JD Eicher & the Goodnights

Artist Information

Biography

"A kind of gentle innocence pervades, as if not trying to grab you as it passes by, but hoping you'll be touched." - Pittsburgh City Paper

Two years after the release of their debut album and hundreds of performances later, JD Eicher & the Goodnights deliver their sophomore release, entitled Shifting, which reaches out and touches listeners with vivid portraits of love, struggle, and hope.

Thirteen songs chart their journey from feel good pop to keys-out-front alternative rock. A radio-ready, polished sound with literate songwriting and intimate, swoon-worthy vocals has the Herald-Standard ranking the album with Pittsburgh's elite, saying that Shifting is "the best album from a local band since 'Restless Days' (The Clarks). Seriously, it's that good."

Forging their diverse musical backgrounds, JD Eicher (vocals/guitar), Dan Prokop (keys), Jim Merhaut (bass), and Ryan Kirk (drums/percussion) combine seasoned songwriting, rich vocals, melodic arrangements, and emphatic delivery to establish their own brand of “subtle pop.” They’ve created an album that has "the light, poppy quality of British bands Keane or The Script -- which has done plenty of damage on the airwaves -- but with more detail in the songwriting," says the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Produced by Paul Barber (My Favorite Highway, The Bigger Lights, The Friday Night Boys), Shifting is the manifestation of the band’s musical exploration and growth since the last record. “These guys can play,” notes Barber, “that's what made the sessions really rewarding.” Beyond the quartet’s growth as musicians, the theme of 'shifting' appears in the underlying emphasis on change in the songs, Eicher’s evolution as a songwriter, and the band’s ability to shift seamlessly between various styles, giving the album a "mainstream likability that is both charming and contagious," praises the Herald-Standard.

"With the release of Shifting, JD Eicher & the Goodnights take their place among the elite of Northeast Ohio-Western Pennsylvania bands,” exclaims The Vindicator. Not to be outdone, some think that the band is destined for a larger audience: "America will fall in love with JD Eicher,” proclaims Cindy Howes, Morning Mix Host & Producer at 91.3FM WYEP.

OPENED FOR:

Coldplay
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Rod Stewart
Bryan Adams
Hot Chelle Rae
Bret Michaels (of Poison)
Chelsea Clinton*
38 Special
Pete Yorn
Cartel
Anberlin
Matt White
Jay Nash
Sara Haze
Howling Bells
The Classic Crime
Jonezetta
These Green Eyes
Tyler Read
Red Wanting Blue
Jonah Smith
Jeffrey Gaines
and many more
*Performance at a
campaign speech


SOME PAST PERFORMANCES:

Blossom Music Center (Cleveland, OH)
First Niagara Pavilion (Pittsburgh, PA)
Eddie's Attic (Decatur, GA)
The Living Room (New York, NY)
National Underground (New York, NY)
The Elbo Room (Chicago, IL)
All Asia (Boston, MA)
102.5fm WDVE Morning Show Coffeehouse (Pittsburgh, PA)
91.3fm WYEP Third Thursday Concert (Pittsburgh, PA)
Foxy's (Jost Van Dyke, BVI)
The Acoustic Coffeehouse (Johnson City, TN)
Ebenezer's Coffeehouse (Washington, DC)
Beachland Ballroom (Cleveland, OH)
Agora Ballroom (Cleveland, OH)
The Hard Rock Cafe (Pittsburgh, PA)
The Grog Shop (Cleveland, OH)
Scarlet and Grey Cafe (Columbus, OH)
The Underground (Cincinnati, OH)
Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, OH)
University of Delaware (Newark, DE)
Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID)
Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT)
Endicott College (Beverly, MA)
University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH)
Saint Joseph College (West Hartford, CT)
Colby-Sawyer College (New London, NH)
Castleton State College (Castleton, VT)
Truman State University (Kirksville, MO)
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla, MO)
University of Saint Francis (Joliet, IL)
Saint John Fisher College (Rochester, NY)
Rutgers - Camden (Camden, NJ)
University of Dayton (Dayton, OH)
Penn State University (College Park, PA)

