It's a busy weekend for me - some work to do. So I might just have a bit of quick posts, just because I find it impossible to stay away from the keyboard. I woke up thinking I needed to rock today, and put on Eric & the Adams. I was in the mood for the driving sound of Keeper of the Secret, and I never tire of listening to Eric, Jimmy and Angel.
You can purchase the EP at iTunes here or on Amazon Digital Downloads here. You can download at either palce for less than $5, so be brave, and just buy it already! You can also check out their official website here.
I recently asked 5 questions to some of my favorite performers featured on this blog, wanting to add a little something to the holiday season. I wanted to learn a bit more about the artists, and their thoughts on music. The first answers I had were from Jimmy Adams, followed quickly by Eric Himan and Angel Adams. It made for a no brainer, and Eric & the Adams are the first of the featured artists in this series.
Eric & the Adams is a rock band based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Angel Adams, her brother Jimmy Adams, and good friend Eric Himan all reside. Just about a year ago, they released their debut EP, a 5-song collection that is still in my listening rotation. Their latest video from that EP is for Keeper of the Secret.
The first thing I wanted to know was when they listen to holiday music, what is your favorite? "I freaking LOVE holiday music," Angel exclaimed. "My favs are the song from Charlie Brown - Christmas Time Is Here and I LOVE Carol of the Bells." Jimmy, on the other hand, was less enthusiastic. "Ha! I really don't listen to a lot of holiday music," he answered. "I did however wake up this morning singing Last Christmas by Wham. I think that's like the only "Christmas" song I can listen to and not cringe but I'm sure that's soon to change..." Eric had a slightly different perspective. "Jingle Bell Rock reminds me of the season," replied Eric. "There should be more Hanukkah songs (not the biggest fan of Adam Sandler but his Hanukkah Song does make young Jewish kids feel better knowing there are lots of Jewish people who they know that are famous).
Carol of the Bells
Next I wondered if any of them had a favorite holiday song to perform. "I'll perform any of them...except for that cheesy "Feed the World" song that sings something about "Do They Know It's Christmas time at all..." explained Angel. "I started playing Jingle Bell Rock," said Eric, "because it is easy on the piano (and I am still learning)." Jimmy's answer surprised me. "I haven't actually performed any Christmas songs," he said. "We (EATA) haven't really had any gigs close enough to Christmas that forced us to learn any. I'm really not sure which song I would pick if I had to. I could see us rocking out to Last Christmas [LOL] with some serious screaming guitars and driving drums. That would be something to hear. haha!"
Last Christmas
It seems everyone has their own hopes for the New Year. "Health," Angel answered decisively. "The Girl and I have been thinking about expanding our family so we'll probably be going full force in that this coming year." Eric also had loved ones in mind. "My hopes is to find balance in the different areas of my life (career, relationship, etc)." Jimmy's thoughts were more on the professional side. "I'd really like to expand musically," he reflected. "I've been listening to some different music; to the bass lines and chord arrangements trying to find a more jazzy side to bass playing. Also I've been interested in operating my own business. I started a couple of years ago with a landscaping business but recently had an idea of doing sound for local events. The overhead isn't too bad and it's something I'd really enjoy, and there are countless people to meet with a gig like that."
I also wanted to know what is their favorite song/music from 2010. I think Jimmy gets an award for most eclectic taste. "Wow. I didn't think this would be tough until I really started giving it some thought," he replied. "Everyone knows I'm crazy about Gaga. But after going to her concert I was a little less impressed. Ke$ha had a lot of fun songs on her album that we made good use of. Nobody gets tired of the synth sounds and party vibe that her songs put out. But what I've really enjoyed listening to is The Dirty Heads. They had me hooked with their first single, Lay Me Down, and I bought their album immediately with no disappointments. Which leads me to the reforming of the band Sublime, now called Sublime with Rome. I'm always glad to see a band able to get together and play music after the passing of one of their band members, whether it's as good as the original or not. At least they're still playing." His sister was a bit more concise. "OMG!" answered an excited Angel. "I discovered so much music this year. Florence and the Machines...love them. There's so much music out there. I can't narrow it down." Eric, who took time to answer my questions while he was working on his next solo project, was also quite specific. "My favorite song from 2010," said Eric, "is Try by my friend and fellow singer/songwriter, Namoli Brennet (off her CD, Black Crow!)"
