Search - Eric Andersen :: Ghosts Upon the Road

Eclectic and Haunting Folk Music From Eric Andersen!

Barron Laycock | Temple, New Hampshire United States | 03/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard some of the material on this album when Eric Andersen appeared at the now defunct Folkways Coffee House in Peterborough, New Hampshire on Thanksgiving eve in 1992. Andersen is the real thing, a super talent who writes, composes, and performs mostly his own material. That night his rendition of a number of the songs here, including "Belgian Bar" "Spanish Steps", and "Irish Lace" brought oohs and ahs from the crowd. Yet his confessional retrospective by way of the truly magical "Ghosts Upon The Road' blew us all away, bringing chills, cheers, and a standing ovation from the hundred or so members of the audience, who were moved by his graphic, emotional, and deeply personal evopcations of life early on in the folk years at the beginning of the 1960s. Andersen has long been a personal favorite of mine, and is even better in person than on CD, which is no mean feat. Herein, from the opening bars of "Carry Me Away" to Six Senses of Darkness", he gives new credence to the idea that real talent can continue to grow and mature litteraly over decades and decades. Like James Taylor or Van Morrison, Andersen's music is based on timeless melodies and lyrics, but unlike these other superstars, he imbues his songs with a gritty edge that reveal his insight into the nature of things. Most of the songs in this CD are written by Andersen, and the range of his writing and composition talent is apparent. His voice is at once sweet, mellow, and smoky, and his ability and arrangements based around his sparkling acoustic guitar work is marvelous to listen to again. Buy this album, listen to it, and be prepared to be entertained and amazed."

Classic Excellence

Earl D. Brogan | Lake Linden, MI USA | 01/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album--sorry, showing my age--cd release is simply excellent. Andersen's lyrics and music are in top form. There's songs of his that may be better known from the folk days, but this 1988 collection is Andersen in complete control of his muse. His European connections, Boston and New York experiences, and a memorable cast of characters (and references) make for an autobiographical and literate collection. At over ten minutes, the sustained narrative of the title track "Ghosts Upon the Road" would be a classic on any cd, but the rest of the material like the lovely "Irish Lace" (about two women from Andersen's past) and "Spanish Steps" (a New York reflection on events and emotions in Rome), although of more standard length, are just as strong.This isn't background music; it demands and deserves attention. John Levanthal shares credits on two cuts, but this is Andersen at his best.I've been waiting for this re-release for a long time."