NEW INDIE TUESDAY ARTIST/JULY 14, 2009- ERIC COPELAND
This week on NEW INDIE TUESDAY we’re featuring, Eric Copeland. Eric has been playing piano, writing songs, and making recordings of his music since he was 13. In his college years, he became interested in jazz, heavily influenced by the vocal jazz and pop of Al Jarreau, the keyboard and synthesizer work of Jeff Lorber, and other artists like Gino Vanelli, Manhattan Transfer, and Bruce Hornsby. By his twenties Eric was also adding modern jazz groups like the Yellowjackets, Steps Ahead, Pat Metheny, and Flim and the BBs. Vocal jazz music also figured in heavily with Michael Franks and Take 6.
His interest in Christian music, as well as his keyboard programming and production skills, brought a natural role as producer, and Eric has now served in this role on hundreds of albums, EPs, and singles for artists across the US and the world.
Eric’s latest project is, “Quiet Soul, Solo Piano Series, Volume 1″.
This series is not meant to wow, or to amaze, but simply to soothe. For relaxing, not dancing.
These songs are culled from hymns, and several different CDs including “Stolen Moments” and “Cooler” and other songs written I’ve written, and also includes a few songs that never quite made it to any CD.
The Songs:
Prelude is the invitation. This is the song that asks the listener to stay, and perhaps even meditate or pray.
Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us. One of my favorite hymn melodies, and I hope it blesses you too.
By His Design. This is a song I wrote for an artist a few years ago, and the melody has always haunted me. I actually think it signified a new level of melody writing for me.
Of Clear Mind. This is a song from my CD Cooler, but wanted a clean, piano only version of this. For those clear vision days, when it seems like you can see forever.
Mother and Child. A song I have always wanted to put on a CD. One of my Dad’s favorite melodies I have ever written (of course, he likes them all!!)
Almost…but Not Quite. A song written with my improvisational jazz group Wherever He Leads. Tells the story of trying and trying, but never reaching what you really want.
The Savior is Waiting. My all time favorite song from the hymn book, and one of my Papaw’s favorites too.
Another Stolen Moment. The title song from the CD “Stolen Moments”, re-imagineered just a bit.
Dream Canyon. Just a peaceful tune I wrote late at night, when MOST folks are actually sleeping.
Thanks…to all those who support me and continually urge me on to make my own music: Bobbi, Eliot, Madi. Dad, Mom, Bill. My friends Walt, Bill, Ronnie, and all the rest of the hee haw gang in Nashville, Lexington, and abroad.
But especially thanks to my Savior, who is always waiting, and leading me like a Shepherd. Thank you Lord for this amazing gift I get to give back to you every day. - EC
Check out Eric’s profile on Indieheaven.com. Click HERE