Jingle Bell Rock
And, finally, I wanted to know what they were looking forward to musically in 2011. "I'd like to see Eric and the Adams write a full album and maybe record an EP and tour like crazy," said Jimmy, smiling. "There's nothing I like more than seeing new places and playing music. This year took us up and around Pittsburgh and Penn State but I'd really like to go farther East, and the West Coast has been calling my name for quite sometime. I've been to L.A. once in my life but not for music. I'd really like to see us tour both coasts." Angel agreed, adding "I would LOVE for us to tour more. I would also LOVE to have a full-length album written. It would be incredible to think that we were touring with a national act. I think I would most love to know that we were able to put ourselves out there with our music...writing new stuff and people liking it." Eric's thoughts were on the music he was working on then. "I am looking forward to releasing the new material I am now recording in Tucson, Arizona. These songs seem to bring up a lot of things I have left out from my past songs and dig into the dark of me."
To learn more about Eric & the Adams, be sure to checkout their official website here. You can find their schedule there, and can purchase the EP.
Top: Eric Himan; bottom: Eric & the Adams (Jimmy & Angel Adams)
"There are so many individuals who taught me to be myself, and that being gay was OK." Those are just a few of the words found on this video by singer/songwriter and rocker Eric Himan before he turns it over to many friends, all taking part in writer Dan Savage's challenge to let LGBT Youth know "It gets better." Eric and bandmates Jimmy and Angel Adams are staples of this blog, cause I am crazy for their music. I am even crazier for their message in this video.
For more about Eric Himan, check out his official website here and for more about Eric & the Adams, check here. If you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, and the pain inflicted on those youth by people with small minds.
Since I just posted the latest video from Eric & the Adams, thought now might be a good time to run a tour schedule for the hot and dare I say sexy band. It is mainly stops in Oklahoma, but it also includes the dates for their cruise, which leaves out of Los Angeles at the end of January. For more about that, check out their official website here.
And while I am at it, here are some of the upcoming dates for Eric Himan. I haven't seen the band play live, but I have certainly seen Eric play every chance I can, and am never disappointed. You can find out more about Eric at his official solo website here.
In case you might need a little tempting to catch a live show, here is Eric singing at the Best of Tulsa Awards this year. He sings Tulsa from his Everywhere All At Once release. It is a great album, but so are the rest. If you haven't already, you really should add Eric to your music collection. Try his latest, Resonate, available on iTunes here.
Oklahoma's hottest rock band, at least in my humble opinion, is back with another video, and a hot and driving song by lead singer/guitarist Eric Himan, with great work by adorable bassist Jimmy Adams, and Angel banging the drums with emotional power... Have to say, I love Keeper of the Secret, and adore the video. I haven't seen them play live yet, but I will, cause they are making music I can't hear enough!
So crank up the volume, and put the video on full screen, and get ready to enjoy Keeper of the Secret!
You can purchase the EP at iTunes here or on Amazon Digital Downloads here. You can download at either palce for less than $5, so be brave, and just buy it already! You can also check out their official website here.
Sometimes, you just have to admit you are an idiot and move on. This is one of those times. When I saw Eric Himan in May, he mentioned Eric & the Adams were going to be having a show in Pennsylvania in July, and while it might be a bit a of drive to either Pittsburgh or State College, I was thinking I might wanna do that. So far, no stupidity. That comes now. For some reason, I thought it was this weekend that it was happening, but instead, it was last weekend. I had completely blown my chance to see Eric, Angel and Jimmy performing live because of a basic inability to keep a handle on my calendar. I could have gone online to check the date, and marked my schedule accordingly, but instead, I relied on my somewhat fuzzy memory, and I missed out. Damn you, turning 50!
