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Sunday, 21 June, 2009 1:32 AM
CMA New Artist Spotlight: Eric
Durrance
Photo
by Dave Bergman
Eric
Durrance
| By
Bob Doerschuk |
| ©
2009 CMA Close Up News Service |
Fans of the Eagles, and
especially those who gravitate toward Don Henley, will find plenty
to like in the phrasing, songwriting and overall sound of Eric Durrance.
This is evident from the first moments of "Someone I Can't
Live Without," the opening cut on Angels Fly Away, one of Durrance's
three co-writes among the 10 covers and one solo-written track on
his debut album for Wind-up Records Nashville.
But then, the more you
listen, the more a unique talent asserts itself. He sings mostly
in a mid-to-upper baritone range, yet when the melody climbs into
a power chorus, he rides with it, his tone straying dusky and rich
even as it nails each note with emotion and conviction. This technique
asserts itself clearly on Durrance's first single, the title track,
written by Dallas Davidson and Craig Wiseman, but the artistry behind
it is most apparent in how gracefully he bridges those choruses
to the intimate and even conversational quality he brings to the
verses.
Raised by a musical family
in Tallahassee, Fla., Durrance inherited his feel for Country Music
from his grandparents and his finesse at harmony from both parents.
The rest he learned through doing the music he loves - and that
love, documented by producers Mark Bright and Teddy Gentry, lifts
Angels Fly Away toward impressive heights of achievement.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Q&A
DREAM DUET PARTNER
"I have three: George Jones, Don Henley and Carrie Underwood."
PET PEEVE
"People who have no respect for other people's property."
FAVORITE FOOD ON
THE ROAD
"Sushi."
FIRST GIG
"A pub in Tallahassee back in 1996. I made $100 and split it
with the band at $25 each."
TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
"Where the River Meets the Sea."
ACTOR TO PORTRAY
YOU IN A BIOPIC ABOUT YOUR LIFE
"Joaquin Phoenix."
WHEN THEY LOOK BACK
ON YOUR LIFE IN 50 YEARS, WHAT YOU HOPE PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOU
"There's a guy who never gave up on his dream, who was able
to change with the times, but remained true to himself in the process."
WHAT YOU WOULD PUT
IN YOUR PERSONAL TIME CAPSULE, FOR FUTURE ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES
"I would put a message saying, 'follow your heart and nothing
else because that's where all great things come from.'"
YOUR GREATEST SHORT-
AND LONG-TERM CHALLENGES AND ASPIRATIONS
"Short term plan: To get out on the road and tour as much as
I can. As a new artist, I feel time on the road is so important
for 'growth.' Long term goal: Eventually, I'd like to produce other
artists. Some people have gotten record deals by recording my songs
- and I did the demo production. I'd really like to take producing
to a higher, serious level someday."
WHAT CAN YOU TELL
US ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE'D NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU
"I guess that I'm a little old-fashioned when it comes to life
and living my life. I love children. I love being near my family
and friends. Most people say I have an old soul but for those who
don't know me well, the perception might be that I live like I'm
a rock star. I'm as down-home as it gets."
On the Web:
www.ericdurrance.com
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