One of Key West’s most talented musicians held a special concert on June 27 at The Key West Theater.
Ericson Holt decided to put on a show at the theater to preview the songs from his much-anticipated album, “99 Degrees,” set for release on Aug. 20. The beloved singer/songwriter and keyboardist took the stage with an all-star band and performed in front of a nearly sold-out crowd.
The band included Claire Finley on bass, Randy Morrow on drums, Tommy Tangie on trumpet, Joe Dallas on trombone, Mark Rose on sax and Bobby DeVito on guitar, all backing Holt, who presented his entire new album in a rare, live concert debut.
It was quite the intimate experience as Holt shared stories of the writing process, often getting a laugh from the audience as he revealed the inner struggles that make for fantastic songwriting. Holt’s vulnerability only added to the deep connection he enjoys with his fans.
As talented as he is as a musician, Holt’s greatest strength may lie in his songwriting. That vulnerability makes his songwriting identifiable and believable.
“Ericson is one of the best American songwriters who has yet to become known or become mainstream,” Key West musician Tom Konger told me prior to the show. I absolutely agree.
Holt opened with a few songs from his previous albums.
“We’re going to play a couple of my old tunes to get warmed up,” said the Conch Town Music label recording artist, “then we will play the new record in its entirety.”
The concert featured 15 songs, including all 10 from the new album sandwiched by the two-song warm-up and an extended encore featuring three songs from Holt’s previous albums.
Two of the 10 songs on “99 Degrees,” “Walkin’ on Bourbon Street” and the title track “99 Degrees,” have already been released as singles. Holt’s songwriting talent shines through in the album’s ballads, love songs, deeply conscious offerings and fun-loving tunes. The songs are exceptional both lyrically and musically.
As Holt discussed his muse for these new tunes, it became clear that both the recent pandemic and his deep love and respect for his partner Julie inspired his writing.
It is a rare experience for an audience in Key West to see and hear a concert put on by a Key West musician featuring absolutely no cover songs; the all-original show was something this music junkie will not soon forget.
Conch Town Music announced that Holt plans to hold an album release show on Aug. 20 at The Smokin’ Tuna Saloon.
BEN’S LIST
5 Great Box Sets
1.) So Many Roads by The Grateful Dead
2.) You Can Make Me Dance, Sing, or Anything by Faces
3.) Crossroads by Eric Clapton
4.) The Live Anthology by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
5.) Citizen by Steely Dan