So, to try to appease myself, I went on YouTube to find clips of their recent Eric & the Adams Goes GaGa show, and am putting them up here. So let me start with a clip of the band getting ready backstage, starting with the handsome Jimmy taking ous on a bit of a tour while Angel and Eric get their make-up under control. The sound might be a little iffy, but I can't help it, I just enjoy these folks.
This clip is actually from an acoustic set Eric was doing on his own, although Jimmy, the bass player for the band, stepped up to play the drums. As you can see from the video, there was no rehearsal of this number, as Jimmy looked a bit shocked and giddy when Eric breaks into Bad Romance. This is some fantastic Acoustic GaGa.
Finally, we get to the show itself, and Eric & the Adams stepping up to play Just Dance. It is a short clip - just 40 seconds, but it still manages to make me happy.
For more from Eric & the Adams, check out their website here. You can also check them out on iTunes here, and once you sample the songs, you might feel the irresistible urge to buy the EP.
The annual Absolute Best of Tulsa awards have announced their nominations, and favorites of mine are in the running for some top prizes. To start it off, Eric Himan was nominated in two categories, Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. I know Eric will always get my vote, and he could get yours as well. Click here and vote for him in both categories. It won't take long, no need to sign up for anything, just click on Eric's name, hit the 'vote' button, and fill out the captura screen, and you are finished.
And there is also Eric & The Adams to take care of, cause I wouldn't want to leave Angel and Jimmy Adams out of the fun. Along with Eric, they are nominated as Band of the Year and Best Pop/Rock Band in the ABOT Music Awards. To vote fro them in those two categories, click here, and continue on, just like above. Really, it will take you no time at all, a matter of a few minutes. Unless, of course, you are like me, and listen to their great music all the way through before voting!So take a few minutes and support some great indie musicians, for they are definitely worth supporting.
Left: Eric Himan.Right, left to right: Eric Himan, Angel Adams, Jimmy Adams
What can I say about Eric Himan? I read about his music, and purchased it. I loved it. Whenever he came into the area, I was there to hear him live, loving him even more. He also introduced me to a few opening acts, Aiden James and Tom Goss, who are an important part of my musical soundtrack. And when I went to see him just last week, it was a fantastic show with no opener, just pure Eric all the way. The following clip is the video for Little Boy Blue.
Speaking of Eric introducing me to new talents, there is my latest 'friends,' Angel and Jimmy Adams. When Eric hooked up with them to form Eric & the Adams, I had no idea what to ecpect. But when I met the siblings online, I had a bit of a crush on both! They are so smart and funny, just irresistible. Now, I can't wait to see them in person! Here they are in the video with Eric, for the song Every Move.
For more about Eric Himan, check out his official website here. For all you ever wanted to know about Eric & the Adams, check out their website here.
After Austin, I will be breaking off to perform solo-acoustic for a few tour dates in the southwest. I will be traveling on:
Tuesday, March 23rd, San Antonio: The Foundry, 8pm Wednesday, March 24, Tucson: Bentley's Coffee and Tea, 8pm Thursday, March 25, Scottsdale/Phoenix: BS West, 7-9pm Friday, March 26, San Diego: Bourbon Street, 7-9pm Saturday, March 27, Riverside, CA: Menagerie, 8:30pm-10:30pm Details can be found on this FB event here.
April has the band playing a mini-Oklahoma tour through Stillwater, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. Check them out at our website here . I'll be swinging solo through Sarasota, FL, Collegeville, MN, and Galveston, TX. More tour dates up soon.
Aiden James, Christopher Dallman, Eric Himan, Eric & the Adams, Garrin Benfield, and Tom Goss have started putting Spring tours together, so I thought I would give everyone heads up on them. Also, Derek & the Darling have schedule the CD Release Party, so they are here, too. While the schedules below are screencaps, you can click on the names above them to be taken to the interactive schedules. I will try to update as changes occur, but you should check the artist or venue schedule to be sure. I know sometimes these schedules will overlap - Aiden & Christopher will have some shows together, and there might be more. If you get a chance, I would highly recommend seeing any of these talents! I know I will, any chance I get.
