Muscian Information
The Shovel Handle Pub prides itself in selecting some of the best musicians in New England. Please read about some of them below...
 Eric Erskine... immediately eases the soul into his calming sea of music. Combining elements of pop, folk and rock, Eric delivers songs that can elicit emotions, provoke the mind, or just relax the body. With a unique vocal and writing style Eric takes the listener on a musical journey with varied but integrated themes and musical styles. In early 1997 Eric began working with acclaimed musician, singer/songwriter and producer Tom Dean. From the very beginning it was apparent that Dean’s production style was a perfect fit for Erskine’s songwriting. With Tom’s guidance, Eric progressed both as a songwriter and musician. Their efforts would come to fruition with the release of Eric’s highly anticipated “November” CD in 2000. Over the past eight years Erskine has teamed up with Dean to release 3 more albums. “Still Life” and “Digital Age” received rave reviews and helped Eric stand out as a singer/songwriter. Eric’s latest CD “Thinking Out Loud” was released in late 2007. Eric recently won “Best Male Vocal Performance of The Year at the 2008 Los Angeles Music Awards. www.ericerskine.com
 Timothy Gurshin...has performed solo (acoustic guitar, vocal, harmonica) in New England for more years than he cares to admit, and also in Nashville at clubs such as The Bluebird Cafe and Gibson's. He recently went "international" by playing a beach wedding in Aruba! His sound blends folk, rock, country and a bit of blues, a/k/a Americana these days. Please give it a listen at the "music" section of his web site, www.timothygurshin.com. There's lots of streaming, hi-fidelity audio, video and pictures to check out-- and feel free to drop him a line. www.timothygurshin.com
 Anni Clark... If you asked Anni Clark's Mom, she'd probably tell you that Anni started singing as soon as she opened her mouth. She wrote her first song when she was about five... something about "saving the world with music." Years later, Anni has toured all of the eastern states, most of the southwest, released 7 recordings, and shared stages with performers like Shawn Colvin, Richie Havens, & Dar Williams to name a few. Blending folk, pop, and blues with “a dash of Maine hue-mah, Anni’s performances are sure to please audiences of all ages. www.anniclark.com
Audrie Drake...For every artist, there is a journey. Musicians have the unique ability to share this journey with everyone they encounter. Many say that Audrey Drake “could sing before she could walk”. As a young child, Audrey discovered her voice and its powerful ability to create calm amongst chaos. Whether entertaining her 6 siblings or singing alone on the farmhouse porch, Audrey’s passion for music was enduring. Years of hard work, classical training, and real life experience, brought Audrey’s musical endeavors to a crossroads. In 1996, on a hand me down Takamine, she began to strum. Songwriting came as naturally then, as singing had so many years before and her storytelling was magical. Audrey Drake released her debut album, Soul To Keep in December, 2008. This long awaited CD has generated excitement and enthusiasm among her fans, both old and new. Soul To Keep intricately weaves together 10 songs through haunting melodies and soulful lyrics. It is a display of Audrey’s unique musical style which combines her formal study with her desire to tell stories that speak to all. Audrey’s classically trained voice mixes with raw emotions that draw you into her world. Her spirit leaves you wanting to know the intimate details behind her inspiration. …welcome to the journey.
www.audreydrake.com
Justin Jaymes.. is an extremely versatile performer. With his seasoned solo act, he has played a wide range of venues from coffee houses and rock houses to blues festivals and opening concerts. From living room parties & clubs to concerts & festivals. Justin has shared the stage with artists like Blue Oyster Cult, Papa John Creech, Spencer Davis, Aztec Two Step, Jonathon Edwards, Diamond Teeth Mary, Blind Willie Smith and many more. From Florida to New Hampshire, Justin’s strength lies in his ability to take an audience away. Armed with a repertoire of over 800 songs, his soulful style is best described as “Dynamic Acoustic Entertainment”. Justin has recently been collaborating with master song writer Joe Droukas. He has also lent his guitar, dobro, harmonica and vocal talents to Mr. Droukas on his “Bare Branches” project and co-wrote one of the songs, “Slow Down Blues.”
“Just In Dreams” is a solo CD of all original songs written by Justin and recorded in 2009 at Sqaum Sound in Ashland Nh. Randy Roos co-produced and lent his many talents to the project. Mike Rivard, Jerry Leake and Dean Johnston also played on the CD. Justin Jaymes is a unique entertainer that can adapt to any occasion and can move a crowd of all ages.
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 Joel Cage has 20+ years in the business and was a one time member of "Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes" Three albums, international tours - what a ride! Solo since '96. Four CDs in release. Multiple Boston Music Award Nominee. Winner - John Lennon Songwriter's Contest. Three Time Winner - USA Songwriting Competition. Winner - Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition... 'nuff said.
"Joel Cage is living proof that, with the right hands and skill, the acoustic guitar can be morphed from an instrument to a living work of art." (HITT MUSIC GROUP)
"Joel Cage's thoughtful songs are straightforward and sure, with a voice to match, but it's his brilliantly sharp guitar-work that ignites the tunes." (THE BOSTON GLOBE) www.joelcage.com
 Tom Dean toured internationally as a member of the legendary folk trio Devonsquare, sharing the stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Steven Stills, Orleans and Patty Griffin just to name a few. As a solo artist he has earned the praises of radio and press alike with his two independently released solo recordings "Your Own Backyard" (1999) and "Pennies" (2004). www.tomdeansongs.com
 Jeff Conley...three years ago, two 1960’s Gibson guitars were stolen out of my car after a show. With a full schedule, I needed to continue playing, but could not afford to spend years looking for these vintage guitars again. With many old parts lying around at home, I decided to build instead of buy. Since then, my passion has been playing & building only homemade guitars & drums.
www.jeffconleyband.com
www.naukabout.com
 Dan Stevens...
Connecticut artist "Ramblin" Dan Stevens performs an eclectic mix of traditional fingerstyle blues, popular songs and originals and has entertained audiences throughout the US, Germany, UK, Canada and Virgin Islands. Of special interest is his unique style of "bottleneck" slide playing popularized by early Mississippi delta bluesmen including his use of a homemade, three stringed "Cigar Box Guitar" and one stringed "Diddly Bow", both primitive blues instruments. As a finalist in the International Blues Challenge '08 on Beale St. in Memphis TN and protege of the legendary Dave Van Ronk, Dan has been lauded for his ability as a raconteur and for the authenticity of his approach gained by many years on the road as a traveling blues musician. A participant in the Music Under New York Program, he plays on a regular basis in the New York City Subway System in locations such as Times Square and Grand Central Terminal. www.danstevens.net |
