'Song & Dance Man': New album of fine Americana for Matthews Southern Comforts' ERIC DEVRIES.
ERIC DEVRIES: NEW ALBUM– Song & Dance Man
“…if I were you, I’d kick back with a generous glass of quality Chardonnay and groove your way through. At least twice. Maybe three times.” Iain Matthews.
Release: November 4th www.MiG-music.de
Single: September 17th Little White Lies :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcSF8327q4s
The new album ‘Song & Dance Man’ is an almost fully acoustic album, practically recorded live in Studio Doornenburg in The Netherlands. It’s an intimate and folky document, in a Bluegrass setting apar from the odd electric guitar. Far removed from commercialism and gimmicks Devries tends to tell a story with depth and passion and a somewhat understated sense of humour. When these days releasing single tracks is most common Devries releases a full album instead. Devries writes about people who had to endure some hard knocks in life, people that have lived, about human frailty, about love lost or unrequited. About drink and (feelings of) depression. Stories about time passing and about following your heart, even against better judgement, but also about following your dreams. Together with producer and multi instrumentalist Janos Koolen and bassist Lucas Beukers, Devries recorded 12 original songs for this Americana album. Overdubs were few and limited to where Koolen took up the odd extra instrument or to where violinist Joost van Es layered some violin parts to create a more orchestrated arrangement. Singer Sophie Janna (The Lasses) was brought in to do some harmony vocals. Devries debut solo album appeared in 2004. He went on to release a DVD and CD with Songwriters United, and a sophomore album in 2008.
Since his third solo album ‘Close To Home’ (2014) Devries released 5 more albums with Hidden Agenda Deluxe and with the legendary Matthews Southern Comfort. With this fourth solo release Devries adds another highlight to his discography. The Song & Dance Band with Koolen, Beukers and Van Es is stellar.
“Eric is the real thing. I know his music well, from our time together in Matthews Southern Comfort. He has a writing style unlike any other Dutch singer songwriter. To hear him perform his own songs and indeed those of others, in that inimitable high tenor, leaning over the microphone in his high heeled boots and bebop hat, you’re more inclined to think his roots are in Tulsa Oklahoma rather than The Netherlands. On his new album he’s chosen the perfect blend of acoustic instruments to embellish his finely constructed tunes. It’s an album to listen to, or dance to. Your choice. But if I were you, I’d kick back with a generous glass of quality Chardonnay and groove your way through. At least twice. Maybe three times.” Iain Matthews.
Press Quotes
“… Devries is the Chris Hillman of the Netherlands..” Harry de Jong – Lust for Life Magazine 2016
“…belongs to the same mold as Clark en Crowell… well crafted .. 8,5” Marc Vos – Heaven Magazine
“…among the very best ever to reach us from The Netherlands…” Benny Metten – Ctrl.altCountry.be
“… one of the best Dutch singersongwriteralbums this year…” Eric van Domburg Scipio 2014
“.. bittersweet melancholy tunes, exceptionally beautiful voice.. ” Magazine “Muziekkrant Oor”, jan. 2008
“..possibly the best countryrock ever made in the Netherlands….” “Revolver magazine”, april 2008
“… Devries shows he knows his trade… very moving, up close and personal..” Heaven Magazine feb. 2008
“… international high standard and quality…” Revolver Magazine (5 stars out of 5)
