Erik Brandt is a Twin Cities-based multi-instrumentalist and singer known for work with his group The Urban Hillbilly Quartet. His first solo release, Green Eyed Alone (Mercy Recordings 2006), finds Brandt and some musical friends leaning into a personal Americana songbook -- and often pushing it slightly off its rootsy foundation. The CD`s 13 Brandt-penned tracks showcase a vocalist, guitarist and keyboard player who rings with sincerity in the setting of every mood. The fine choice of musical collaborators also deserves a prominent spot on Brandt`s musical resume. The contributions of the Jayhawks` Tim O`Reagan (harmony vocals), Romantica`s Luke Jacobs (bass, harmony vocals), UHQ sidekicks Jeremy Szopinski (guitar) and Dave Strahan (banjo), and several other talents provide Green Eyed Alone with an aural sweep suiting Brandt`s range of lyrical topics. (Mercy Recordings)