Instrumentation

JD Eicher - Vocals and Guitars
Jim Merhaut - Bass
Ryan Kirk - Drums/Percussion
Dan Prokop - keys, background vocals

Discography

LP - Shifting (2011)

1. The Beauty of It All
2. Two Weeks Back
3. Love is Gonna Find You
4. Feel the Rain
5. Easy
6. It's a Feeling
7. Fine Line
8. Distance and Space
9. I've Been Around
10. Blue Coat on the Carousel
11. Crazy
12. Mr. Misery
13. Fine Line (acoustic)


LP - The Shape of Things (2009)

1. The Shape of Things (intro)
2. This is Something
3. Broken Wave
4. White Lily
5. Not a Love Song
6. Wanderer
7. Black Walls
8. Catching Stones
9. Level Out
10. Wooden Shelves
11. You Are
12. Rain
13. I'll Be Your Calm
14. Stopping Grounds

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Youtube

Audio

• The Beauty Of It All
  Listen  
• Feel The Rain
  Listen  
• Love Is Gonna Find You
  Listen  
• Two Weeks Back
  Listen  
• Easy
  Listen  
• Distance and Space
  Listen  
• Crazy
  Listen  
• Mr. Misery
  Listen  
• Fine Line
  Listen  

Video

JD Eicher & the Goodnights - Easy (Official Video)

JD Eicher & the Goodnights - Level Out (Official Video)

Photo Gallery

Press

• JD Eicher and the Goodnights - 'Shifting' [+ Show ]
  

  By Clint Rhodes "I want to know what I've been missing," sings JD Eicher on the opener "The Beaut...By Clint Rhodes
  
  "I want to know what I've been missing," sings JD Eicher on the opener "The Beauty of it All" from the album "Shifting." The Clarks impressed me back in 2009 with the spirited "Restless Days." Now, the sophomore release by JD Eicher & the Goodnights is the best album I've heard from a local band since "Restless Days."
  
  Seriously, it's that good.
  
  With Eicher on vocals and guitars, Dan Prokop on keyboards, Jim Merhaut on bass and Ryan Kirk on drums, the versatile quartet delivers indelible pop masterpieces infused with sophisticated sincerity. Strong songwriting and masterfully orchestrated arrangements tell simple stories of life and love in an effortlessly elegant manner.
  
  "Two Weeks Back" features a funky undertone that bursts into an infectious chorus dripping with emotional reflection. "Love Is Gonna Find You" is another engaging pop attraction that features Eicher sounding like the charismatic Adam Levine from Maroon 5. "Crazy" is a robust delight featuring a frantically smooth Dave Matthews vibe that starts as abruptly as it stops.
  
  My personal favorite is the retro-sounding "Mr. Misery," which reminds me of the vintage compositions found on "Streetlife Serenade" and "Turnstiles" written by Billy Joel during the '70s.
  
  The band seamlessly shifts from varying styles without so much as a hiccup, giving "Shifting" a mainstream likeability that is both charming and contagious.
  
  Fans can see and celebrate with the band at a CD release party for "Shifting" on April 29 at the Hard Rock Cafe at Station Square. Doors open at 9 p.m. and WDVE's Jimmy Krenn will be on hand to conduct an interactive podcast with TV personality/comedienne Christine Blackburn at 9:30 p.m. followed by the band performing at 10 p.m. "Shifting" is a triumphant effort and is certainly not to be missed.

• Local Scene: JD Eicher's polished pop [+ Show ]
  

  With a little luck, JD Eicher and The Goodnights sound like they could be headed straight for pop ra...With a little luck, JD Eicher and The Goodnights sound like they could be headed straight for pop radio with the second album, "Shifting."
  
  The Pittsburgh/Youngstown band debuted last year with "The Shape of Things," displaying a distinct Dave Matthews influence. The band's quick follow-up has the light, poppy quality of British bands Keane or The Script -- which has done plenty of damage on the airwaves -- but with more detail in the songwriting.
  
