Feature

ERIC ROBERSON: DRUMMIN' IT THIS OCTOBER

Soul music master Eric Roberson plays an intimate gig at The Drum on Saturday 6 October, performing damn fine tracks from his new album ‘LEFT’. Eric has been making music for more than a decade, quietly building a massive following in the US.

Billboard Magazine (July, 2006) claims ‘He has the audience eating out of his hand…every bit a high-profile crowd pleaser as a Prince, Usher or Mary J Blige.’

The New Jersey based vocalist’s latest album is without doubt one of his strongest collections of songs to date, including ‘I Luv U 2 Much’, a duet with Atlanta vocalist Algebra Blessett, and ‘Been In Love’, featuring Phonte from Little Brother. A huge hip hop fan, his influences include ‘Slick Rick’ and ‘A Tribe Called Quest’; echoes of which you can hear in his music; the infectious ‘Been in Love’ track on the album has a strong hip hop vibe rather than soul or R&B groove.

Trained at musical theatre school, Eric is well known for taking his live performances to the next level; with his inner-thespian telling the story of each song. Originally signed to Warner Brothers at the start of his 13-year career, the New Jersey native soon became disengaged with major label politics. Instead Roberson focussed on his song writing, which paid off with an arsenal of hits for Vivian Green, Musiq, Jill Scott and Dwele.

In 2001, Erro (as his fans call him) started releasing his own music on his own label, Blue Erro Soul. Now on his fifth release, he has amassed a loyal following. The singer, songwriter, producer, and businessman had become one of the most successful artists at the forefront of a home-grown, independent soul phenomenon; where finally he took control of his destiny. Roberson's latest CD, LEFT released last month, was recently nominated for an America’s BET Award (Black Entertainment Television), putting him alongside luminaries like Gerald Levert and Brian McKnight and making him the only independent musician up for a BET Award in any category in the history of the program!

Eric performs exclusive tracks from his U.S back catalogue along with infectious tracks from his new album.

Tickets on sale now from £10 (£8 advance), £15 on the door -
Box Office: 0121 333 2444
Or book online at
http://www.the-drum.org.uk
Words Daniella V Robbins