Valentine 2015 • Eric Himan • Everything to You

As part of my celebration of Valentine's Day, I am offering up some songs from some of my favorite artists. That list would not be complete without the amazing Eric Himan, who not only has made me spend so much to buy his incredible music, but has also introduced me to many other artists when going to see him play live. Eric is just so talented, so sweet, and so damned handsome, it is hard not to cheer him on. Especially when he is making music like he has on the album 'Gracefully', which I think might be his best album to date. And the latest single is "Everything to You", a fantastic song I can't play enough. It is just so sweet, and so real, I'd like someone to feel that way about me. This is Eric Himan with the official music video for "Everything to You".

"Everything to You" can be found on his album 'Gracefully'. You can purchase 'Gracefully' from iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Eric Himan visit his official website. There you can also check out his touring schedule, and when he will be playing in your neck of the woods. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Eric Himan • "Everything to You" Music Video

I've been a fan of Eric Himan since the first time I found his music on the internet, and all it takes is hitting the play button for any of his albums on my iPod, or for any of his music videos on YouTube, to remind me why. Speaking of which, he has a brand new music video out, and my first thought when watching is "how the hell does he keep getting better looking with each passing year?" Once that is out of the way, I am reminded why I love his music so damn much - it is amazing.

The new music video features the fifth track of the latest release, 'Gracefully'. "Everything to You" is a beautiful love song, and it makes my cold heart melt just a little bit more with every listen. The video is so much fun, with Eric assuming many different professions, and doing so with style. It captures the light and bouncy spirit of the song, and allows me to smile more than I usually would during the course of my day. It also allows us to see a bit of the charm I see whenever I go see him performing live, which I do when I can! The video was directed by Jim Hoppin, and show at Complete Music Studios in Brooklyn, New York. This is Eric Himan with "Everything to You"

I love the song, but it should come as no surprise, for I think 'Gracefully' is Eric's best album to date. You can purchase 'Gracefully' from iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Eric Himan visit his official website. There you can also check out his touring schedule, and when he will be playing in your neck of the woods. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Eric Himan • I'm Not Going Anywhere Tonight

In case you didn't know, Eric Himan kicks ass. On the heels of news about Arizona trying to legislate bigotry and hate into law, Eric took to his guitar to send a message of his own to those who seem to what to continually assault the Constitution with laws that are more about themselves than the people they call constituents. So the talented Himan sat down and wrote "I'm Not Going Anywhere Tonight". Enjoy.

Due to the overwhelming demands of people watching the video, Eric has made "I'm Not Going Anywhere Tonight" available for purchase on BandCamp. "100% of proceeds are going to groups fighting to keep this bill from becoming law as well as fighting for full LGBT equality in Arizona" he explained. To learn more about Eric Himan visit his official website. Once there, you can order music, as well as checking out his tour schedule. If you are into the social media, you can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook. I have all his music in my collection, and you can't go wrong with any in his discography. But I would suggest you add Eric's latest album, 'Gracefully', to your collection. 'Gracefully' is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp.

Eric Himan & the Soultré Sisters • Live at the Tin Angel

Top: Eric Himan. Bottom: Tylisha Oliver, left, and Tina Phillips, right.

A few weeks ago, I was luck enough to see Eric Himan at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia, PA. Eric was touring in support of his latest album, 'Gracefully', and was accompanied by Tina Phillips and Tylisha Oliver, also known as the Soultré Sisters, adding their vocals to enrich the sound of the great new music by Himan. I was joined at the show by my niece, Mandy, and her fiancée, Mark. Eric played several songs off his latest album, 'Gracefully', as well as some very entertaining cover songs. The show started out with a great song off the album, "Red Hot Tears".

The show was wonderful, filled with great music, great storytelling, and some truly funny moments. Eric was once again behind the piano for "The Only Way", another great song off 'Gracefully'. The second track on the album, the song highlights the soulful qualities of Himan as both a singer and a songwriter. I love the song, and am so glad to share it with you.

While there were a few covers performed, I simply could not resist posting this one for all. I do love me some Dolly Parton - who doesn't? - so when Eric took on "Jolene", I was excited. I had heard him sing it before, but he mentioned he would try to slow it down, giving it a different feel. Well, between Eric and the amazing voices of Tylisha and Tina, this song was fan-freakin-tastic.