  For this round, Mr. Eicher is joined once again by keyboardist Dan Prokop, who plays a big role in the sound, and drummer Ryan Kirk. Bassist Jim Merhaut has replaced Jordan Graham.
  
  Producer Paul Barber, who helped deliver the polished sound on this set of yearning songs, notes "these guys can play -- that's what made the session really rewarding."
  
  JD Eicher and the Goodnights play a release show at 10 p.m. Friday at the Hard Rock Cafe, Station Square, with host Christine Blackburn discussing with the band the stories behind the songs. Admission is $5, and "Shifting" will be on sale for $5 as well. Go to www.jdeicherandthegoodnights.com.
  

• College Testimonials/Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  “JD Eicher & The Goodnights are an up and coming group that is sweeping college audiences over with ...“JD Eicher & The Goodnights are an up and coming group that is sweeping college audiences over with their “sweet” acoustic sound. They were easy to work with and we booked them for a second performance the following semester. They are a group to watch!”
  -Della Marshall
  Associate Director of the Center for Student Involvement, Kent State University
  
  "JD Eicher and the Goodnights are one of the greatest and nicest bands that the University of Dayton has ever had at our campus. I would highly recommend bringing them to your campus since their music reaches such a wide variety of students. They are definitely worth it!"
  -David Mattingly
  Campus Activities Board President, University of Dayton
  
  “JD Eicher and the Goodnights was truly one of the best finds WBUQ found for our Bloomapalooza! A very sincere and commanding stage presence that drew in a larger crowd for our outdoor music fest! People walking by would stop and sit to listen to the set. Very easy to work with and helpful as well!”
  –Tara Maziarz
  Alternative Music Director/Business Director, 91.1 WBUQ, Bloomsburg University
  
  “JD Eicher & the Goodnights performed for us at EUP's Snowfest event. They put on a very good show and everyone really enjoyed their music! They interacted with the crowd and talked with students, which is always nice to see. The guys were all very friendly and a pleasure to have. They were very easy to work with and I was glad they were polite and thanked us for everything! I would love to have them back and I think any school would be lucky to have them!”
  -Kristen McLaughlin
  Graduate Assistant for Student Activities, Edinboro University
  
  “JD Eicher and the Goodnights put on a show that was both original and highly enjoyable. Their stage presence captured the attention of everyone in the audience, but that was probably also due to the band's talent as musicians. And considering how easy it was to get and stay in contact with them, I would love to have them back any time.”
  -Stephanie Cook
  Concert 4 Life Chair, Penn State Hazleton
  
  “JD is very easy to work with. He was a huge hit with the students, faculty, staff and surrounding community that visits our campus Starbucks. His original songs have meaning and depth that reach out to people. His smile is magnetic and draws people in.”
  -Lorri March
  Assistant Director, Campus Programs, The University of Akron
  
  “The performance by JD Eicher and the Goodnights in our Student Union on January 28, 2010, was received by our students very warmly. The band provided quality music for the two hours they performed. Publicity material arrived early which helped with publicizing the event. JD was excellent to work with from the initial phone call, to follow up calls, to securing a date, and through the day of the performance. I extended an invitation for a return visit, which is an invitation not always given.”
  -Frank Kaufman
  Director of Student Life and Athletics, Community College of Allegheny County – Boyce Campus
  
  “For an up and coming band, you cannot beat JD and the Goodnights. Their music is great for students, young adults and even some older adults. As one of the latter, I really enjoy JD's music. From the lyrics to the music, it is great. Since JD was a student at Westminster and booked this type of entertainment, he knows the process of getting the student group to review bands and then offering them an opportunity to perform. As a programmer, you cannot go wrong booking JD and the Goodnights.”
  -Camille Hawthorne
  Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Westminster College
  
  “I would like to take a minute and thank you and your band J.D. Eicher & the Goodnights for your performance at our campus on March 2, 2010. Our students, faculty and staff enjoyed your music. Your group was very professional, and I would highly recommend you to any other college, club or organization interested in booking you.”
  -Charles Bell
  Student Development Specialist, Community College of Allegheny County – North Campus
  
