Eric Steckel Band

Originally from Pennsylvania where he was first known for his energetic guest appearances with many of the area's finest performers, ERIC STECKEL (b. 1990.07 - )'s early musical influences inspired him to pick up his first Fender Stratocaster at the age of nine. There was no looking back? Eric's passion for the Blues enabled him to soon share the stage with many nationally known artists including Bob Margolin, Debbie Davies, James Armstrong, Steve Guyger, Kenny Neal, Chris Beard, Tommy Castro, Joe Kubek, Bnois King, Solomon Burke, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Hubert Sumlin.

Eric's passion for the Blues enabled him to soon share the stage with many nationally known artists including Bob Margolin, Debbie Davies, James Armstrong, Steve Guyger, Kenny Neal, Chris Beard, Tommy Castro, Joe Kubek, Bnois King, Solomon Burke, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Hubert Sumlin. With a feeling and natural ability that just can't be explained for someone so young, Eric delivers a Freddie-BB-Albert King influenced performance with an intensity and skill that belies his youth. With a style at times reminiscent the great ones, Eric combines a variety of influences while reminding everyone the real thing comes from the heart and soul.

The Eric Steckel Band's debut CD, ?A Few Degrees Warmer?, was recorded live in April 2002 when Eric was a mere 11 years old. A Few Degrees quickly became a CDBaby Top Blues Seller and the record continues to delight Blues Guitar fans across the globe.

In November 2003, Eric was presented with The Lehigh Valley Music Award for Outstanding Electric Guitar. The Eric Steckel Band appeared at the Sarasota Blues Festival where Eric delighted the crowd with his powerful set and cameo appearances to become the talk of the day. Although Eric would later earn a return invitation by popular demand in 2004, it was the 2003 festival where Eric was introduced by John Mayall as the youngest person ever on stage with the Bluesbreakers. Eric left a lasting impression on Mayall and in the Summer of 2004, Eric appeared in Sweden, Norway and Denmark as a special guest with John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers during their Scandinavian Tour and in early 2005 Eric traveled to Los Angeles where he joined Mayall for session work on Bluesbreaker's record titled ?Road Dogs?. Listen for Eric's lead guitar work on the track ?Chaos in the Neighborhood?.

The ESB also developed their own faithful following through years of club gigs and festival appearances including opening sets in support of Marcia Ball, Tommy Castro, Shemekia Copeland and B.B. King. After releasing a studio record titled ?High Action? in 2004, the ESB traveled to Holland and Belgium in 2005 for a 10 concert tour promoted by Rounder-Europe and King Bee Music.

Eric now resides in Jacksonville, Florida where he was introduced to Duane Trucks who joined the band in late 2005 on drums. Music fans may immediately recognize Duane as Derek's younger brother and the nephew of Butch Trucks. In celebration of Duane's arrival, the ESB released their third record, ?Havana?. Arguably their best work to date, ?Havana? captures the essence of the band. Deeply rooted in the Blues, their performance recalls the sound of the 60s and 70s Blues Rock era.

In support of the European release of ?Live at Havana? through Rounder-Europe, the ESB returned to Holland in 2006 where they had the honor to open for Johnny Winter at The Paradiso in Amsterdam and appeared at the Tegelen Blues Rock Festival.

The Summer of 2007 marked another milestone for Eric as the band played several prominent American music festivals including a prime time performance at the legendary Pistoia Blues Festival where he opened for John Mayall and Gregg Allman. From May 25th to June 10th Eric Steckel went on tour in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. He took the band to 14 different stages in 17 days. Highlights of this tour: Ribs&Blues Festival in Raalte, Zoetermeer Bluesfestival, Dead End Bar in Aschaffenburg and Bugaboos festival in Mol. An incredible tour: over 5000 kilometers. And it was all worth it: new fans were waiting for the band at each venue.

Eric greeted 2008 by emerging from the recording studio with a host of new songs and an all new record titled ?Feels Like Home?. Supported by solid session performances from Duane Trucks on Drums and Mike Esposito on Bass Guitar, ?Feels Like Home? marks another stunning achievement for Eric as the one-time teen Blues phenom is now a matured guitarist who combines his Bluesy feel with eclectic influences and modern songwriting. The international release of ?Feels Like Home? was well received in the USA and Europe. Several tracks received regular airplay on XM Radio Bluesville.

In support of ?Feels Like Home? Eric teamed up with one of his original influences and early mentor Craig Thatcher to develop a new road band, ?Eric Steckel and CTB?. The Craig Thatcher Band has a well-earned reputation for blending classic rock and blues with a joy of playing that's up front and bold. With their own worldwide recognition and a slew of music awards the CTB is recognized by many as one of the best bands on the East Coast. Eric Steckel and CTB is a must see live performing band. The "Feels Like Home Tour" included a Summer Festival Tour of Italy and tours in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Eric continues to reside in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville, Florida area where he spends his time writing new music and attending college full-time.