We’re pleased to be hosting Eric Sommer and Hugh McGowan Saturday at 263. Sommer is one of the finest and most versatile guitar players on the road today, deftly switching between slide, finger-style, and blues throughout his sets. Hugh McGowan is likely well-known to folks in the Cambridge/Somerville area from his regular open-mic appearances at the Burren in Davis Sq. Join us for an intimate performance from two seasoned songwriters.
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ERIC SOMMER
A rare Cambridge appearance for this national artist, coming off recent recording dates in Muscle Shoals and sold out shows in Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. This former Central Square resident has made an impressive career as a poet, songwriter and one of the finest players out there.
“Without a doubt one of the finest, most versatile players on the road today, Eric is a mash of styles that cover slide, finger-style, pure blues groove and dynamic improv approaches he calls “no fear playing”.
A student of Merle Haggard and a fan and avid reader of the literary efforts of Jack Kerouac, Eudora Welty, O. Henry and traditional Shakespeare, Eric traces his musical stylings and influences to Jeff Beck, Bert Jansch, Davy Graham and Steve Howe (YES). On the free form side it’s Pat Martino, Al DiMeola and Joe Pass and the early catalog of Dave Brubeck with Joe Morello and Paul Desmond.
Eric is steeped in the acoustic traditions of Doc Watson and Merle Travis, and the various experimental approaches of Philip Glass and the Small Movement. Watching this guitar great will “make you jump out of your seat and hollar for joy” says Bugs Madison, in an interview for UK Melody Mag, 2012.
His credits include shows, tours, solo appearances and mixing drinks on the bus for everyone from 2014 Tour Stars Bugsy LowLow, rockin’ the old school with Little Feat, John Mayall, Jerry Douglas, Sarah Watkins, John Hammond, Jr., to Spider John Koerner, David Bromberg, Leon Redbone, Buddy Guy, T Model Ford, and just about everyone in between… just too many to name.