Biography
Eric Jerardi, of the Eric Jerardi Band, is considered a true blues rocker.
It’s his relentless commitment to touring that has resonated so deeply with audiences. His live shows are legendary all across markets in the United States. From bloody fingers to late night tequila and beer- Jerardi’s audiences are known to be the biggest drinkers, and clubs love it. This commitment has picked up sponsorships with Budweiser, Fender, and SITS strings.
Jerardi has released 6 CD’s since 1997 and has worked with some of the industry’s best producers and notable musicians. From working with producer David Z to recording with Chuck Leavell , Jerardi is having the time of his life. This new CD titled “Live at Waukesha Blues Festival” was recorded August 8th, 2009 and really represents how polished Jerardi has become as an entertainer. The tightness of the band is amazing which can only be achieved through years of performances lead by veteran bass player Jon Arnold and drummer Joe Prescott – at the time of the recording was just out of retirement.
“All those years of honing my craft have brought me to this comfortable place in my life and my music…” states Jerardi. “I’m not as serious as I used to be. I’m writing more fun or witty songs, as well as my usual heartbreakers, and I like it. My playing, singing and writing have never been better, and my most recent live CD will showcase that.”
Jerardi began his musical career with 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 the stage with Little Feat, Robin Trower, and Jim Belushi at the House of Blues, Chicago and LA; played with Eric Johnson on Cape Cod; jammed with Keith Urban, Wynonna, and Kenny Chesney in Nashville; and headlined B.B. Kings in Memphis, Nashville, LA, and Manhattan. He has played in countless blues festivals, major concerts, and a myriad of other shows around the country for the last 20 years
Jerardi’s debut CD was released in 1995. The album highlights Jerardi’s use of riffs and melodic leads which have become his signature style. His first live release followed, exposing audiences to the intensity of Jerardi in concert. In 1998, Jerardi recorded Had Enough, a collection of blues rock compositions that are provocative and partially autobiographical. The song “Fate” considers the battle between fate and free will. “Tortured Soul,” “Tomorrow,” and “Pain” laud Jerardi’s only brother, who succumbed to cancer that same year.
Jerardi released another live album in 2001, and followed it with Virtual Virtue the following year. This release featured Chuck Leavell, the keyboardist and pianist for such renowned acts as the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and the Black Crowes. Leavell’s melodic arrangements amplified Jerardi’s powerful sound. In 2007, Jerardi released Restless, which is considered one of his boldest statements to date. "Sonically, it's nothing like Virtual Virtue," Jerardi says. "Virtual Virtue is much more polished. I spent less time analyzing everything on Restless because I wanted it to be more natural."
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