Already there are several things I look forward to in 2010. Some are on my 'wish list' of things to do, and others are already penciled in my schedule.
Me & Tom Goss at a show in 2009
There are several friends I have to catch up with, and see in person. Only recently, I got back in touch with Brian and James, two friends I worked with in New York, and haven't really seen for 15 years. We recently caught up a bit on email, and it would be nice to see them in person. And there was the real out-of-the-blue FaceBook message from a college roommate, Bill. Good God, we haven't seen one another in almost 30 years. We almost met up at a show at the World Cafe in Philadelphia, but at the last minute he couldn't make it.
Top: Me & Aiden James; Bottom: Me & Eric Himan
Speaking of the World Cafe, there are several shows I am looking to catch some shows that are to be coming through the area. Tom Goss is coming the beginning of February, with Matt Alber, and I certainly plan to be there. Aiden James and Christopher Dallman are planning a show together in the spring, and I wanna be in the front row. I've seen Aiden many a time, and he has never disappointed, and it will be the first time seeing Christopher, so that should be great. Here is a video of Dallman performing live at a recent show.
And I think Eric & the Adams should be coming soon, at least if they want to stop asking the annoying questions anytime soon. I've seen Eric many times over the years, so seeing him with Angel and Jimmy Adams will be fantastic! And Casey Stratton has been talking about touring, another artist I have yet to see live. I am looking forward to it, Casey is an excellent musician and singer.
The book I remember, and the new edition.
I also hope I get a chance to see the movie A Single Man. Based on a brilliant book by Christopher Isherwood, I have long believed it could make a great movie. Isherwood always know how to tell a story with such abundance, both in spirit and mood. His use of language conveyed so much detail in every book of his I read, but even as a younger gay man, this story spoke to me strongly. I can only hope the movie does it justice.
I hope on at least one of the trips to NYC to catch some theater. I still haven't seen the revival of Hair, and I would love to, especially if I can see Gavin Creel. I wanted to see Finian's Rainbow with the outrageously talented and beautiful Cheyenne Jackson, but it is closing shortly, so that will be out of the picture. Perhaps he will team up with Michael Feinstein again and do the Power of Two show at Feinstein's again, and I will get tickets. On March 13, Million Dollar Quartet will be coming to Broadway, and I'd like to see that. It is the story of a jam session at Sun Records featuring Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis, and features the very talented out performer Levi Kreis, who plays Jerry Lee Lewis. I love Levi's music, and this should be a great show.
I started this post talking about some old friends with a renewed contact, and there are also some newer friends to see and enjoy. My friend Rickey recently moved to a new apartment, and I need to check that out. And Dear David, well, I think it might soon me time to visit The Urges or a similar establishment. And TrannyBeth, you better be saving up to make the trip East, that is all I can say. And Paul Bright, the wonderful director of Angora Ranch and Aaron...Albeit A Sex Hero, has promised to meet for ice cream in either NYC or DC when he makes a trip East again. If I can get to most of this stuff by June or July, I will be a very happy man.
This is an odd one for me. I have been a fan of Eric Himan's for many years. My niece had a picture of her and Eric on her desk at work, and some people thought it was her and her boyfriend. We try to catch every show we can, although I missed the last one as I was babysitting in New Jersey, and can't believe the fates did that to me! Oh, not about me, it is about Eric, Angel & Jimmy. OK then. I won't whine it has been over a year since I've last seen him live...
Photos from the last time I saw Eric live in 2008. With Eric in the bottom shot is my sister Kathy and niece Mandy.
That said [or whined as the case may be made], earlier this month, Eric teamed up with Angel Adams and Jimmy Adams, the talented sister/brother musicians, and released the eponymous Eric & the Adams, new music that is made me positively giddy. I haven't seen them live - hell, I haven't really met Angel or Jimmy, although I have Tweeted [Twittered? Tweed? Twatted?] with them, and they seem smart and funny, and their music rocks. Angel was even sweet enough to comment on an earlier post. But the reason I am so excited? The music itself. All five songs are fantastic and in constant rotation on my iPod. The debut video for Every Move was a great one, and they have made me promises I will be seeing them sometime soon.
