ERIC STRICKLAND

ERIC STRICKLAND
BLACK AND WHITE AND BLUE

No Label
No Number

This new album from Eric Strickland is an acoustic departure from his previous releases, which were pretty much hard country. Strickland began playing guitar at an early age and started writing songs in his late teens. He cites his influences growing up were Jimmy Martin, Al Batten, Flatt & Scruggs, and Tony Rice. Eric plays guitar and sings lead vocals. Guest musicians include Gary Braddy (vocals), Sarah Hollis (fiddle), Jeff Huffman (guitar), Danny Grant (banjo, guitar), Chris Hill (fiddle), Chris Malpass (vocals), Mike Aldridge (mandolin), Mary Warren (bass), Clyde Mattocks (resonator guitar).

Of the twelve songs here, Strickland wrote nine of them. His songs include the title-track, along with “Give Me One Good Reason,” “I Ain’t Much Of An Outlaw,” “That Ol’ River,” and “Angel Like You.” He also does a nice version of “Widow Maker,” a hit for Jimmy Martin, and he reprises Don Reno’s “Talk Of The Town,” which also features Chris Malpass. This is a very nice project of Strickland’s songs—a good effort from this gentleman from North Carolina. (www.theericstricklandmusic.com)BF