  "What can I say about JD Eicher & the Goodnights? They were such a delight to work with and a treat to listen to. I had the pleasure of working closely with this great group of guys when I was putting together a benefit concert for a local charity. The professionalism that they carry can only be matched by the genuine connection with the audience and amazing skills they show on stage. JD Eicher & the Goodnights are truly a class act and always welcomed back at my station!”
  -Ashley Ortiz
  Station Manager, 88.7 FM WJCU, John Carroll University
  

• JD Eicher: ‘Shifting’ direction on new album [+ Show ]
  

  By GUY D’ASTOLFO With the release of their sophomore album, “Shifting,” JD Eicher and the Goodnig...By GUY D’ASTOLFO
  
  With the release of their sophomore album, “Shifting,” JD Eicher and the Goodnights take their place among the elite of Northeast Ohio-Western Pennsylvania bands.
  
  The Youngstown-based band with the lush acoustic-rock sound also posted a video for the first single off the album, “Love Is Gonna Find You,” on YouTube this week. The disc can be purchased at an all-ages record- release party tonight at the Ursuline Center on Shields Road in Canfield. It will become available on iTunes on May 3.
  
  Eicher shared his thoughts on the new release and the band’s direction in this question-and-answer session.
  
  Q. The new album continues to explore life and relationships. Tell us about the songs and the musical growth from the band’s first album.
  
  A. When I wrote this record, I knew I wanted to call it “Shifting” for two reasons. No. 1, thematically, the record as a whole and the individual songs focus quite a bit on change, growth, and past-present- future. And No. 2, we’ve changed sonically as a band. The band is now composed of keys (Dan Prokop), guitar (Eicher), bass (Jim Merhaut) and drums (Ryan Kirk). Keys — which were sparse on the first record — play a much-larger role in these arrangements. When I’m writing, the themes I tend to gravitate toward are hope, truth and love. I think these are things we’re all looking for in some way, and I’ve always strived to write music that resonates with others.
  
  Q. Instrumental work is highlighted on the new album, making the songs punchier. How much thought went into the arrangement and recording process to give these songs a more-exciting landscape?
  
  A. Lots of thought went into the production of this record. We spent months arranging and pre-producing these songs. Then we worked with an excellent producer-engineer, Paul Barber, and we spent a month in his Maryland studio recording the songs. Mixing and mastering was also handled by some gifted engineers. We really wanted this record to be a step up from the last one in quality, and working with the right people was a focus. It was so rewarding to have that opportunity.
  
  Q. I imagine the past six months have been hectic. There were video shoots, a fundraising effort, and then the actual recording. Tell me about the run-up to “Shifting.”
  
  A. Lots of chaos! It’s been a truly crazy couple of months. We’ve shot three music videos and had a photo shoot, raised money for the new record, spent a month in Maryland recording it, handled tons of post-production elements, and there’s been a good amount of touring squeezed in, too! It’s exhausting! But it’s great at the same time.
  
  Q. What is next? Will the band do an extended road trip? Has it connected with fans regionally?
  
  A. For the new record, we have three release shows planned (Youngstown, Pittsburgh and Westminster College), and then we’ll get into our summer run of shows, which will be primarily festivals with some venues thrown into the mix. Touring has extended to a pretty large region (Vermont to Michigan, as well as Georgia and Illinois), and we hope to keep moving outward, though the bulk of our shows will remain in Pennsylvania and Ohio for a while.
  
  Q. How did you decide to hold the Youngstown release show at the Ursuline Center?
  
  A. The Ursuline Center is definitely a unique choice. Our fans span just about every age group, and it was hard to find an all-ages venue in the area that fit our style and accommodated the type of release-show format we were looking for. The Ursuline Center has the perfect room and stage, and it’s a great, family-friendly spot. We wanted to do a “storytellers” type of show, where we talk about the songs, answer questions, and play through the album. Additionally, a portion of the ticket sales ($5 at the door) will benefit the sisters. It seemed like a good choice all around.

