IndiePulse Reviews: Alice Street Sessions by Eric Westphal

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Joseph Timmons in featured, Featured Artists / Bands, Featured Content, Featured Labels, Music Reviews, news, Reviews // 0 Comments

Alice Street Sessions by Eric Westphal, Released on IAC Records

Reviewed by Joseph Timmons: IndiePulse Music Magazine

The music of Eric Westphal has been well established by his work with the group James Blond and he has an illuminating career in composing music that is upbeat, introspective and , at times a bit irreverent. The album Alice Street Sessions is yet another departure in making music that captures the attention of the national and international music scene, here on this album we still have the style of music that we have come to enjoy from this artist, yet there is something new, we hear temppos and styles that are formed from life experiences, the use of more complicated groupings and instrumental developments such as horns and “blazing guitar riffs”, Eric Westphal brings us even deeper into his world.

The re-release of this album from Eric’s youth may have been originally recorded before it’s time, Alice Street Sessions, first recorded in 2000 / 2001, produced by Tesla’a Troy Luccketta. Eric does in this album what many of today’s artist have yet to try, connect with his fans and listeners on a personal and spiritual level, and build upon that a way of communicating deeply.

The album opens with a track titled “Harmony”, a softer side of this artist with a mature view on the things that matter most, which transitions nicely into “Hold me” which has a more “devil may care” feel and a call for shining brighter than the stars above. “Another Time, Another Place” moves us into dealing with being apart…. In fact, all of the tracks have key moments that we have all experienced and Eric connects with the listener on each level. I am especially fond of the song “Wake Up To Love”, breathtaking.

Alice Street Sessions is more than just a collection of songs, it feels, to me in review a timeline of life’s moments and experiences that made the artist who he is, in comparison to other albums, here Eric Westphal really opens up his heart and explores what made him who he is, an in stellar fashion. Maintaining the youthful “mid 80’s” sound yet also bringing forth a mature and classically trained side, not just the Rock and Roll energy, but lyrics and music with a romanticism and connection of tempos that build lingering feelings, some of regret, more of hope, and good things to come. There is in Alice Street Sessions a joy and jollity that is infectious and you just can’t help but love every track, not a disappointing moment can be found when letting yourself become part of Eric’s world. Just Stop and Smell The Roses with this one.

Musician, singer and songwriter Eric Westphal was born in Jackson Heights / Queens New York. He began playing guitar when he was five years old and from that moment forward found himself committed to music. For several years he focused only on his playing. At the age of fifteen Eric found another passion tied to his love for music – songwriting. From his current home of California, Westphal has been playing and writing music for over 30 years.

Performing in several groups, working on countless projects, and extensive touring with numerous artists, Eric has carved a niche for himself in the creativity and expression of his music. Eric has worked on albums and co-written songs with Eric Martin, Gary Young, Jeff Watson, Mic Gillette, Dirk Hamilton, and James Blonde, to name a few.

Alice Street Sessions is a welcomed re-release and allows us to revisit Eric’s debut solo offering, the fantastically aesthetic journey christened Alice Street Sessions. Originally released in 2001, re-mastered and re-released June, 2018. Produced by Troy Luccketta. Re-issue Producer for IAC Records Donald Setaro.

This re-issue is also be available on 180 gram vinyl in addition to CD and digital downloads.