Eric also had some great new for the night. It seems He has had a few songs licensed for various reasons, including by the clothing store, Hollister. This very weekend, "Everything To You" was to start playing in the stores! That is so cool, showing more and more people appreciating the great work Eric consistently has made over the last decade or so. So here is Eric playing the fifth track of the album, "Everything To You", in a great live performance.

The show was fantastic, and left the entire audience on their feet, begging for more. It is never a wise decision to pass up a show put on by Eric, so keep your eyes open, and your ears to the ground. You can learn more about Eric Himan with a simple visit his official website. Once there, you can order music, as well as checking out his tour schedule. To keep up-to-date on all things Eric, you can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook. As for the music, 'Gracefully' is now available on iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp.

Eric Himan Back On The Road

On the heels of releasing a beautiful new album, singer/songwriter Eric Himan is going back on the road to showcase some of the great new material on 'Gracefully'. Honestly, I try to catch Eric whenever he plays near me, for it is always something special. The man has such great talent, it makes me happy. The last time through, I saw Eric play a show in Washington, DC, at The Dunes, a show he played with Tom Goss. It was wonderful, and the pictures and videos in this post were from that show. The first video is Eric singing "Running", a single he had released last year. It is a wonderful song, as you can hear.

A talented multi-instrumentalist, Eric plays his acoustic guitar, his electric guitar, and the piano at his live shows. And, of course, he sings while playing, with that amazing voice. In the following clip, he sings "Symmetry", a song featured on 'Gracefully', his 2013 release. The album, dedicated to his late grandmother, blends the Folk, Rock and Soul that are the basis for his music. Enjoy this lovely acoustic version of "Symmetry".

One of the many things Eric does so well is to pick a couple of songs to cover, allowing the audience to enjoy and sing along, as well as getting a little peak into the man himself, as he explains the influence the song and/or artist has had on his career. And he generally sings the hell out of the song, as he does on "Walking On Broken Glass", a song written and performed by the great Annie Lennox. Feel free to sing along!

As you can see and hear, a live show by Eric Himan is a wonderful journey captained by a strong artist. Eric has a great rapport with the audience, and shares little stories and experiences from his own life, like the issues, both pro and con, of being an out and proud artist, or what it is like recording at Henson Recording Studios, or what it is like to run into other artists on the road, like Justin Bieber. And when he smiles and laughs, you can't help but join in.

To learn more about Eric Himan, visit his official website, where you can order his music, as well as checking out his tour schedule. I have posted his schedule in a widget below, but if you don't see a date or place near you, you might want to check his official website to be sure. To keep up-to-date on all things Eric, you can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook.

Free embed music player from ReverbNation.com

Eric Himan • Red Hot Tears Music Video

The first single off 'Gracefully', the latest album by Eric Himan is out now. "Red Hot Tears", the sizzling song now has a red hot video to match. I just love the song, and think it is all kinds of sexy. The video, directed by Kelly Kerr, captures Eric's performance is lush black & white, as well as the grace and talent of the Soultre Sisters, Tylisha Oliver and Tina Phillips. Choreographer Maria Tate Reed is joined by Kimberly Wall, adding depth to the performance. And Eric looks handsome as ever, as you can see in the pictures above.

I love the sound of the new album. The depth of the production, with added instrumentation, like the great horn section, complements the inherent soulfulness in Eric's voice. 'Graccefully' is now available on iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. For more about Eric Himan, visit his official website, where you can order his music, as well as checking out his tour schedule. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook.

Eric Himan • Gracefully

I was excited when I learned singer/songwriter Eric Himan was planning on his ninth studio album. He did some crowdfunding on PledgeMusic, and I eagerly jumped on board. You see, I am a big time fan. I had his eight studio album, the two live albums, the EP, and a few singles, too. I see him whenever he is playing in the area, and bring family members with me when we go. I have more pictures than I care to admit, and several videos from the live shows. Some of those pictures are framed and on the wall. Hopefully, if by chance he would read this, Eric will find it endearing and not look to contact the police... The crowdfunding took place last fall, and Eric met the goal, and got to work. "Pledgers" received regular updates, and once all the work was done, it was time to release the album. I couldn't wait to hear 'Gracefully'!

The album was named in tribute of Eric's late Grandmother, Grace. She was an important force in his life while growing up, In fact, in the liner notes for the album, Eric says "most of all, to the late Grace Himan who raised me to appreciate art AND the art of life". We can all be grateful for that, as Eric continues to make music that not only sounds great, but often speaks directly to my heart. That would include the first cut on the album, also the first single, "Red Hot Tears". The song is sexy and soulful, two things I love about Eric's music. Give a listen for yourself. This is a video with great pictures featuring the song "Red Hot Tears".

