Tim Eriksen is a curious guy. Punk, rock, traditional folk, jazz, Sacred Harp (acapella), Bosnian folk/pop – he’s done it all. And he’s well regarded in the music world; he’s hung out with Garrison Keillor on Prairie Home Companion, played at Carnagie Hall and the Blue Note Jazz Club. He contributed to the soundtrack to “Cold Mountain” and sang at the Academy Awards. The Boston Globe has called him, “….among the most influential figures in the neo-primitivist movement that is rejuvenating American traditional music.”

In addition to putting out 3 solo cds in the past ten months and recording material for other projects, Eriksen also teaches, tours, is in graduate school and has two small children. He should probably teach a course in time management as well as singing and songwriting. He’ll be stopping at Chestertown’s Garfield Center for the Arts on Saturday of Downrigging Weekend for a performance you don’t want to miss.

The Spy spoke with him by phone recently to discuss his upcoming Eastern Shore gig, where he’ll be showcasing tunes from his just released cd, “Josh Billings Voyage.” Eriksen will accompany his distinctive vocals (“one of the best voices in music” – T Bone Burnett) with banjo, guitar and fiddle. Joining him on stage are longtime bandmate Peter Irvine on percussion and fiddle player Zoe Darrow.

Eriksen told the Spy that he is interested in connections; in his latest cd, he is, “…exploring the deep multicultural connection between Native Americans and the culture of New England in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the influence of travels.” The songs tell the story of fictional character Josh Billings and his maritime voyages around the world. Children’s maritime drawings adorn the cd cover. All this is fortuitous; Eriksen is not known as a ”maritime” songwriter, it so happens that he had just finished the cd when SULTANA came calling. As far as I can tell, “Josh Billings Voyage” is not yet available on line, hopefully he will have them for sale at the show.’

In addition to the trio performance, Eriksen will play two tunes earlier on Saturday during film maker David Conover’s talk , 5 pm at the Garfield Center. Conover’s discussion of our (America’s) cultural disconnect from the outdoor world will include outtakes from his upcoming documentary, “Behold the Earth,” in which Eriksen is recorded live in the woods. Our conversation kept revolving around connections; his previous work with Conover and the fact that they are both in Chestertown for Downrigging, his new cd. Eriksen mentioned that his brother was currently on a sailing trip and planning to cruise up the Chester for the gig.The Spy neglected to add a further connection; this is Eriksen’s second appearance in Chestertown, the first was at Andy’s many years ago with his band Cordelia’s Dad.

Tim Eriksen

Saturday, October 27,2012

Conover Talk 5 pm FREE

Concert 8 pm Tickets $15 Call 410 778 5954 for tickets

Garfield Center for the Arts at the Prince Theatre 210 High St Chestertown MD 21620