Hello! My name is Eric Ducoff. For the last 7+ years I have been playing in the CT-based band, Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts. The band plays a mixture of Chicago and West Coast jump blues from the late 40's, 50's and 60's. I couldn't be more proud of the time I've spent with bandmates as we have busted our butts to keep blues music alive throughout New England.
We have also been fortunate enough to record two fantastic CDs ("Empty Wallet" - 2003; "Yeah Man!" - 2005). On both of these sessions, we were lucky enough to get the chance to record with two of our favorite musicians in the world: Rick Holmstrom and Junior Watson. What a thrill to work with these two guys.
I've also had the pleasure to do dates with Jerry Portnoy and Sugar Ray and the Bluetones.
Some recent accomplishments with Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts...
- Winners of 2004 & 2006 CT Blues Challenges
- Latest CD, "Yeah Man!", was TOP EIGHT FINALIST in the 2006 Int'l Blues Foundation's "Best Self-Produced CD Contest"
- Review in Blues Revue Magazine - Dec/Jan '06 issue
- Voted "Best Blues Band of 2005" in Hartford Advocate's Grand Band Slam poll
- Winners of Connecticut Blues Challenge 2003
- Review in Blues Revue Magazine - Aug/Sept '03 issue
- Feature Cover Story - American Harmonica Magazine - April 2003
- Boston Blues Challenge 2003 & 2004 Finalists
I can also occasionally be seen fronting my own band, as well as doing select side work with other regional New England blues acts. But, my main (and most enjoyable gig) is with Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts.
