Dividing his time between song writing, performing, teaching a class of lively fifth graders, and enjoying lazy weekend afternoons with his beautiful wife, Eric Jackson never comes up short of things to write about. Raised in the northern region of the “Great Lakes State” and now residing amidst the hustle and bustle of greater Chicagoland, Eric uses his life experiences to create songs that travel a musical landscape, from rural simplicity to urban energy.
A pianist since the age of six, Jackson grew up paying close attention to singer/songwriters who shared the same affinity for his chosen instrument. Bruce Hornsby, Joshua Kadison, Marc Cohn, and alternative rocker Ben Folds have all influenced him both melodically and lyrically. Discovering and writing melodies began immediately after learning his first scale. Figuring out radio songs on the piano by ear and reading the sheet music his teacher (also his grandmother) provided him helped to hone his song writing skills.
It wasn’t until college that Jackson began singing the songs he had written (mostly to his future wife with no one else in earshot). It was then that he discovered a solid tenor buried beneath his sometimes quiet speaking voice. Upon graduation, marriage, and moving two states over, Eric was ready to perform publicly. An abundance of singer/songwriter venues in and around Chicago provided the outlet for his music to be heard. Positive feedback and an ever growing audience fed his desire to fulfill his dream of recording an album.
ASTOR STREET, Jackson’s self-produced debut album which was released in the spring of 2004, is the culmination of two years of writing that centers around a major time of transition in his life. The collection of ten songs demonstrates Jackson’s creative style and unique ability to travel through different story lines. Reflective commentary paired with pop-drenched melodies take listeners on a journey through an eclectic mix of piano-based folk rock.
Currently, Eric is performing throughout Chicagoland accompanied by accomplished guitarist and bassist, Shawn Yeager.
For more information, visit their website: http://www.ericjacksonmusic.com
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