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    Heaven's Metal #50/Craig Erickson
    Craig Erickson — Retro Blues Express cover

    Craig Erickson

    Retro Blues Express

    (1994)

    Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt

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    Label Shrapnel RecordsHeaven's Metal #50November/December 1994
    blues rockhard rock

    There wuz a lotta talk 'bout da blues in da last issue, but one feller who might git looked over is Mr. Craig Erickson. This ole boy from Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been hackin' away at it for a while now (The music store he's been working at has carried Heaven's Metal for nearly 8 years). Being on Shrapnel Records, he probably has the widest influence opportunity of any of the dudes mentioned in this issue. His sound is more closely linked to the heavy blues guitar sounds of the 70's.

    It's the one album that I'm most apt to play over and over, because there's plenty (I mean PLENTY) of feeling in Craig's fingers and the tones are sweet. At times it reminds me of Robin Trower and Stevie Ray. Ooh, it's so fluid! (Check out "Cold Wind")

    Vocally, Craig sounds like a calm 'n' cool Frank Marino. I'd say that this is, hands-down, Craig's best project to date. His faith doesn't come out here loud 'n' clear, but his tunes reflect his Christian worldview and his sense of morality.

    Similar sounding releases

    1994Glenn KaiserSpontaneous Combustion2000The Seventy Sevens8ighty 8ight / When Numbers Get Serious2000Glenn Kaiser BandWinter Sun1994Sleepy RayUnder the Mighty Blood1994Greg ChaissonIt's About Time1999RansomDead No More

    More from Craig Erickson

    [title unknown]At the Moment1992Roadhouse Stomp2001Shine

    Also in Heaven's Metal #50

    1994Dancing SkeletonDancing Skeleton1993Final WarningFigurehead1993GromsTurnBones of AdamSpiritual Food for Carnal Minds1994Various ArtistsLight From The Underground1994Ashen MortalitySeparation