• CD Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  JD Eicher & the Goodnights Shifting (Self-released) This quartet deliberately shifts among pop ...JD Eicher & the Goodnights
  Shifting
  (Self-released)
  
  This quartet deliberately shifts among pop styles, with friendly, sometimes gentle melodies and frequent suggestions of folk music as well as hints of self-acknowledged influences from The Beatles, the Dave Matthews Band and David Gray. A kind of gentle innocence pervades, as if not trying to grab you as it passes by, but hoping you'll be touched; most of the lamenting words pine for moved-on love.
  
  By Gordon Spencer
  
  JD Eicher & the Goodnights release show April 29, Hard Rock Café, Station Square.

• JD Eicher & The Goodnights - The Shape Of Things [+ Show ]
  

  Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA and northeastern Ohio, JD Eicher & the Goodnights carry a rust belt Pop ...Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA and northeastern Ohio, JD Eicher & the Goodnights carry a rust belt Pop sensibility and a melodic touch that smacks of U2 or Coldplay. Together since 2006, JD Eicher & the Goodnights play like a band that's been together for decades, and the catalyst is 20-year old singer/songwriter JD Eicher, who writes and performs with an aplomb that far outstrips his scant two decades. The Shape Of Things, JD Eicher & the Goodnights' debut album, captures both the ingrained maturity and youthful energy of a band too good to be so young and too young to know better.
  
  The Shape Of Things opens with the title track, subtitled Intro; a guitar and violin led romp that is bound to garner some Dave Matthews comparisons from those who aren't listening fully. The song is about perseverance and faith and not giving up on your dreams. Acoustic guitar and violin team to provide the vital rhythm of the song in contrast to Eicher's affectedly lyric vocal line. This Is Something could be the rebirth of an individual following a breakup. It's a hopeful song full of a blooming strength. There's anger and pain here but they fade even as the song progresses. Broken Wave brings delicious funk to a song where the narrator stands up for himself in a relationship that isn't balanced. It's a powerful song, evoking not so much anger as a new-found strength.
  
  Not A Love Song is sweet and sentimental, driven by a gorgeous counter-melody from the violin. The song so thoroughly evades cliche that it nearly comes full circle in one of the more emotionally honest songs I've heard in the new year. Wanderer points out how the wisdom can sometimes overcome the hive mind in a touching tribute to individuality not in and of itself, but in pursuit of true freedom. Catching Stone is unusual; an apology for the over-reactions and hyper-sensitivities that sometimes arise in relationships. It's a powerful song with a tremendous chorus that will get stuck in your grill. Level Out is a personal favorite, utilizing a mildly percussive guitar as a plaintive counterpart to a soaring melody about hope. Eicher does a tremendous job of story-telling here in vignettes, and vocally it's the high point of the album as well. Wooden Shelves shows a similar propensity for story-telling and is nearly as good.
  
  You Are is a delightfully upbeat song about doubt and wonder. Eicher is seeking answers and understanding from a world he's only begun to comprehend. The chorus is highly memorable; one that stays with you. Rain fits in with the general theme of finding your place and role in the world, using raindrops and their intentions as an initial parallel. The message, essentially, is that everyone has questions, but don't sit around wondering, get out and find out by doing and trying things. It's a vibrant bit of folk rock that's highly enjoyable. Calm represents a hopeful offer that is forsaken and leads to the closing track, Stopping Grounds. Stopping Grounds is all about making a stand for yourself; finding a place of strength to stand up to the world and say "no more". It is a song of quiet strength and really is a trip full circle from where Eicher started out, like a metaphorical trip of self discovery that winds up right where you started, but knowing that that, in fact, is the answer.
  
