Seeing Sideways

Guitarist Eric Brewer has pursued all aspects of his instrument during his career, from electrified rock, to jazz, funk, blues, acoustic, country, classical, and all points in between. He studied music at Pittsburgh's Duquesne University, and went on to become chosen nationally as one of Guitar Player Magazine's top ten Guitar Player Superstars in 2008. In 2010, he was awarded the Jim Weber Memorial Award by the Western Pennsylvania Blues Society for Best Guitarist. His band, Eric Brewer and Friends, consists of Steve Barone on drums, Charlie Meyer on keyboards, Joe Cieslak on saxophone and Ralph Reitinger on bass. Having played together before in several other local projects, the members have developed a remarkable onstage rapport, propelling the band's improvisational element to extraordinary heights. In other words, the members have been Friends for years, and it shows! The band draws inspiration from a huge list of influences, mixing guitar-based rock with jazz, funk and fusion to create a jam band style that is uniquely their own. Based in Erie, PA, the band has performed throughout the region, and developed a steady and ever growing fan base along the way. The band changes up it's set list of both original and select cover material with each live performance, often segueing songs seamlessly to keep the momentum alive and the surprises rolling. They also display incredible versatility depending on the venue they are playing and audience preference, from a subdued instrumental set at a small jazz club, to a raucous, rocking show at a large outdoor amphitheatre. At any given Eric Brewer and Friends performance, you can expect the unexpected designed especially for the type of event. At each show, Eric Brewer and Friends draw praise from both audiences and peers alike. This is evident in the band's numerous Rock Erie Music Awards, with four members winning individual awards for their respective instruments, and the band as a whole sweeping the award in their category for three consecutive years. Now inducted into the Rock Erie Hall of Fame, they have received collectively over a dozen awards. In addition to headlining their own numerous shows, they have been fortunate to open for many top international and regional artists on a regular basis. In 2012, the band began the next logical step in their evolution by heading into the studio to record their first full-length album, Seeing Sideways. Recorded at Tweed Salamander Studios by engineer, Michael Graham, and mastered by Grammy award-winning producer, David Yost, the 12 track CD is a perfectly honed sonic adventure that runs a bit counter to the band's typical live experience. Songs on the album are shorter and more concise, while still retaining the guitar-laden instrumental fireworks that the band is known for. Seeing Sideways was released in March of 2013, and was recently voted by a panel of industry judges as Album Of The Year at the 2013 Rock Erie Music Awards.