Man, I love that song. Next up we have "The Only Way", which is a classic Eric Himan song, with a strong melody, and the addition of horns really brings home the inherent soulful nature of Eric's music. It is followed by "Call Me Up", and it reminds me how much I love Eric's lyrics, and how he stylistically communicates. The song is pure Pop, but so much more. I love when he sings "It's these times when you can't catch your breath, that any sign of relief is your safest bet." This ode to friendship is just so right on. From the first bluesy bars of "How Can You Sleep?", I knew he had me. He talks about that time right after a breakup when you just feel so alone as you wallow in the hurt. His voices carries so much emotional weight, I just feel a real connection. From the start, "Everything To You" just feels like all kinds of Pop goodness. There is a joy and a lightness that is so sweet. Give a listen to "Everything To You" for yourself.

That little slice of joy is followed by a finger wag, perhaps the nicest "screw you" I've heard in a while. With a jaunty reggae beat, he delivers the punch with a smile and a light slap on "Hard To Please". Next we come to an incredible song I've been lucky enough to hear him sing live. "Waiting For Thunder (Malala)" tells the courageous story of Malala Yousafzai, the 14-year-old girl unwilling to give up her education just because the Taliban said so. Her bravery inspired many around the world, including one talented singer/songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Check out "Waiting For The Thunder (Malala)".

If that doesn't inspire you, and give you the occasional goose bump, I am not sure what will. That is followed by "Symmetry", a song we got to hear while 'Gracefully' was being made, a perk of making a pledge on the project. But now we get the finished version, and I am reminded what a great storyteller Eric is. He communicates so well, and I feel we've all been in the situation, that time in a relationship when you are trying to figure out if you have enough in common to make it work. Opening with a simple piano and Eric's voice, "Call Yourself A Friend" cuts right to the chase, standing up and and announcing he "is not your fool." Again, been there, done that. Then we get to the bluesy "All I Need", a wonderful love song that took me by surprise, and made me love it even more. It puts me in mind of a little Janis Joplin, and a bit of Aretha Franklin, but mostly, a bunch of Eric Himan. And finally, there is "Gracefully", a stunning song written for his late grandmother, Grace Himan. It is beautiful, heartfelt, and touched my heart.

'Gracefully' could very well be the my favorite album by Himan to date. The songs are so strong, and so good, as I have come to expect from Eric. There is, however, an added level of production on the album that scared me at first, but proved to only enhance the strength of the album, as well as Himan himself. The added depth to the music allows Eric more freedom as a singer, and it has allowed him to soar. 'Gracefully' is now available on iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. For more about Eric Himan, visit his official website, where you can listen to his music as well as learn the latest news, including his touring schedule. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook. I bet Eric would love for you to say 'hello'!

New Albums from Levi Kreis, Eric Himan, Cheyenne Jackson, & Buffalo Tales Released

New albums featuring fresh material from Levi Kreis, Eric Himan, Cheyenne Jackson, and Buffalo Tales is now available online for your listening pleasure. I have been long awaiting for all of them to be released, so this is an exciting time, indeed. While I will have reviews of all four coming soon, I thought I would give the everyone the information to preview or buy them for yourself. So below, you will find links to listen and purchase the albums, and I would strongly advise you to do so for all four. From what I have hear so far, both Levi and Eric are producing their best music to date, while Cheyenne makes an impressive solo debut. And Aussie Buffalo Tales offers up some gorgeous guitar-driven music that makes me very happy.

Levi Kreis released 'Imagine Paradise', and it is now available on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

Eric Himan has released his 10th solo studio album when 'Gracefully' became available on iTunes and should be on Amazon soon!

Cheyenne Jackson shows the Broadway star is also a gifted singer/songwriter with the release of his solo debut 'I'm Blue, Skies', available on iTunes and Amazon.

Australia's Buffalo Tales, which features the talents of Wes Carr, releases their first full album with the beautiful 'Roadtrip Confessions' available on iTunes and Amazon.

Eric Himan Releases New Single, "Running"

Singer/songwriter Eric Himan has released a new single, a rocking and soulful song that will blow your socks off. "Running" is a great song I first heard Eric play when I caught him playing last month in Washington, DC. I've already purchased it from iTunes, and made it a part of my playlist! Eric recorded the single at the Jim Henson Studios last December, and have been prepping for the release since then. Sounds to me like Eric got it right... Here he is performing "Running" live.

