The Enright Hotel

The Enright Hotel is the joining of forces of two musicians with rare versatility, abilities, and accomplishments: Steve Hackman- singer, songwriter, pianist, guitarist, composer, conductor, and American Idol Season 7 semifinalist, and Bill James- singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer, and recording engineer.

Finalists in this year’s John Lennon Songwriting Competition, The Enright Hotel creates stunningly beautiful harmonies that float atop ethereal musical landscapes. The sound, which they call alternative-electronica-singer/songwriter, is like a contemporary Simon and Garfunkel- who had grown up listening to Radiohead, Bjork, and The Postal Service.

Both Bill and Steve were music directors of ‘The Other Guys’ vocal ensemble at the University of Illinois, but at different times- Steve directed the group first, then went off to study conducting at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the younger Bill was admitted as a freshman to ‘The Other Guys’, and would eventually take over as director. Word of the extremely gifted freshman got to Steve quickly, and when Bill graduated years later with a music composition degree, an invitation to join a band was waiting- and The Enright Hotel was formed.

Suddenly Steve’s songs, which he had been crafting for years, had a second voice.

Momentum picked up very quickly. Their very first gig was in front of 2000 people, opening up for The Other Guys’ Spring Concert in Champaign. Meanwhile they kept up their old routine of serenading the sororities on campus, trying out songs and testing new material. In the months since, they have performed over 50 times, and forged their own unique sound that is unmistakably ‘The Enright Hotel’. Upon hearing this sound, The New York Songwriter’s Circle asked them to showcase in February at The Bitter End in New York City. That will come on the heels of their participation in the ‘Cream of the Cream’ at World Café Live in Philadelphia, a highly publicized competition for the 12 top acts of 2007. They have become a favorite on their native 20th Street in Philly, where they play often at D’Angelos and Snack Bar, and can often be seen hanging out there, perfecting their harmonies. In addition, they’ve performed at O.N.E., Lickity Split, Burlap and Bean, Fergie’s Pub, and Upstairs at World Café Live. Both originally from the Chicago suburbs, they also go back to Chicago to play, at venues like Uncommon Ground, the Beat Kitchen, and the Elbo Room.

The members’ consummate musicianship can easily be demonstrated by their recent tour to Europe with the University of Illinois Varsity Men’s Glee Club. During the days, they performed with the chorus in such venues as Notre Dame in Paris: both conducted the choir, Steve in his original composition written for the ensemble. Bill’s voice soared as a primary soloist, Steve accompanied on the organ. But at night, they played at local music clubs, such as the Republik in Salzburg and The Loft in Lucerne , winning audiences over with their balance of engaging and energetic up-tempo songs and hauntingly beautiful ballades. And of course, when they weren’t playing at a club, they were in the streets, busking and selling CDs, and delighting the European passers-by with a rare sight: two tall, handsome American men, singing soulfully and harmonizing eloquently.