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.
Long before he picked up his guitar and took the ride down Highway 90 from Rockford to Chicago, Ernie Hendrickson has been crafting songs straight from the heart of Middle America. With a songwriting style that’s as natural as a summer breeze, Hendrickson’s venture into the realm of acoustic blues, bluegrass, folk, and pop is a seamless transition.
Born in Cuba City, WI, but raised in Rockford, IL, Ernie Hendrickson is no stranger to the music scene. At an age when most kids are preoccupied with obtaining a driver’s license, he was making a name for himself in the area’s regional music scene. Since the age of 16, he has hit the road many times over, playing in a variety of bands throughout Illinois. Now, at the age of 30, Hendrickson has the musical resume of a seasoned veteran. Having opened and shared the same stage with artists such as Jon Scofield, Victor Wooten, Leftover Salmon, Tim Reynolds, Jerry Garcia Band, and Particle, along with playing the most prestigious of venues and festivals, Ernie Hendrickson has the references and experience to back it up.
His first initiation into the music business came through his work with The Seed Band. The group traveled, played clubs, festivals, and parties, along with the recording of a few records. The experience working with a traveling band proved to be immeasurable to Hendrickson, allowing an opportunity to stretch out musically and yet gave him the ability to hone in on his own unique sound.
His latest release is a departure from previous work; offering up a less is more mentality. This approach allows Hendrickson’s songwriting style to shine brightly. Drawing early inspiration from contemporary singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Tom Petty, along with experimental songwriters in the vein of Tom Waits, Hendrickson is able to harness their influence for his own usage.
Songs such as “Down the Road” and “Seasons Change” paint vivid pictures with exceptional storytelling like that of his musical forefathers. Crystal clear acoustic guitar arrangements and shimmering pedal steel lines contribute to the down home feel of Hendrickson’s latest effort. The record, engineered by Manny Sanchez (Smashing Pumpkins, Bound Stems, Umphrey’s McGee), features the legendary Howard Levy of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on five tracks.
2007 proved to be an eventful and frenzied year, with Hendrickson performing for a brief stint with The Make Believe, a regional touring super group of sorts featuring Brian Felix of the OM Trio. Subsequent shows saw Ernie Hendrickson opening for Brendan Bayliss and Jake Cinninger of Umphrey’s McGee, as well as Tim Reynolds of Dave Matthews Band fame along with a return to Illinois’ Summercamp Festival for the third time. The Chicago CD Release show in December at The Hideout boasted a live appearance by Howard, and was received by an enthusiastic near-capacity crowd. The event was filmed, to be released in 2008.
With significant breakthroughs in major Midwestern markets including Madison, Indianapolis, the Quad Cities, Carbondale, and St. Louis, Hendrickson is poised to deliver his unique brand of storytelling to fresh faces. Having spent years creating an identity in Chicago’s aggressive music scene, Ernie Hendrickson has found his place amongst the finest national singer-songwriters. With a never-ending dedication to his muse, Ernie Hendrickson is one artist to watch in 2008.
I'm putting this here as an open endorsement of you as a performer, songwriter, and person.
Let me first say, that you have all the cards staked against you every time you step onstage. You are alone. You are a performer in one of the most over crowded genres of music ever. No one in the room knows you. Yet, within minutes, you have the crowd intently listening as you tell us about yourself and your life.
It was really the big surprise of the day to have you perform. I'll be completely honest with you, everyone was suspect of your being booked in such a prime slot. I know Mother Banjo though, and know to trust her judgment. But again we were all ready for some pretty boy with his false/cliche emotions and over dramatic chord changes, but that's not what we got. With a lot of skeptics in the crowd, you turned them into fans with your honest and heartfelt songs, your skillful and appropriate guitar playing, and your humble and approachable demeanor. At one point, Jon our singer, came out side and said, "I had to get out of there, the room got to heavy. He was telling this story, you shoulda heard this story, and everyone was listening and invested. It was too much, too much emotion in there."
That is the power of great songs.
To anyone who reads this, seek Ernie out. Book him at your club. Put him on tour with you. He's a great guy and a truly amazing talent. Welcome him always.
To you again Ernie, Thank you for inquiring about playing. Thank you for performing so well, and participating so eagerly.
Glad you're here and hope to see you at LilFest. I start 9/11 at Bill's. Could tell you I just wrote a new song, but you ain't heard anything yet. See who else, lilfest. com/Artist-Bios. html
Hey there – Hope your summer’s been going well. Just stopping by to remind you about the Strip Mines Music Festival this weekend!! ( Click here to purchase advance tickets online. )
In recent Strip Mines news, we have added Backyard Tire Fire to headline Sunday night, and now have printable flyers and posters available for download on our MySpace page and website for those of you that would like to help spread the word.
Click the image below to visit the website to purchase tickets and to get the latest info and band schedule. Thanks again for being a friend and have a great rest of your summer!
Thanks so much for your request, Ernie! You have an awesome sound. I am delighted to be friends. Thanks for checking out my tunes. Keep Rockin! Love, Joanie Sanders
Hi Ernie, I can tell that your songs, especially the singing voice, has long years of experience. Good songs. Looking forward to getting your CD from major label when you get the contract!!! Junji Sugita Kobe, Japan
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