  The Shape Of Things is one of the most gloriously subtle pop albums of the past year, combining strong melodies full of beauty with storytelling peppered with insight and a sort of awkward grace. JD Eicher and the Goodnights deserve every bit of attention they get for The Shape Of Things, and much more that won't come in a fractured and factionalized music business. The hints of awkwardness make this album distinctly human and wholly personal, like a late night phone call from an old friend full of the insecurities and vulnerabilities you only whisper to someone who knows your heart. JD Eicher treats all who will listen like his closest friend, and he connects. The Shape Of Things is unique and timeless; a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc.
  
  Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)
  
  You can learn more about JD Eicher and the Goodnights at http://www.jdeicherandthegoodnights.com/. You can purchase The Shape Of Things on CD from JD Eicher and the Goodnights' Web Store, or you can download the album from iTunes.

• JD Eicher & The Goodnights' The Shape of Things [+ Show ]
  

  By Joe Stasio Early last night, I’m outside Bally’s in A.C., leaving my busted SUV with the valet...By Joe Stasio
  
  Early last night, I’m outside Bally’s in A.C., leaving my busted SUV with the valet, and making my way inside. Greeted by hostesses I’ve grown to recognize, there was almost a boredom in my step as I strolled toward the craps table I always make a few bucks on. To my left is the bar and an inappropriately dressed woman with a cigarette hanging from her lips. Security approaches her. On my right is a poker table seating Dave Matthews, the remaining members of Kansas, Jamiroquai, and the bald guy from Vertical Horizon. At second glance, I realize I’m at my computer desk wearing headphones, watching Deniro and Pesci in Casino, and playing JD Eicher & The Goodnights’ The Shape of Things.
  
  I was initially taken back at the monstrously impressive lineup of acts that JD has shared the stage with but after a few listens to the very comprehensive songwriting and very distinct voice of JD, I was able to more reasonably picture The Goodnights sharing the stage with Coldplay and Anberlin, among many others. After the initial awe and jealously subsided, I turned my attention to the style variety on the The Shape of Things, and was again impressed. This 4-piece funks around a little on one of the more popular tracks off the record “Broken Wave”, and not the kind of funk that comes from a band saying “lets write a funk song” but the kind of funk that comes when you’re not trying to funk. As is with all of JD’s songs, the style of each particular track is a product of the songwriting process, as opposed to a more forced method, and it’s apparent throughout.
  
  The band is composed like a normal modern rock/pop band, with the addition of a violin, an effect that add’s a lot to the otherwise familiar instrumentation. Louis Simeone is responsible for both the violin and an electric mandolin, both of which are an awesome addition to the band’s unique vibe. Ryan Kirk, the band’s drummer, is another major contributor to the album’s success. The record’s drums are both energetic and subdued when necessary, and always appropriately layered with JD’s acoustic, the violin, and bass guitar.
  
  For what it’s worth, I ordinarily find bluesy rock singing extremely off-putting while JD does it with enough youth and special sauce to keep me content. He employees the high-pitch, big-range, front-man thing enough to remind me of what Coheed’s Claudio does with his voice, but without any of the melodrama and eye-makeup that comes with it. You might see JD at a pub, onstage with Coldplay, or at the Trocadero opening for Tegan and Sara, and all would feel like home. It’s this comfortable approachability that will contribute to JD’s further success.
  
  My favorite track, “This is Something” reminds me much of my high school days (back about 10 years ago when VH1 still played music non-divas liked), ripe with a delicious pulsing bass guitar, and JD’s now signature dynamic and swerving vocal melodies. What’s more, is that I get that chill at about 1:17 - really the only criteria for putting this track in my regular rotation. And that, like anything, should be the only criteria for something’s success: how does it affect you? JD&TG’s The Shape of Things is full of moments that jog my memory, strike a chord with my emotion, and keep a smile on my face when I’m complacently and dully designing websites all day. If it can do that for me, a bored and frustrated “music critic” then it can certainly do something for you.

