Review: Eric Bickerstaffe

Eric Bickerstaffe - New Day EP (Independent)
Eric Bickerstaffe was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. In 2009 he relocated to Los Angeles to study guitar technique, and graduated in 2010. His debut release, the “New Day” EP was recorded with Dave Weiner (Steve Vai band) and self-released at the end of 2011.

Bickerstaffe is an accomplished finger-style guitarist with a real feel for both his instrument and the musical moods he creates. Over five tracks he builds atmosphere and ambience, bouncing tempos and releasing delightfully fluid lines. The title track is particularly impressive, moving from dark and menacing, to bright and something approaching jaunty with in its four-minute span. It reminds me a little of John Martyn – if not the style then certainly the range. It’s followed by “From The Shore”, and images of aerial shots of coastline flood the lobes as the melody winds it way through coves and across mile-wide beaches – it’s wonderfully evocative. “Raindrop” is the final track and he again manages to match sound to imagery in a most startling way. Five tracks simply aren’t enough.
http://ericbickerstaffe.bandcamp.com/
http://ericbickerstaffe.com/
Rob F.