By Martine Ehrenclou
One of the joys of Rock and Blues Muse is discovering thrilling new music. I stumbled upon Eric Steckel’s new-ish album, Polyphonic Prayer, released early 2018. I wish I’d tripped the sound of this six-string powerhouse guitarist/vocalist before now. Polyphonic Prayer is Steckel’s 10thalbum and a follow up to his 2015 Black Gold record.
As soon as I heard the opening, “Waitin’ For the Bus” (ZZ Top cover,) I grabbed the album on Spotify. This was no ordinary cover—Steckel’s version is similar in guitar tone only. His vocals are gutsy, bluesy and soulful. Steckel is an innovative and energetic guitar player with a killer style, and really, who can cover an early ZZ Top song and do it better?
Dare I say, Steckel himself. And I’m a Billy Gibbons fan, so that says a lot.
I’d actually asked Eric who played the piano on the next tune, “We’re Still Friends” as the beginning is all piano and it’s played beautifully. It’s Eric himself on piano and Hammond B3. This song begins quietly with his voice sweeping the keys. And what a great voice he has. The guitar solo is in one word-inspired. Okay two words—stunning. Tone, feel, everything. One would need a vast vocabulary to capture Eric Steckel’s talents.
When asked about his record, Eric said, “I wanted to return to my Blues roots a bit on this album, while still having a modern rock/metal production style.” The album was produced by Eric and offers six covers (blues classics) and four originals. He plays all of the instruments on the record except for drums– guitar, piano, B3 and bass.
“She’s 19 years old” is foot-stompin’ dirty blues-rock. This is to be blasted through great quality headphones or speakers. Yes, it’s that good.
Exquisite guitar players don’t always come with ear-pleasing, soulful vocals, and if they do, the vocals can sometimes lack emotion. Not with Eric Steckel. Whew, this guy is good. The guitar solo, as with others on this album, will, for many, tease the hair on your arms as it did mine. This ‘aint no ordinary 12-bar blues.
No wonder the young Steckel was invited by blues legend, John Mayall, to appear with the Blues Breakers in Sweden, Norway and Denmark during their Scandinavian tour and to play on one of their albums.
“Unforgettable” is a mournful rock tune with crossover appeal by way of the vocals and melody. But when Steckel’s guitar rages in, we’re right back in rock territory.
“Tennessee” circles back to the blues-rock groove Steckel is right at home with. It’s a rocker, a tune that will thrill rock and guitar fans alike. With a virtuosic grasp of the guitar, his playing is a guitar feast.
If you’re in the mood for a 12-bar blues song that’s prime for a roadhouse bar, listen to “It’s My Own Fault.” His vocals shine when he sings the blues, right down to the vocal phrasing. Again, his guitar work is downright brilliant. A bullet to the heart. Listen to it loud.
The album closes with “Make It Rain” a beautiful interpretation of a Foy Vance song, also done by Ed Sheeran. But there’s no vocal processing on this singer’s vocals. It opens with piano, Hammond B3, and Steckel’s moving vocals. He transforms this song into a blues scorcher. It’s hard to believe that Steckel’s virtuoso talents translate to the organ as well, but they do. There is quite an organ solo that graces the mid-section of the tune.
Polyphonic Prayer does offer a couple of tunes that push the envelope of mass market appeal. This might just be experimentation or an attempt to broaden the market of listeners.
But in an era where pedal boards, laptops and vocal processing have become the norm, it’s refreshing and exciting to listen to an artist whose music is authentic and whose talents are the real deal.
I welcome your comments. Please comment below.
For more information on Polyphonic Prayer and Eric Steckel:
Website: https://www.ericsteckel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.m.steckel
Apple/iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/polyphonic-prayer/1336628292
I’ve been listening to Eric for a while
He was a child blues guitar slinger and put out some albums as a youngster literally.
He had been more traditional blues but has moved for a harder rock sound in these last two albums.Very talented all around.Great guitar player for sure.
Yes, yes,yes. Would go in a heartbeat again to see. I mentioned to you at Redkey Blues palace that your playing was like Al Di Meola fast, immensely enjoyed your talent.
I agree with you 100% on all aspects of this article. I was fortunate enough to grow up in Austin, Texas and snuck out of the house every Thursday night to go see Stevie Ray Vaughan play live at Steamboat. I eventually ended up working in the Blues and music industry here in town and was truly fortunate to have been exposed to some of the most notable and best blues and guitar players in the world.
I ran across Eric last year a couple of weeks after having missed a show of his locally and immediately regretted having missed the show. After having listened to all of his albums as well as many of his amazing videos shot in the studio, I could not be more impressed. This young man has guitar ability like I have never seen before. He can literally jam with the totally mind splitting solo, ranging from slow and smooth 2 ear shredding in a heartbeat, seemingly forever. I watched him play non-stop jams 4:35 or more minutes without missing a beat the entire time. In my book, Eric has officially been promoted to the single best guitar player that I have ever heard, and that is a title that I do not give out casually.
Eric is definitely one to watch, as I expect that his career is going to Skyrocket as more and more people hear and take note of his immense talent.
Craig,
You were fortunate to grow up in Austin and to see SRV play live. Wonderful. Agreed about Eric Steckel, he’s one to watch for sure, and has a truly amazing ability. Great singer too. Thanks for your comment.
Eric is a monster of talent. Been following him for a few years. Such a nice guy, too! There have been very few new players that have sparked my interest for a long time. He took me by storm
Warren,
Monster of a talent is right. He took me by storm too. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for sharing, Martine! Because of your note in my in-box, I have a new rising blues guitar phenom to listen to, enjoy, and in turn share with my friends! (Don’t worry – I always give credit where it’s due!). Eric’s musicianship and vocal prowess is way beyond his young years. I love his latest release, “Polyphonic Prayer”, and am listening to his “Dismantle The Sun” as I write this note. I checked out his website, and schedule, and just bought tickets to see him at a local venue come July. I look forward to sitting back with a drink in hand and closing my eyes in the warm summer days, and taking in what this young man has to say with his voice, his instruments (I was astonished to learn he plays everything except the drums!) and what he has to say from his heart and soul. I think we’re all in for a treat as he explores other areas in his musical career. Again, thanks Martine, for turning this blues fan on to somebody I never would have known about, if it were not for your Rock and Blues Muse! Peace.
Paul,
Thank you for your kind words and lovely comment. That’s so great to hear that you discovered Eric Steckel through my review and like him so much! That’s the goal! That’s why I do this. And I’m so happy to hear you are going to see his live show. I bet he is unbelievable live.
I agree with you that we’re in for a treat as Eric explores musically.
Thanks again for letting me know.
Very on point review, Martine. Eric is the total package. Great musician, vocalist, producer and as Warren said, a really nice guy. People just discovering him should go back through his other albums. He has some great ones . I listen to “Dismantle the Sun”, “California Sessions” and “Black Gold” pretty often.
Marc,
Thank you. Agree with your description of Eric. Thanks for the tip on his albums. Thanks for your comment.
Has Gary Moore style and his voice sounds alot like him. Fine guitar playing and great voice. Bright future. Will keep an eye out for him in the future.
Hello Eric Steckel je suis dingue de son jeu de guitare de ses propres compositions…ça fait vraiment du bien ce genre de gratteux enormissime ..pour un fan absolu de Gary Moore Page Blackmore Walter Trout Danny Briant David Gilmour etc…..ie le trouve parfait le son de sa gratte sa voix …c est divin.il sublime la six cordes…..
I am