• Shaping Up to Be a Good Thing [+ Show ]
  

  By Andy Kerstetter It’s one of those days: you stayed up late watching movies, woke up to realize...By Andy Kerstetter
  
  It’s one of those days: you stayed up late watching movies, woke up to realize you have a test in the evening you forgot to study for, and to top it all off you slept through your alarm and will be late for work. You feel you need a pick-me-up before heading out the door. So, what’ll it be: maybe coffee? No, takes too long; what about one of your mom’s homemade cookies? No, your friends ate them all last night. So, what do you do? I say forget all that other stuff: just get your clothes on and get out (can’t be late!). But before you go, don’t forget to grab The Shape of Things, the debut CD by indie acoustic-rock band JD Eicher and the Goodnights.
  
  Formed at Westminster College in 2006, JD Eicher and the Goodnights have made an album that can stand in for all your other pick-me-ups: without the extra calories, too. JD and his band-mates waste no words or sounds in this energetic collection. This 5-piece group—composed of musicians representing a range of instruments from the drums and guitar to the harmonica and electric mandolin—will help prop your eyelids open and put a spring in your step while you trudge through the day.
  
  From the energetic, almost funk-ish “Broken Wave” to slower, softer “Stopping Grounds,” The Shape of Things represents a diverse range of tones and emotions to soothe as well as invigorate. Any fans of other indie or acoustic bands will most likely find a measure of satisfaction in this CD. Also, music aficionados need not be turned off by the band’s indie, regional status: these guys know their stuff. Ryan Kirk’s subtle drumming and Louis Simeone’s expressive, flitting violin lines blend perfectly with the keyboard and JD’s skillful guitar playing. Also, JD’s distinct voice and expressive nuances add another dimension of uniqueness to the album’s sound. Overall this album represents the hard work and creative talent only practiced musicians can accomplish.
  
  Speaking of creative talent, the lyrics for all the songs are catchy and meaningful. Poets and other creative manipulators of language will be satisfied by songs such as “Catching Stones” and “You Are” for their interesting images and metaphors. Also, “Black Walls” (my favorite track) offers up some philosophical musings about human nature that will keep you thinking long after the music’s stopped.
  
  If you weren’t lucky enough to see them in concert at Beaver Falls Coffee & Tea on Friday, Jan. 14, you can catch The Shape of Things on iTunes; or you could keep your eyes open for shows around the area—they sell CDs and other merchandise at their concerts. You can also read more about them at their website, www.jdeicherandthegoodnights.com. One thing’s for sure: there’s something in this album for everyone, and I can think of no good reason for both casual and dedicated music lovers not to check it out.

• JD Eicher & the Goodnights [+ Show ]
  

  JD Eicher and the Goodnights have just cut their new album, The Shape of Things, at the Earthwork Re...JD Eicher and the Goodnights have just cut their new album, The Shape of Things, at the Earthwork Recording Studio in Newark, Ohio. The clean guitar and singing skills of Eicher are matched with a flawless bass guitarist, drummer, and rhythm guitarist. This foursome brings a combination of blues music and progressive rock to the next level. Their song titled, “Broken Wave,” shows Eicher’s ability to simultaneously sing and play a lead guitar. He mends his vocals and guitar to create a soulful blues sound. Uniquely, the tone of his electric guitar is successfully Stevie Ray Vaughn-like. Eicher has a high vocal range, good sustain, and control. We see the pop side of the band in their song “Not a Love Song”. The song is based around an acoustic guitar arrangement with deep lyrics, and it comes in full force with piano, drums, and violin accompaniment. “Level Out” takes on a John Mayer plucking style on the electric guitar and progresses into a rock song. The majority of the songs are based around an acoustic sound consisting of strumming, plucking, and chiming. However, the songs are accompanied by multiple instruments, including violin, piano, traditional drums, bongo drums, shakers, bass guitar, and other acoustic instruments. Their new album is available here [BreakingBand.com] for both digital download and hard copy. For more information about the band, visit their website at www.jdeicherandthegoodnights.com. (Review by Jake Greene)

Setlist

The band plays a blend of original songs and popular covers from artists like The Beatles, Coldplay, Tom Petty, and many more.

Basic Requirements

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