“The beauty of being a musician is that the only musician you can be is you.” – Eric Gales
The undisputed king of electric blues guitar breaks down the genres and sources of inspiration for his most recent album, a tour de force aptly titled Crown, which was produced by Joe Bonamassa. a blues firebrand, Eric Gales. Even as his own light dimmed as a result of his struggles with substance abuse over the course of 30 years and 18 albums, his passion for music and his unwavering determination to keep it alive never wavered. With personal revelations in his lyrics and daring stylistic turns in both his guitar playing and songwriting, he never stopped reviving the genre.
Gales was hailed as a child prodigy and "the next Jimi Hendrix" because of his unique playing style and emotionally raw music and personality. Singers like Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, etc. have a very strong spell over him, and time stops when he listens to their songs. "I feel blessed to be a part of their legacy."
Gales had his share of hardships in his career, and gratitude is the by-product. "From signing a record deal to flying to New York to sign another deal, everything was exciting, but going on tour for the first time was the aha moment of my life." At the beginning of his career, he only focused on playing, as he had the great support of his elder brother; eventually, he learned to step into responsibility and take charge. But he says "the presentation of himself on a stage is a form of discipline for me."
This year, in January, Eric Gales' latest album, "Crown," was released in collaboration with Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, and it is by far his best new record. Contributions by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith were not small, as they brought their A-game to the whole album, according to Eric Gales. Gales feels he is free, and that is what his music signifies; he integrates his life and music, which his new album also represents. "I trust the process of what it is, then I tap into it and see what it allows me to do and the end results, who and how it goes to, and where it goes; it is sort of my responsibility but not my concern." Gales believes that music is just like a flow in his body, and he is not in control of how or where it comes from.
His approach to music and life is emotionally raw and untouchable. Feeling connected to his maker and being grateful for the life and abilities he has been gifted are definitely the keys to Gales’ approach to life. "A black man who struggled but tried to live at peace with his days." He wants to be remembered. The future still seems bright as the sun for Gales. His plans extend beyond the Crown, as visits and preparations for next year are moving at a fast pace. "Getting the Eric Gales brand on and getting it moving," as he says.
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