Now Introducing
ERIK JOHN THOMAS BAND
GENUINE, HEARTFELT BLUEGRASS AND AMERICANA
Combine three of today’s hottest West Coast pickers with amazing vocals, great material and a high-octane bluegrass sound, and the result is the Erik John Thomas Band, an Oregon-based group that is making a name for itself by combining the innovations of West Coast new acoustic music with a bluegrass rhythmic drive rarely heard west of the Appalachians.
Patrick Ickes, Erik John Thomas, Gary Robertson
This brand-new powerhouse configuration brings exceptional country and bluegrass vocals that’ll send chills down your spine. With two well-known multi-instrumentalists: Erik Thomas and Patrick Ickes leading the charge, their precise and tasty mandolin, guitar, banjo, and dobro picking will leave you wanting more. With renowned bassist Gary Robertson on acoustic and electric bass laying down a groove so solid you’ll feel it in your bones, these guys deliver a sound that’s both soulful and electrifying, combining classic bluegrass traditions with an Americana-New-Acoustic edge.
Now Available for Hire
Contact:
Erik John Thomas
summit.sumac2159@eagereverest.com
All photos by Darren Sherley
Erik John Thomas - Bluegrass Guitar, Mandolin, and Lead Vocals
In the late 80s Erik co-founded the popular Bay Area-based bluegrass band “Due West” in which he toured and recorded for more than 15 years. During that time, Due West included such amazing musicians as Rob Ickes, Bill Evans, Megan Lynch, Jim Nunally, Darol Anger, Jim Hearst and more. Erik also performed or recorded with Tony Trischka, David Grisman, Elvin Bishop, and Mickey Gilley. Erik twice won first-place in both guitar and mandolin in the Open Picking division at the Western Open. Erik’s strong country-stylized baritone lead-vocals transform ballads into works of art. His fast, clean, guitar and mandolin picking and friendly stage presence all contribute to an exciting and unique sound.
Patrick Ickes - 7-String Dobro, 5-String Banjo, and Harmony Vocals
Pat Ickes has been a well-known and respected figure in the Northern California Bluegrass, Country, and Rock-a-Billy music scene for many years. A versatile vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Pat excels on banjo, dobro, acoustic and electric guitars, and pedal steel. His extensive experience includes performing with Billy Bo Day and The Howlers, Lou Derr and Bootleg, Wayne Miller Band, Rick Jamison and Copper Canyon, Bound to Ride Bluegrass Band, and a short stint with James King among many others, as well as contributing his talents to 400+ studio recording tracks. With his deep musicality and broad skill set, Pat has been continuing to make waves in the music community, earning recognition wherever he plays.
Gary Robertson - 4-String Upright bass, 5-String Electric Bass, and Harmony Vocals
After attending his first concert – which was an Old Time Fiddlers performance – Gary knew that playing music was going to be a significant part of his life. Once he settled on the bass guitar as his instrument, he immediately started playing in local and regional bands then moved on to his first national tour just after he turned 20. He eventually became a sought-after “hired gun” and toured constantly over the next two decades playing multiple music genres with many nationally known acts. Gary brings to his bluegrass playing the improvisational instinct of jazz, the weight of rock, and the storytelling pull of country music. On stage, he balances technical precision with a feel for the songs that feel equally suited for front-porch listening and crowded festival fields.
