"Elegant, sophisticated and refreshingly open-hearted, singer-guitarist Margan pens wonderfully literate and melodically inventive songs that he has orchestrated for a most unusual but oh-so effective ensemble of musicians featuring drums, bass, keyboards, violin, cello, clarinet and flute. This is chamber music for the 21st century, and it simply sparkles."
-Greg Haymes, The Times Union
"Eric Margan’s songs and aesthetic are from another time: His musical influences seem drawn entirely from before he was born. His jazz-leaning, ornate, orchestral pop is unlike anything that’s come out of the Capital Region in as long as we can remember, and the band’s busy gig schedule has amassed them a devoted, even defensive, fan base. Trust us: This band will be going places."
-John Brodeur, Metroland
"Singer/songwriter Eric Margan’s unhurried melodies and subtle orchestrations are sweet and disarming. This accomplished multi-instrumentalist has been inspired by his time in the studio with folk and jazz heavy hitters Pete Seeger, Richie Havens and David Amram."
-Peter Wise, The Berkshire Fringe
Influences
Sylvia Plath, Tom Waits, Miles Davis, Ludwig van Beethoven, Antonin Dvorak, Claude Debussy, Phillip Glass, John Lennon
Sounds Like
Kurt Weill, The Beatles, Andrew Bird, Rufus Wainwright
New York City/Albany-based multi-instrumentalist and lyricist Eric Margan picked up the flute at the age of 10. These early years were spent learning classical flute repertoire, with some occasional Star Wars themes to keep him interested. It was the gradual transition into adolescence which brought a musical appetite ranging most importantly from the bass and guitar, to piano and drums. Coupled with an untamable interest in songwriting and recording, it only seems right that now, though classically trained on flute and double bass, he has instead decided to arrange all the instruments suitable for a particular song. It was Duke Ellington who once said, "My orchestra is my instrument", and in this way Margan follows in his footsteps.
A cast of musicians is currently being drawn from the surrounding music scenes to augment Margan's music on stage and on the forthcoming album, which is being recorded at The Clubhouse in Rhinebeck NY. Margan is rapidly earning the respect and admiration of fans and bands alike by playing a multitude of shows in the Northeastern United States.
Margan's music draws on countless influences, and the borrowing and blending of musical elements result in an original sound to which most listeners reply with an affecting familiarity. The album opens with "Until You're Here," a haunting jazz-club ballad blending the lyrical style of Tom Waits and Sylvia Plath with the music of Billie Holiday and John Lennon, among others. A sombre tone is blended with vague hopefulness in the song "Bay of Naples," which pulls you in with its unhurried pulse, hinting at the lo-fi vibe of Iron and Wine. As the album progresses, songs are sung with humor and lightness such as the musical free-for-all of "I'll Never Know." "Old Man River" tells the story of an estranged marriage with a twist of murder and revenge. And so it goes through to the final notes, varied and astounding musical constructions coupled with clever lyrical depictions and impressions that wander from innocence to darkness, with skillful and unforeseen fulfillments that leave you wanting more.
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Last night was great. I had alot of fun and it was nice to hang out with everyone. Hope to see you guys in the city when the move happens. Thanks for listening.
im really into this new video. Eric your talent is beautiful, I'm really happy for all this. Hopefully when I'm in new york during the spring semester for school we'll cross paths.
