Baker's minimalist songs pack emotional wallop.
Knoxville showgoers may recognize singer/songwriter Erick Baker for his work as the frontman of local rock act Down From Up, but for the past year Baker has gone his own direction, performing solo and bringing to life songs that didn't fit sensibly into his band's catalog. The more intimate, acoustic sets struck a chord with small audiences who soon demanded recordings. Beginning tonight, fans will get their wish as Baker unveils his solo debut, "It's Getting Too Late to Say It's Early."
A far cry from his Down From Up material, Baker's solo sets are instrumentally sparse, focusing primarily on the emotional lyrical content. Revolving around themes of love, his songs are intensely personal, and the mood of his set is portrayed in the recordings.
"The style of music that I play is musically minimal but emotionally complex," describes Baker. "The best comparison of my music that I have been given was after a show from a woman who said that my music was so moving that the only thing she could compare it to was a prayer. The sound is very stripped down and intimate. I want people to feel like I am in the room playing to them when they listen to the record."
The six-song EP was recorded at Lakeside Studios by Grammy-nominated producer Travis Wyrick. True to his reputation, Wyrick was able to capture the essence of Baker's live show.
"There are six songs on the EP that we recorded in five days," says Baker. "I wanted a high-quality production sound that still had the feel and intimacy of a live performance. Travis got it perfect. The guitar tones are amazing, and some of the vocals feel like I'm whispering right in people's ears. Working with Travis was inspirational. Recording is very stressful because it is so final. When you play live, if you don't like a performance on a song you can change it the next night, but with recording, once you send the record off for duplication you can't change it. As I sit now and listen to the final mixes of the record, I wouldn't change anything."
"It's Getting Too Late to Say It's Early" will be available at local music stores, iTunes and through Baker's MySpace site www.myspace.com/erickbakermusic. According to Baker, no hiatus from his usual band will be necessary to promote his new album. He points out that Down From Up has been very supportive of his solo endeavor and credits the band for its help. Having begun his act performing to small crowds that have grown with each show, Baker hopes to continue the natural progression of his fan base through playing out-of-town gigs in promotion of the release.
While Baker's performances until now have been solo, acoustic sets, he will mark the occasion of his new release by performing will a full band that includes piano, mandolin, bass, percussion and viola.
"The live show is emotionally intense," says Baker of his performances. "I am asking people to feel something when they are at my show. I want people to put their guard down and open their hearts. I want everyone in the room to connect through our common and shared experiences. I want people to love, laugh, hope and to cry. My hope is that the passion of my performance and the vulnerability of my words allows this connection to happen."
Tonight Erick Baker plays at The World Grotto in celebration of the new release. Also on the bill is Nashville's Treva and the Suits. The show's $10 admission includes a copy of the new CD. Music is scheduled to kick off at 10 p.m., and doors open at 9.
