Edison Arthur

Admit it. You're a sucker for a guy belting out tunes from behind a piano. Sure, you may scoff at Billy Joel when you're at the bar with your friends and "Piano Man" comes on the jukebox. But you know that when that same song comes on the radio and nobody's looking, you sing along. Edison Arthur is not exactly a piano man in the mold of Joel, as his slightly cynical lyrics and modern pop sensibilities remind one more of contemporary artists such as Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright or Jamie Cullum. His new album, Whatever We Are (Selected Works 2000-2006) just smacks of an artist ready for the big time. Arthur's look and sound seem MTV-ready, but don't let the hair gel and tight T-shirts fool you. Songs like "Deadly and Cruel" and "Nasia," besides sounding radio-friendly, contain a depth of lyrical content that belies his poppy exterior. Additionally, the album's final track, a live recording of the song "Middle of the Day" seems to suggest that Arthur can hold it down on stage as well as on tape. Ladies and gentlemen, the piano man is back. --Casey Hayman

- Buzz Magazine

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Edison Arthur is a local artist with international appeal.

The singer-songwriter, who already has two tours of Europe under his belt, will celebrate the release of the new EP "Complicated Man" with a show Friday night at BWE Music Theater in downtown Springfield.

"I played shows in Munich and Berlin about six weeks ago," Arthur said. "I was also there in December. I am really looking forward to playing a big show in Springfield."

Originally from Agawam, Arthur has been living in Northampton the past two years and splitting time between recording, performing and showcasing for major labels.

"In college, I was writing poetry and I had been playing piano since I was about 7," Arthur said. "I started merging the two. I went to school in England and started playing a lot out there, meeting other musicians, and suddenly the light went on. This is what I wanted to do."

Arthur started recording and sending out tracks. He landed a management deal that led to showcases, high-profile shows overseas, and in such venues as New York's Knitting Factory.

"It has all been very interesting," he said.

Arthur's style can best be described as alternative pop. He turns simple piano ballads upside down with an intensity that is usually reserved for hard rock.

Locally, Arthur honed his chops with weekly sessions at Shakago in downtown Springfield.

"I played there every other week or so over the last two summers," he said. "I also got involved in open mikes in Northampton."

Arthur is hoping the local following he has developed will come out to support him at a new venue Friday night.

He said BWE Music Theater is " the place where I've recorded for the last few years." "This will be the first time it's open to the public. The sound in there is incredible. It's a great place to do a show." - The Republican Newspaper

Edison Arthur's "The Epic Interior" awarded: Best Independent Rock/Pop Release of the year - MassLive.com & The Republican

February 16th, 2006

"...Arthur has been performing to crowds throughout New England and New York.....garnering a reputation for being an intensely honest and totally original artist...." - Agawam Advertiser News