Blues guitarist CRAIG ERICKSON has had quite a career. Growing up with different styles of music, he started at the age of 12 playing guitar and since then has collaborated with big names like GLENN HUGHES (Erickson even toured with TRAPEZE). In the 90's Shrapnel guitar guru MIKE VARNEY recognized Erickson's talent, allowing him to record several records for his label. He then disappeared from the scene in the late nineties, eventually returning with several new releases including 2001's excellent "Shine" album, and a collaboration with ex-RIVERDOGS frontman Rob Lamothe in 2003..

"Big Highway" kicks off with the uptempo rockers "Rivers Keeps on Rollin" and "Take me Home", revealing a deep love of JIMI HENDRIX and even KING'S X. It continues with some slow trucker / bluesy stuff like the title track "Big Highway" and "In the Sky". Just when you think Erickson doesn't dare to tackle other genres, he serves up "Matter of Time" which shows some gospel influences. While Erickson is not the greatest singer on earth, his calm, passionate vocals blend perfectly with the bluesy rock presented here.

Of course, like any other solo guitarist, Erickson likes to show off his talent, ending the disc with a 10 minute instrumental jam and firing on all cylinders! It's easy to imagine living in the States with its endless roads, speeding down Highway 66, blastin' this album out of your radio!

- Michels

OFFICIAL SITE: www.craig-erickson.com

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