Eric Jerardi is a true blues rocker.
It's his relentless commitment to touring that has resonated so deeply with audiences. His live shows are legendary all across markets in the United States. This commitment has picked up sponsorships with Budweiser, and SITS strings.
Jerardi has released 6 CD's since 1997 and has worked with some of the industry's best. From producer David Z [Prince, Fine Young Cannibals, Johnny Lang] to recording with Chuck Leavell [Rolling Stones, Allman Bros., Black Crowes], Jerardi is having the time of his life. 2013 according to Jerardi will "be my year." A whole set of new songs are ready to be recorded in the first quarter of the year and an onslaught of touring is scheduled.
Jerardi began his musical career with winning a battle of the bands contest in 1989 at Ohio University. Two years later, Jerardi won another contest at OU, which secured a spot on MTV as the Midwest's Best Unsigned College Band. Over the years, he has shared the stage with Little Feat, Robin Trower, and Jim Belushi at the House of Blues, Chicago and LA; played with Eric Johnson on Cape Cod; jammed with Keith Urban, Wynonna, and Kenny Chesney in Nashville; and headlined B.B. Kings in Memphis, Nashville, LA, and Manhattan. He has played in countless blues festivals, major concerts, and a myriad of other shows around the country for more than 20 years.
Jerardi's debut CD was released in 1995. The album highlights Jerardi's use of riffs and melodic leads which have become his signature style. His first live release followed, exposing audiences to the intensity of Jerardi in concert. In 1998, Jerardi recorded Had Enough, a collection of blues rock compositions that are provocative and partially autobiographical. The song "Fate" considers the battle between fate and free will. "Tortured Soul," "Tomorrow," and "Pain" refer to Jerardi's only brother, who succumbed to cancer that same year.
Jerardi released another live album in 2001, and followed it with Virtual Virtue the following year. This release featured Chuck Leavell, the keyboardist and pianist for such renowned acts as the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and the Black Crowes. Leavell's melodic arrangements amplified Jerardi's powerful sound. In 2007, Jerardi released Restless, which is considered one of his boldest statements to date. "Sonically, it's nothing like Virtual Virtue," Jerardi says. "Virtual Virtue is much more polished. I spent less time analyzing everything on Restless because I wanted it to be more natural." "All those years of honing my craft have brought me to this comfortable place in my life and my music…" stated Jerardi. "I'm not as serious as I used to be. I'm writing more fun or witty songs, as well as my usual heartbreakers, and I like it."
Jerardi's last CD Live at Waukesha Blues Festival was recorded August 8th, 2009. It was a true testament to life on the road. The heat index was 130 degrees that day, and two days prior Jerardi had cut his finger—blood and sweat were a combination for trouble on his vintage '62 Fender Strat. When his finger opened up and blood poured out all over his guitar, it started to short out; however, it made for an interesting recording and proved how polished Jerardi has become as an entertainer. The tightness of the band was evident, achieved through years of performances lead by veteran bass player Jon Arnold and drummer Joe Prescott who at the time of the recording was just out of retirement.
For the last few years, Eric has limited his rigorous touring schedule to take a step back and reflect. During this period, he has written his most compelling music to date. As luck would have it, he reconnected with Gary Gates after almost 15 years, a longtime friend and polished bass player who performed on the "Had Enough" CD. He was also introduced to a progressive rock drummer, Adam Wheeler and the trio has developed a style of blues rock that is pushing the boundaries to say the least. This blend comes from Gary's experience in the iconic Dayton, OH funk music scene of the 70s, and Adam's world class ability, not only as an accomplished drummer, but a skilled keyboardist. On several tracks of the new material, Adam plays keys and drums at the same time, making The Eric Jerardi Band one of the most powerful blues rock trios around. Jerardi's seasoned style and powerful vocals have reached their apex.
In addition to Eric Jerardi's music career, he owns and operates Jerardi's Little Store in Dayton, OH for the last 17 years. He is an accomplished chef and sommelier as well as a wine educator and host of the "Get Real Wine Series" available on DVD. The last of the series was filmed in Bordeaux, France.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, - ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!
