Eric Durrance photo credit: Dave Bergman

By Bob Doerschuk

© 2009 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.

Fans of the Eagles, and especially those who gravitate toward Don Henley, will find plenty to like in the phrasing, songwriting and overall sound of Eric Durrance. This is evident from the first moments of “Someone I Can’t Live Without,” the opening cut on Angels Fly Away, one of Durrance’s three co-writes among the 10 covers and one solo-written track on his debut album for Wind-up Records Nashville.

But then, the more you listen, the more a unique talent asserts itself. He sings mostly in a mid-to-upper baritone range, yet when the melody climbs into a power chorus, he rides with it, his tone straying dusky and rich even as it nails each note with emotion and conviction. This technique asserts itself clearly on Durrance’s first single, the title track, written by Dallas Davidson and Craig Wiseman, but the artistry behind it is most apparent in how gracefully he bridges those choruses to the intimate and even conversational quality he brings to the verses.

Raised by a musical family in Tallahassee, Fla., Durrance inherited his feel for Country Music from his grandparents and his finesse at harmony from both parents. The rest he learned through doing the music he loves – and that love, documented by producers Mark Bright and Teddy Gentry, lifts Angels Fly Away toward impressive heights of achievement.

IN HIS OWN WORDS Q&A

DREAM DUET PARTNER
“I have three: George Jones, Don Henley and Carrie Underwood.”

PET PEEVE
“People who have no respect for other people’s property.”

FAVORITE FOOD ON THE ROAD
“Sushi.”

FIRST GIG
“A pub in Tallahassee back in 1996. I made $100 and split it with the band at $25 each.”

TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
“Where the River Meets the Sea.”

ACTOR TO PORTRAY YOU IN A BIOPIC ABOUT YOUR LIFE
“Joaquin Phoenix.”

WHEN THEY LOOK BACK ON YOUR LIFE IN 50 YEARS, WHAT YOU HOPE PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOU
“There’s a guy who never gave up on his dream, who was able to change with the times, but remained true to himself in the process.”

WHAT YOU WOULD PUT IN YOUR PERSONAL TIME CAPSULE, FOR FUTURE ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES
“I would put a message saying, ‘follow your heart and nothing else because that’s where all great things come from.’”

YOUR GREATEST SHORT- AND LONG-TERM CHALLENGES AND ASPIRATIONS
“Short term plan:  To get out on the road and tour as much as I can.   As a new artist, I feel time on the road is so important for ‘growth.’ Long term goal:  Eventually, I’d like to produce other artists.  Some people have gotten record deals by recording my songs – and I did the demo production. I’d really like to take producing to a higher, serious level someday.”

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE’D NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU
“I guess that I’m a little old-fashioned when it comes to life and living my life. I love children. I love being near my family and friends. Most people say I have an old soul but for those who don’t know me well, the perception might be that I live like I’m a rock star.  I’m as down-home as it gets.”

On the Web: www.ericdurrance.com

ShareThis