Member Since: 9/25/2006
Band Website: MikeEricksonBand.com
Band Members: Mike Erickson-Guitar
Bill Ferri-Bass
Jon Francis-Drums
Adam Go-Saxophones
Influences: (in no particular order): Modeski Martin Wood, John Scofield, Karl Densen, The Slip, Sam Kininger, Addison Groove Project, Deep Banana Blackout, Bomb Squad, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Soulive, Lettuce, Wes Montgomery, Allman Brothers, Santana, Hendrix, Clapton, Pat Martino, Meters, Tower of Power, Blind Melon, Tool, Herbie Hancock, Jaco, Jeff Beck, Maceo Parker, James Brown, Miles Davis, Kenny Burrell, Bob Marley, John Coltrane, DJANGO, Billy Cobham, Led Zeppelin, Monk, Jimmy Smith, Zappa
Sounds Like:
"There is a long list of musicians who move a lot of air in their lines, who weave in and out of rhythm masterfully, with impeccable command of time. Michael Erickson comfortably fits in this category. This doesn't refer exclusively to chordal or rhythm playing, but playing the linear line, the single notes, as a rhythm, at times locking with the dominant rhythm and at others interlacing, or speeding ahead and then throttling back, connecting perfectly to the lock of Jeff Gilman's bass and Joe Merrick's drum.
Put another way, Erickson’s notes are not merely that: they have their own groove. His rhythmic style is something very few other players display, or even have at their disposal. And if they do have it, they cannot use it as consistently and as stunningly as he can.
All too often sessions with multiple rhythm sections end up sterile because there’s insufficient opportunity for everybody to loosen up and create a cohesive sound—and that's all the more reason to marvel at Michael Erickson. The band’s collective sense of commitment, engagement and energy creates its own focus despite as a consequence of the multiplicity of Michael’s musical universe, which remains uncannily singular in its personal vision."
--ATIV S. ( Instrumental Observer )
Record Label: unsigned
Type of Label: None