow and moving love song showcasing Ericksen's vocal prowess and outstanding harp work. The heartfelt lyrics, coupled with thoughtful guitar solos, make it a standout track.
"Back Of A Mountain" injects a sense of urgency into the mix, with Ericksen delivering lead vocals and howling passionately. The vibrant interplay between harp and guitar adds to the emotional intensity. "Wolf Will Howl" maintains the high standard, featuring interesting harmonies and more exceptional harp work.
"Sinner Or Saint" takes a contemplative turn, delving into penitence and delivering a slow blues experience. The combination of harp, organ backing, and vocal harmonies creates a church-like atmosphere, adding a spiritual dimension to the song. "Time Fades" shifts gears with a captivating narrative, backed by a slow and heavy groove. Ericksen's harp takes center stage, testifying to the listener.
The George Thorogood-esque "Time Fades" tells the story of a no-account friend, showcasing Ericksen's storytelling prowess. The band's energetic performance, complete with skillful guitar and harp solos, makes for an engaging listen. The album concludes with "Home Fires," a country piece where Ericksen delivers a down-home performance on vocals, acoustic guitar, and harp. Sweet harmonies bring the album to a beautifully delivered close.
"Voodoo Kitchen" is a testament to Dick Earl Ericksen's passion for making great music. His faith and dedication shine through in each song, with Electric Witness delivering top-notch performances. The family dynamic adds a special touch to the album, creating a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience. From the energetic blues rock to the soulful ballads, Electric Witness proves their mettle in the blues world. Highly recommended for blues enthusiasts and anyone looking for a heartfelt musical journey.
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