ARTS & CULTURE A LA CARTE
ANDREA DAVIS
MUSIC: Eric Heatherly and The Goats of Kudzu Photography by Adam Sanner I often describe musicians and compare them to others to give an idea of what they sound like. In this case, however, all I can tell you is that Eric Heatherly sounds like Eric Heatherly. I have never seen or heard anything like it. He amazes me. You have probably seen and heard Eric, at least in the past. His first album, “Swimming in Champagne,” (Mercury Records) was released in April 2000. With widespread critical honors, it became Billboard’s #44 Top Album of the year and yielded three Top 40 singles. One of those singles, “Flowers on the Wall,” was given the honor of the #3 Top Country Single of 2000 and #1 video designation from both Great American Country (GAC) and Country Music Television (CMT). Now, after years of a successful mainstream country career, Eric has stepped out of the box and created something raw, edgy and most definitely original. The Goats of Kudzu is Eric’s one-man-band that features him on drums, guitar, harp and vocals simultaneously. He just released a new record this year that certainly captures what he is about, but you have to see him live to fully understand what he has created. He has catchy lyrics in songs like “All Fried Up” and “Soul Butter” that not only have you singing along but just might make you a little bit hungry! Several of his songs include delicious lyrics such as “sugar sprinkles on a hot cherry pie,” but the songs have lots of “meat” to them, too. Eric does not hold back on his life experiences and emotions. His journey has not always been an easy one, and the truth he reveals through song is powerful. Music aside, Eric is a solid guy. He has a strong faith and a daughter that he loves fiercely. He lights up when he talks about her and lives his life to leave her a legacy she can be proud of. He loves calling Franklin home and says it is his safe haven. After years of being on the road, he is now enjoying spending time with friends new and old in the music community and beyond. He is also working on a cartoon map of Franklin coming July 1st. He says it is going to be nostalgic, fun, informative and interactive with web support. Anyone interested in being involved can contact him via e-mail. eric.heatherly@gmail.com. Upcoming live shows of The Goats of Kudzu: • Juke Joint Fest at Ground Zero/Clarksdale, MS- April 12th 9pm & April 13th 11-2pm • Main Street Festival at Landmark Booksellers/Franklin, TNApril 26th 12-2pm & April 27th 12pm-1:30pm • Christmas For Kids Charity Golf Tournament/ Mt. Juliet, TN- Tuesday, April 29th • YOUR Williamson May Social & Anniversary Party/ Franklin, TN-TBD • Ground Zero Blues Club/Clarksdale, MS- May 16th For more information on Eric Heatherly and how to purchase his music, go to www.theericheatherly.com.
April 2014 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 85