Erik Sootes
Gig Seeker Pro

Erik Sootes

Kennesaw, Georgia, United States

Kennesaw, Georgia, United States
Band Rock Acoustic

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Erik Sootes: Nerves"

The classical guitar album "Nerves" opens with a Spanish-influenced intro featuring a plaintive, simple melody over ostinato layering reminiscent of the Pink Floyd soundtrack "More." Moving on to a blues progression in the next track, we hear a well-played solo, which makes use of flamenco-style tremolo, and by the fifth track we are treated to an anxiety-riven ambient piece which lends it's name to the title. Though this and all other music is played on the same single guitar, it manages to create a sound more reminiscent of a techno sampling of an old Moog synthesizer than the Ovation Celebrity Deluxe, weaving together a myriad number of tracks into a seamless orchestra, albeit a spooky one.

Yes, Erik Sootes is a competent guitar player, but he also has quite an ear for recording, and throughout this self-written, self-played, self-recorded CD we hear a singular mood which is at once comfortably familiar, and alien; like the moon's frozen surface.

The pieces are short enough to hold the listener rapt, and are without the self-important pomp that often accompanies solo CDs. Here one finds pieces that create an emotional mood moving enough to fill strange spaces with warmth, while expounding on ancient and recent musical ideas with the knowledge of a studied artisan. All this is punctuated by the surreal "Nerves" theme, upon which Sootes experiments successfully, rising and falling in volume and excitement, each visitation adding more to the haunting minimalism.

This is a classical guitar CD for rock, techno and progressive rock fans, and one that will stay in my CD collection. At last, an intelligent CD which is fun to listen to.

Serena Vale
- KICKERS OF ASS FOR 2003


Discography

2008 - “Hit”
2008 - “V.I.P”
2008 - “Smoozzie”
2006 - “Good Night”
2006 - “Fuga”
2005 - “Songs Without Words”
2005 - “When It Rains It Pours”
2005 - “Smiles”
2005 - “Diary” Book 1
2004 - “Spring”
2003 - “Fall”
2003 - “Soul-Impress”
2002 - “Spanish Image”
2001 - “Nerves”
1997 - “Wax-Figures Museum”

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Bio

A music scholar, professional composer and performer Erik Sootes comes from a multiethnic background. He always experiments with variety of styles, looking for a new sound and ways to show what guitar is capable of. On stage and in the recording studio he masterfully changes guitars, using classical, western and electric. He has his own signature style that combines Jazz, Blues, Flamenco, Classical, Rock, Hip-Hop, New Age, etc. His compositions are an eclectic mix. They are fresh and don't sound like anyone else's.

Erik started his music career in the late 70's. He studied, taught music and performed for a variety of audiences in Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. He performed solo concerts and as part of a band.

When he immigrated to the U.S. in 1997, he started his life and music career from scratch. Surviving in a new environment he beat the odds and managed to have solo concert tours on the East and the West Coasts, as well as the Nation-wide tour, and signed a contract with MTV.

Erik has performed on such legendary stages as CB's Gallery in New York City and Celebrity Center International in Hollywood, CA. He has been invited to give radio interviews in New York and Massachusetts, including a two-hour show dedicated entirely to his works. His music in the album "Spanish Image" was selected for "All Songs Considered" on National Public Radio-NPR.
Erik's music truly has a Universal appeal. In a short time in the U.S., Erik Sootes earned a name of a One-Man-Orchestra, reaching with his masterful performances audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Erik has been participating in various music festivals and events and is continuing to give solo concerts all over the country. People of different ages and backgrounds who have been to Erik's concerts call his performances magical and unforgettable.