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He embraces the charisma,
swagger and precision of a passionate singer of the great standards, all at
the same time. On all levels... it comes straight from the heart.
Meet John Eric Booth. Singer, entertainer, radio personality, producer,
writer, dad and lover of life.
With a recent acclaimed headlining performance off Broadway in New York City
at the Laurie Beechman Theater, and during the same jaunt a surprise
performance for a standing room only crowd at the legendary New York Friars'
Club which drew anxious listeners in from neighboring rooms... it is CLEAR
that John Eric Booth is reaching the world with a vibe of pure joy for the
Great American Songbook.
And then even MORE recently, an intimate yet swinging performance in
Hollywood, California at the historic venue The Mint with renowned
bandleader Pat Longo, which later in the week included a heartfelt public
endorsement for the new “Prince of Cool” by legendary Latin jazz drummer and
percussionist Pete Escovedo during Pete’s show at the famed Hollywood &
Highland venue with Booth in the front row and Escovedo asking him to stand
and meet the 1500+ fans in attendance.
"I want to bring the party back to the genre. If there is ever a time to
inject a lighthearted vibe into life and society... that time is now. We
take ourselves much too seriously. Let's face it... this music is TOTAL
COOL. It puts a smile on your face and warms your soul, and I am glad to be
of service (grinning). THIS is what I do. This infectious swinging sound is
with me all day long. It’s not just what I do onstage… it’s a LIFESTYLE. I
live it, breathe it, love it."
J-E-B
notes Dean Martin as a major influence. “I am without a doubt
influenced by Sinatra from a precision aspect. I constantly aspire to reach
that level of precision as a singer, but Dean Martin influences me as a
‘personality’ and entertainer. I love the “fun” that he brought to the
venue. He was interested IN his audience… he wasn’t wrapped up in BEING
interesting. Know what I mean? I find that very appealing, and that best
suits ME as a person… my fans seem to like that too!”
He mentions that years back,
growing up in the small town of Wayne, West Virginia, he would have never
imagined shining on the great classic crooners with such loving verve. These
days the greats like Martin, Mel Torme, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Johnny
Hartman, Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Tony Bennett, Steve Lawrence and
Nat King Cole are with him every single day. I didn't REALLY take notice
until my late 30's. And now it kind of saddens me that I missed out on
this music for so many years."
"About 2 years ago, I was performing in Los Angeles and an older lady at the
show expressly stated 'You remind me of a young Steve Lawrence'. Folks, I
will definitely run with that!"
However, a modern flair is paramount with Booth as well. "While the music is
timeless, it HAS changed to some degree. It is possible to tweak it with a
new coat of paint and stay true to it simultaneously. When I have reached a
listener in their teens and twenties, and I HAVE... I consider that a great
achievement."
He
studies from the greats... and it's clear on his debut album "Alive &
Swinging!" The songs on the CD run the gamut. 15 TRACKS! From the
old-school-crooning opener “I Love You”… then on to Booth’s appreciation of
the fairer sex on the songs “Wives and Lovers” and “Girl Talk” (which
delivers a taste of Booth’s soulful side) and the solidly swinging “They’ll
Be Some Changes Made”, “More”, “Mack The Knife” and the album closer “You’re
Nobody Till Somebody Loves You”. Throw in the joyful lament of “I Got Plenty
Of Nothin”, then finding fortune within “Pennies From Heaven”, the dusty
travels on “Road To Mandalay”, the raw jazz of “When Your Lover Has Gone”
and the finger-snapper “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and you’ve got an album
that is indeed enjoyed and sung along with from beginning to end!
While a devoted study of the Great American Songbook, the influence of music
from the 60s, 70s and 80s is always with him as well. "Without a doubt, my
history in pop music has indeed played a positive role in crafting my
standards voice into what it is today. I think it's helpful to have some
exposure to variously music styles. There are many that deserve appreciation
on various levels."
Producing a weekly one-hour radio program called "Swinging Songbook" which
can be heard online via thepenthouse.fm has become another outlet for J-E-B
to shine more love on the music. "I have full control for one hour. I pick
the songs, and just have fun with it. It's also important to me to shine
light on fellow modern-day performers as well. We're carrying the torch and
keeping it's heart beating strong. It's great fun and allows me to reach out
to the world."
Stay tuned for more...
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