Ernie Hendrickson - guitars, vocals
Brian Wilkie - guitars, pedal steel
Pete Muschong - guitar
Matt Ulery - bass
Greg Nergaard - bass
Darren Garvey, drums, percussion
Rich Stitzel - drums
Influences
Praise for the new album "DOWN THE ROAD":
"Indeed, upon evaluation of his music it becomes hard to reconcile the knowledge that Hendrickson is actually a new comer in the scene, working towards recognition. His music easily justifies the mention of his name in the same context as, dare-it-be-said, genre power house Ryan Adams."
- Fady Khalil, Jambands.com (May 2008)
"Surely a cutting-edge singer/songwriter of tomorrow, Ernie Hendrickson lives enough in the past to keep what Bob Dylan, James Taylor and Kris Kristofferson have done alive and thriving for generations."
- Jim Hagerty, Rock River Times (Mar 2008)
"Whether exploring tribal beats or graceful homegrown country hymnals, E. Hendrickson stretches the song-writing pallet. He is drawing influences from Gram Parsons' Burrito Brothers, straight through the heart of the America's Blues tradition."
- Martin Halo, JamBase (Mar 2008)
"Dark and pretty songs. Ernie Hendrickson is finding a niche in the indie folk Americana segment."
- Hans Werksman, Here comes the Flood, The Netherlands (Mar 2008)
"Groundbreaking"
- David C. Eldredge, Illinois Entertainer (Oct 2007)
Sounds Like
Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Wilco, Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Norman Blake, Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead, David Grisman, Doc Watson, Tony Rice, John Hartford, Ben Harper, Jon Lennon, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Trey Anastasio, Warren Zevon, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, John Denver, Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bill Monroe, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Lenny Kravitz, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Andres Segovia, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, John Coltrane, Jon Scofield, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, The Carter Family, Greg Brown, Joni Mitchell, Tom Brown, Jr., Carl Sagan, Black Elk, Crazy Horse, Jane Goodall, Ghandi, hundreds of others.
Born in Cuba City, WI, but raised in Rockford, IL, Ernie Hendrickson grew up on a steady diet of Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Cat Stevens, and The Grateful Dead. These early heroes opened the gates to the deep well of American roots music which he continues to draw inspiration from. Even by the age of 16, Ernie was forming bands searching for his own sound. While attending Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal, Hendrickson found himself the leader of The Seed Band, a group that would release three independent records, and found a cult following in the university subculture and surrounding areas. CD sales numbered in the thousands and many more live tapes were circulated before the group disbanded.
Eventually migrating to Chicago in 2003, he struck out on his own and started making inroads in the daunting but fertile americana music scene. His self-released and highly acclaimed first solo record, 2007’s DOWN THE ROAD, was a triumph personally and professionally. The record was engineered by Manny Sanchez (Billy Corgan, Ike Reilly) but saw Ernie himself as the producer. Coming into his own, classic 70’s country sounds and heartfelt balladry mingled with blues and tribal beats. Howard Levy’s harmonica is sprinkled over crystal clear acoustic guitar arrangements and shimmering pedal steel lines. He would earn merits from Mountain Stage’s new song contest for two songs from that record, placing as a regional finalist, along with landing a showcase at Toronto’s NXNE, sister fest to SXSW.
Jambase reported “his music easily justifies the mention of his name in the same context as, dare-it-be-said, genre power house Ryan Adams." while others have charged him with the task of keeping alive the spirit of Kristofferson, Gram Parsons, James Taylor, and Tom Petty.
To kick off 2009, with a work ethic that has only increased with time, Hendrickson, now 31, has already finished sessions for his forthcoming second record, “Walking with Angels.” For this highly anticipated release he sought out famed producer and guitarist Bo Ramsey (Lucinda Williams, Greg Brown). The two felt an immediate chemistry and over five days in early January ’09 they recorded basic tracks for 13 songs with some of Bo’s partners in crime, drummer Steve Hayes (Greg Brown, Bo Ramsey) and Jon Penner (Junior Brown, Bo Ramsey). Release date for the record is as of yet undetermined.
Along with the new record, plans are underway to release a live DVD from the 2007 performance at Chicago’s The Hideout, which was captured on a spirited evening to a rapt audience, and highlights the passion and excitement of an Ernie Hendrickson performance. Find clips from this show above or on Ernie’s website.
Had to stop by the page and say thanks for the friend request, and supporting my acting/modeling and music career. You can watch my last TV appearence on the show WINGMAN on the Fine Living Network at http://www.fineliving.com/fine/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,FINE_26036_85024,00.html I am on episode 10. I am also scheduled to appear on the Game Show Head2Head on Spike TV before the end of the month.. Hope your week is a TooSexy One.. New track on the page "L-O-V-E:.. If you are lucky enough to have someone special make sure you L-O-V-E them and also leave some comment love :-)
Thank you for the add!
The Morning Birds unexpected and innovative DEBUT is out NOW on iTunes! Click on the album: Come
support indie music and let us know what you think! We hope the music
brings a smile to your face and a bounce to your step...
Also, add us on MYSPACE! THE MORNING BIRDS MYSPACE
FGC’s only Chicago appearance of the summer is coming up on Friday July 17th at the Abbey Pub. This will be an Ages 18+ show with special supporting acts: Lobster Newberg and The Rubblebucket Orchestra. This Hometown Throwdown is a show not to be missed…hope to see you there!!
In the meantime, check out all three of our Summer Camp Festival sets on the Live Music Archive for free stream/download! Visit our MySpace blog for the links.
We also want to invite our Myspace friends to connect with us on Facebook. Click the links for the FGC Group and FGC Page, both great ways to stay in touch with the band and link up with other fans.
Thanks for putting FarmFest450 in your top Friends! Also.. I appreciate the sneak peak at your new album. "Walking with Angels" is something you should be proud of! I can't take it out of the CD Player. FarmFest450 is shaping up real nice and should be a great Day! I hope to see all of you Ernie Hendrickson fans present. Peace
Dude...the more and more I listen to your music, the more excited I get that your playing FarmFest450. You truly are a terrific artist. Thanks again for the hook-up with Miles, I think FarmFest450 will be a great success! I look forward to meeting you at Coconut Louies on Friday. See ya soon.
Hey there – Just stopping by with a quick reminder about this Saturday’s show at the Park West, our only hometown performance of the Winter/Spring in fact! The night begins with an opening set from Land of Atlantis, followed by co-headlining sets from FGC and Hot Buttered Rum (FGC plays first!). Hope to see you there!
hey man! any plans to play in rockford? haven't seen ya for a while. maybe i'll try to catch ya in madison. oh, and isn't bell's brewery in michigan? i think your schedule says illinois. two hearted ale...good stuff!
Hi Ernie Hendrickson! Thanks for adding The Seventh Hour as a friend! If you haven't done so be sure to visit our profile and check out the new tunes! Also be sure to keep in touch with us so you can be updated on upcoming shows and new music!
FGC’s got some exciting hometown area shows coming up. First up is a co-bill with Kyle Hollingsworth from String Cheese Incident at the Canopy Club in Urbana on April 10. On April 11, we headline the House Café in Dekalb, home to some legendary past FGC shows! Down the road on May 2, FGC returns to the beautiful Park West Theater in Chicago for a co-bill with Hot Buttered Rum. More info about all Spring shows at www.familygrooveco.com/tour.
And don’t forget to get your tickets to Summer Camp Festival, where FGC will be performing multiple sets including a special late-night appearance paying tribute to The Big Lebowski!www.summercampfestival.com.
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