Artist Information
Biography
Erica Smith's voice possesses an easy sensuality that lures you in with sweetness and light and then, cutting loose on a soul number, bitchslaps you.
Erica Smith's ambitious original repertoire ranges from acoustic folk to old-school soul to janglepop to torch . . . a heady combination that recalls both the soothing strains of Judy Collins circa 1970 and the unbridled passion of Nina Simone. Like these artists, Erica Smith cuts a wide swath through many genres and owns them, sparkling and glinting off of her top-notch band.
Erica toured solo through the U.S. and U.K. in 2002-2003 to support her lush 2002 release FRIEND OR FOE. During that time, Erica was a guest on Charlie Gillett's "Sound of the World" show in BBC London, as well as on legendary freeform station WFMU and many other fine stations. Erica brought together her present lineup, the 99 Cent Dreams, in late 2003. Comprised of half of the celebrated New York band Love Camp 7, the 99 Cent Dreams add texture, sizzle, and jump to Erica's new compositions. Erica Smith and the 99 Cent Dreams began recording SNOWBLIND in 2004.
In 2005 the band went on temporary gig-hiatus following the sudden death of Erica's boyfriend. Determined to carry on, and with new songs in tow, they resumed recording SNOWBLIND in late 2005, and gigging in 2006. SNOWBLIND will be released late 2006, followed by a full-band tour of The U.S. and U.K.
Instrumentation
Erica Smith, vocals and guitar; Dann Baker, guitar; Dave Campbell, drums; Alan Young, bass
Discography
FRIEND OR FOE, 2002, received radio airplay nationwide in the U.S. (AAA, freeform, XM/Sirius, NPR) and also was featured on the BBC and European indie stations.
Official Website
Video
Press
Setlist
Set list -- 1 hour
"Tonight": Brazilian-flavored pop
"Heart": Old-school James Brown soul
"In Late July" Ethereal pop a la Jane Siberry
"Easy Now": 4/4 janglepop
"Nashville, Tennessee": slow-build waltz with gothic guitar
"Where and When": quick, gritty New Wave treat
"Start from Nothing": psychedelic morsel
"The World is Full of Pretty Girls": savory country waltz
"Masters of War": Dylan classic rendered in 5/4 with heart-stopping jazz drum break
