CRAIG ERICKSON – Sky Train Galaxy (2015)

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Of Scandinavian origins but born-n-raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, guitarist / singer CRAIG ERICKSON have been releasing a succession of great albums over the last two decades. It’s time for this talented musician o get the attention / credit he largely deserves.
And I think his fresh new CD “Sky Train Galaxy” is the proper vehicle for that.

Erickson plays classic rock fueled by pure bluesy chops, dynamic riffs, and soul-powered vocals. His six-string style is pretty old-school but loaded with an enviable emotion and fire. His rockin’ approach is like a cross of Gary Moore, Jimi Hendrix and Robin Trower.
Another influence I hear in Erickson is cult legend Tommy Bolin, so it’s not rare to see him paying homage to Bolin here with an awesome version of “Gettin’ Tighter”, from the classic Deep Purple ‘Come Taste The Band’ album.

“Sky Train Galaxy” a album that is loaded with quality songs matching the quality of the playing. Erickson has all the technique you could wish for, or need, but at the root of his playing there is great melody, phrasing, feel and soul.
One of the best characteristics of the album is the way the blistering riffs are executed, in that you can get almost as much pleasure from listening to Erickson’s little improvisations as you do from the solo. There’s a decent mix of styles, slower burning blues and rockers as well, so it’s not a one-dimensional collection of songs.
There are too many choice cuts here to really pick out highlights, although, if pushed, my personal favourites are “The Comeback”, “Time (Never Enough)” and “Morning Glory”. Absolutely outstanding stuff.

Craig Erickson is a singular talent, the strength of his songwriting, playing and sheer power of delivery combine to create a very special listening experience. He’s not the greatest singer in the world, but perfectly matches the songs as another driving instrument.
“Sky Galaxy Train” is highly recommended for fans of classic rock, rocking-blues power music, delivered with passion from a musician who richly deserves major exposure, something that is rising among the music press and specialized magazines.

01 – The Comeback
02 – Blinded By Love
03 – Getting Tighter / Ode To T
04 – Time (Never Enough)
05 – Illusions Of The World
06 – Mojo In Memphis
07 – Mercy
08 – Boogie For Love
09 – Sky Train
10 – Morning Glory
11 – Mojo In Memphis (Acoustic Version)

Craig Erickson: vocals, guitars, bass
John Hal: bass
Alicia Strong: backing vocals
Troy Harper, Tim King, Jon Wilson, Rob Haskett: drums

BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Sky-Train-Galaxy-Craig-Erickson/dp/B013CC9KT4
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