"Running is now available on iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. For more about Eric Himan, visit his official website, where you can listen to his music as well as learn the latest news. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook.

Still Time to Make a "Formal" Pledge to Eric Himan

Just wanted to remind everyone there is still time to be a part of the fundraising for Eric Himan Band's 'Formal' album. I will fully admit I have long been addicted to the music of Eric Himan, for longer than I might think. After all, the above pictures were taken by me, at two different shows at Philadelphia's World Cafe Live. So when I saw Eric was putting something together for a new album for the Eric Himan Band, I was eager to be a part of it. And you have that same chance. The thought of Eric getting all electrified was exciting, and I remembered I had a video of him playing the electric guitar, on the Phil Collins' classic, "In The Air Tonight."

With a range of investments from $10 to $2,000, anything is possible. I say investments, for you are always getting something back for your money. You can check that out at the official Pledge Music site.

Reminder • Eric Himan Band 'Formal'

I wanted to take the opportunity to remind everyone you can still pre-order the upcoming release from the Eric Himan Band, 'semi-Formal'. If Eric is playing somewhere, I wanna have my butt in a seat to enjoy. If Eric is back in the studio recording, I wanna put that on my 'must buy' list. He is just one of those artists for me, making music that always touches my heart, that speaks to me personally.

Now I have many videos on YouTube at this point, the vast majority from shows I have attended over the last few years. In fact, there are over 200 videos, which even shocks me! So I will take this opportunity to share the most viewed video of the 212, which is Eric singing at the MilkBoy Coffee, a show he played with the wonderful Namoli Brennet. He tackles the great song made famous by Janis Joplin, "Get It While You Can."

As many of you who visit the blog often already know, when there is an artist making incredible music, we need to support them. Especially indie artists. Singers with label support, like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jason Mraz, and Justin Bieber, they all have plenty of corporate support behind them, promoting everything they do. That is not true for the indie artist, who need to rely on fans showing up to shows, and telling their friends about the great new music happening. Another way to support is to pre-purchase a download of 'Formal' once it is available. But that is not the only way. You can purchase the download, a t-shirt, and autographed CD, some time to chat with Eric, or even the actual guitar Eric played while writing his album 'Dark Horse'. Much like the upcoming elections, this is your chance to speak up and be heard. Unless you are supporting indie artists like Eric or others, you can't complain about the awful state of the music business. But when you purchase the album, you are allowing your voice to be heard, kinda like showing up to vote. So step up and participate in the discussion, with a pre-purchase of some kind or another, and tell the world that all kinds of music can and will be heard. Check out Eric's PledgeMusic site now.

New Eric Himan CD Available 4 Pre-Order

Eric Himan has been a bit of a coy flirt as of late, teasing fans with the impending news release. Well, the time is finally here, and Eric is about to launch a new journey, recording with The Eric Himan Band. 'Formal!' will be released in the early part of 2013, but you can get in your pre-purchase now, with many options from which to choose. You'd like some more information? I'll let Eric tell you all about it.

If Eric is involved, I will be glad to be supporting, that is for sure. I have been a fan of this young man for some time, and try to catch him whenever he is playing in the area. His live shows, as well as his studio albums, have been a big part of the Soundtrack to my Days for almost a decade. I still remember running across his music online, and immediately knowing he was making the music I wanted to hear. In fact, whenever you visit this blog, you will be seeing Eric playing. Well, at least his arms, for that is him in a picture I took at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia in the background here. You thought you recognized those tattooed arms, didn't you? Here is a video of Eric performing "Left Out", off his latest album 'Supposed Unknown'.

When I find a great artist, one whose music I really love to listen to, I think it is in my own best interest to support them, so they continue to make great music. One of the ways to support to to pre-purchase a download of 'Formal' once it is available. But that is not the only way. You can purchase the download, a t-shirt, and autographed CD, some time to chat with Eric, or even the actual guitar Eric played while writing his album 'Dark Horse'. Much like the upcoming elections, this is your chance to speak up and be heard. Unless you are supporting indie artists like Eric or others, you can't complain about the awful state of the music business. Complaining only adds bad karma to the world. But stepping up and participating in the discussion, with a pre-purchase of some kind or another, you are telling the world that all kinds of music should and will be heard. Check out Eric's PledgeMusic site now.