On his albums he is addicted to Brazilian music. Known by this artist are In A Silent Place (2001) and My Brazilian Heart (2009). He is accompanied on this sophomore project by Paul Avgerinos (bass), Nick Bariluk (keyboards), Bill Harris (woodwind), and Barbara Merjan (drums, percussion). On the lovely ballade Brazilian Morning Eric reveals his passion for natural beauty and smooth melodies. Mellow piano tones, Bill's flute and Eric's acoustic guitar are the right set to complete this mission. Flowing like Gentle Breezes Eric Roberts' temperate guitar chords warm up heart and soul. With the energetic Bossa Nova Flying Free Eric demonstrates his skills in Latin guitar music. This up-tempo tune with a hooky melody is my personal favorite. The swinging waltz Children's Song features Nick Bariluk's piano play of elegance and grandeur. Bill's flute and Eric's guitar follow in an awe-inspiring duet. The Latin-flavored Brazilian Nights opens the dream chamber for Bill Harris on sax. My Brazilian Heart's spirit shines on Swiss Samba, the easy going finale of the album. This track enthuses many guitarists worldwide and maybe it could be soon a guitar standard. The song is Eric' tribute to his stay in Switzerland. He comments: " I was living in Geneva, Switzerland where there was a small Brazilian music community and a great Brazilian club that I used to hang out and play at. Living in Geneva was a wonderful (but expensive) experience and I truly loved the appreciation of music & art that was so prevalent there, as well as the spectacular scenery, too!" Eric Roberts' album My Brazilian Heart is exactly that, what the title promises. Fine compositions for all lovers of good Brazilian music.
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Eric
Roberts is a prolific guitarist with an impressive career as sideman. He
has been backing up famous entertainers such as Chuck Berry, The Fifth
Dimension, The Drifters, Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Anthony Newley, Maureen
McGovern, and the Smothers Brothers. He also performed in several Broadway
shows.