So, you can venture to their website here and order the EP or the great new t-shirt they have for sale. And check out the tour schedule and see when they are playing near you. If it is before I see them, don't tell me, cause I'll just be jealous and all ugly.
Yesterday, the debut effort from Eric & the Adams hits the stores, iTunes, and wherever music could be purchased. On Saturday, December 5, they appeared at the Electric Circus in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for a CD Release Party in their home town. Indeed, I am goober enough to tell you I thought about flying out for it, but did not do it. So, for the moment, I am going to live vicariously through the YouTube videos posted by EmiJH83, and pretend I was in the audience screaming with everyone else.
Can't say I know what the set-list was, or what order songs were sung in, so I am just picking some of my favorites and letting it rip. I will start with the live performance of Every Move, their first video. Eric Himan, Angel Adams and Jimmy Adams were joined onstage by keyboardist Tyler Sparkman. The second video is an 80s Medley, consisting of Love Is A Battlefield [Pat Benatar], I Love Rock 'N Roll [Joan Jett], Walk This Way [Aerosmith], and Walk Like An Egyptian [The Bangles]. Finally, I included their cover of the Counting Crows Round Here. Dante and the Sparks opened for them, and joined them onstage for the final song, Stevie Wonder's Superstition.
For more about the band, check out their website here. For $4.95, you can purchase five great songs on iTunes here. I reviewed it over the weekend, including a shot my autographed copy! You can check that out here.
This evening in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the Electric Circus, Eric & the Adams are celebrating the upcoming release of their EP, hitting the stores on Tuesday, December 8. I can't tell you how much I wish I was there, but it was not meant to be, so I will just have to get over it. I'm working on it. Part of the festivities includes the band giving a brand new iPod Shuffle to a lucky ticket-holder to the show. Everyone there will also be receiving a copy of the EP, a chance to buy the latest t-shirt, and, of course, hear a kick-ass band play some great music.
The iPod Shuffle for a lucky attendee, the iPod Touch to a contributor
I received the EP in the mail this week, and have been listening to it repeatedly. I love it. All five songs are fantastic. It opens with Sugar You Ain't So Sweet, a song that reminds me of the 'bitch, you did me wrong' songs the 80s hairbands used to put out (I mean that in a good way), down to the chorus that makes you wanna sing along. That is followed by Frozen In The Sun, which reminds me of some of Eric's acoustic music, with a new maturity, kicked up a notch. It tells the story of the progression of a relationship, starting with the possible break-up. This song just sucks me in every time. Next up is Hear You Breathe, is just a gorgeous love song, with amazing harmonies beautifully sung by Eric and Angel. There is a wonderful quality to the song, one I could certainly hear on the radio today. This is about pure love, the real kind, with no affectation or games. Every Move was the subject of the first video, and is a New Wave tinged effort, an ode to stalkerish behavior, with straight-up rock sounds and rhythms offering a lyrical nod to The Police and Every Breath You Take, minus the dirge feeling. Keeper of the Secret finishes out the collection, another rocker complete with a dose of the wah-wah pedal, and an incredibly catchy chorus with an infectious hook. Got me doing a little bit of chair dancing every time it comes on. That scores five outta five winners for me.
Frozen In The Sun, Every Move and Keeper of the Secret are written by Eric, who also wrote the lyrics on Sugar You Ain't So Sweet, with Jimmy bringing the harder-edged music for that one. Angel handled a solo turn as a writer deftly on Hear You Breathe. For the record, Eric handles the vocals and guitars, Angels the drums, and Jimmy the bass [a cool looking 6-string in the video]. Angel has also handled the graphics for the band, from the posters to the EP packaging. It is put out on the Thumbcrown Records label, established by Eric a few years ago for his own music. I literally cannot wait to see them playing live. Eric, Angel or Jimmy, if you read this, I will hurt you if you don't make it east soon. But when you do, I will buy you dinner, drinks, a Philly cheese steak, you name it. To quote Oleta Adams, 'just get here.' For more info on the band, check out their website here.
