(SKH) Provogue Records have set an August 30th release date for Eric Sardinas new album Sticks & Stones. The guitarist and singer-songwriter's distinct style pushes the boundaries of rock and blues, and this 11-song powerhouse of his trademark slide playing could very well be the vehicle to drive his inspiration from the roadhouse in to mainstream music.
Sardinas' unique hybrid encompasses the past, present and future of what music is meant to be, and with Sticks & Stones, producer Matt Gruber returned to work with the guitarist and his band Big Motor. Gruber, whose credit range from Ricky Martin and Carrie Underwood to the Scorpions and Lit, delivered Sardinas' vision in capturing the full range of his playing and the energy and excitement of the trio's 'Big Motor' sound.
Whether acoustic or electric, they stayed true to their live sound, recording with no rules. Levell Price (bass) and Chris Frazier (drums), joined Sardinas in delivering a kaleidoscope that melds all the shades and hues of the band's intensity. The guitarist reflects, "As always, every note is meaningful and has something to say from each player." On lyricism, he shares, "I like writing about universal themes. The trick is to find my own unique way of expressing myself within those themes. Every breathing moment if you walk with your eyes open, there is a song there."
His instrument of choice is his signature electrified resonator guitar, a modernized version of an instrument that was a staple of traditional blues artists. By deftly controlling the guitar's volume, Sardinas has become legendary for his keen ability to emote the moods he is feeling so seamlessly. His always recognizable sound is primarily a product of his signature slide, which the Dunlop company is now reproducing for market. The 'preaching pipe' has travelled a million miles with the guitarist, who reveals, "The original pipe has irreplaceable mojo from years of worldwide touring, and being by my side through every beer soaked bar and venue the road has to offer, that it is now only used for the studio. It is irreplaceable, and if Dunlop offered me a million bucks for it, I'd have to turn it down."
Since the late 90's Sardinas has performed hundreds of shows annually and has become a major attraction across the globe. He shares, "Playing with intensity all over the world non-stop and loving every minute of it has been my inspiration. That's why I get up in the morning and what I live for. Making music keeps me in the moment, allowing my heart to speak to people." This year is no different, with Sardinas already scheduled for full runs across the U.S. and Europe. Dates in the books include:
7/01 Vilnius, Lithuania Bliuzo Naktys
7/07 Las Vegas, Nv Boulder Station
7/08 Hermosa Beach, Ca Café Boogaloo
7/19 San Francisco, Ca Biscuits & Blues
7/20 Crystal Bay, Nv Crystal Bay Club And Casino
7/31 Seaside, Ca Sunday Blues At Seaside – Laguma Grande Park
8/13 Arcadia, Ca Arcadia Blues Club
8/17 St. Louis, Mo Bbs Jazz Blues And Soup
8/18 Kansas City, Mo Knucklehead Saloon
8/19 Springfield, Mo Blues Down Under Series @ Cartoons
8/20 Clive, Ia Bombay Bicycle Club
8/21 Moline, Il Rascals
8/23 Wapakoneta, Oh Route 33 Rhythm & Brews
8/25 Etobicoke, Ont Hollywood On The Queens Way
8/26 Auburn Hills, Mi Callahans Music Halll
8/27 East Tawas, Mi Blues On The Bay
10/13 Europe (Through 11/19)
