The Red Lions

New York City/Albany-based multi-instrumentalist and lyricist Eric Margan picked up the flute at the age of 10. These early years were spent learning classical flute repertoire, with some occasional Star Wars themes to keep him interested. It was the gradual transition into adolescence which brought a musical appetite ranging most importantly from the bass and guitar, to piano and drums. Coupled with an untamable interest in songwriting and recording, it only seems right that now, though classically trained on flute and double bass, he has instead decided to play all the instruments suitable for a particular song. It was Duke Ellington who once said, "My orchestra is my instrument", and in this way Margan follows in his footsteps.
A cast of collaborators are currently being drawn from the surrounding music scenes: Multi-instrumentalist Ross Brown and Drummer Richard Levengood have added their talents to the forthcoming album, which is being recorded at Dubway Studios in Manhattan. Drummer Jimmy Felter and keyboard player Mark O'Brien, guitarists Chris Tenerowicz and Mark Shook, bassists Scott Kellerhouse and Brandon Morrison, violinists Kelly Diehl and Beth Roach, violist Sarah LaSorsa, and flutists Marissa Wendelovske and Laura Carrozza have added their talents to the live performance, playing with groups such as Rock Plaza Central, The Luxury Flats, Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned, Aficionado, and The Bell County Silence.
Margan's music draws on countless influences, and the borrowing and blending of musical elements result in an original sound to which most listeners reply with an affecting familiarity. The album opens with "Until You're Here," a haunting jazz-club ballad blending the lyrical style of Tom Waits and Sylvia Plath with the music of Billie Holiday and John Lennon, among others. A sombre tone is blended with vague hopefulness in the song "Bay of Naples," which pulls you in with its unhurried pulse, hinting at the lo-fi vibe of Iron and Wine. As the album progresses, songs are sung with humor and lightness such as the musical free-for-all of "I'll Never Know." "Old Man River" tells the story of an estranged marriage with a twist of murder and revenge. And so it goes through to the final notes, varied and astounding musical constructions coupled with clever lyrical depictions and impressions that wander from innocence to darkness, with skillful and unforeseen fulfillments that leave you wanting more.