Other Things

As I said in my last post, I've been wanting to blog about some things other than my experience as a fat person. Fat people have hobbies, interests, likes and passions just like everyone else. I like poetry. I really like when poetry is set to music.

For a while now I've been wanting to share about a stunning musical talent I've been made aware of, Erick Baker. He sets poetry to music. He has opened shows for James Blunt, Edwin McCain and John Legend. Earlier this year I saw him perform live and was simply blown away. The first time I saw him was online....and I cried. I've sat at my computer and cried like a baby only two times. The first time was when I was reading about the elephants at The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennesseeee.

The second time I sat at my computer and cried was when I watched this guy sing a song called Plastic Flowers. I didn't cry a few little tears. I bawled and snuffled and went on. My family was worried about me! Erick Baker has a special gift and I believe you'll be hearing a lot about him in the future. Please give him some of your time...I don't think you'll regret it.

Also, I just have to say that there is something special about Erick's band. It is Erick's viola player, Erin. She is an awesome human being I count among my friends. Erin is not only a gifted string player but a loving generous soul. Please watch and enjoy. If you don't have time to watch the full 27 minute Studio 865 interview, skip to the shorter version or music only videos. You can also go to Erick's Myspace page and look around.

Click here: Plastic Flowers to read the lyrics to this spine-tingling song about the passing of a beloved mate.

Studio 865 Interview~Long Version


Studio 865 Interview~Short Version


Live at Five


At the Bonnaroo Music Festival~2008


Nashville at Nite Interview


Addendum: I received this email from Erin today. Ashley Capps says it way better than I did in the above post.

Introducing Erick Baker

Appearing at the World Grotto in Knoxville this Saturday, 8/23 with special guest Megan McCormick. Doors open at 9 pm

A message from Ashley Capps:
Hello friends -
I want to share something special with you and I hope you'll pass it along to some friends.

I have the privilege of working with a very special young artist that has an extraordinary gift to really touch people with his music. His name is Erick Baker and he will be performing this coming Saturday evening at the World Grotto on Market Square. The doors will open at 9pm and the show starts around 10pm or so.

I've been very slow to step into the world of artist management and it still humbles me to have a role in developing someone else's career. Fortunately, I have a lot of help from several of my colleagues, notably Ted Heinig, Chris Peck, and Todd Steed...in fact, it was Ted and Chris who actually made me aware of Erick...persistently...as I told them time and time again that I didn't feel we were ready to take on another management client.

That is...until they finally succeeded in getting me out to see Erick.

I was blown away...there's no other way to describe it. Erick's extraordinary and powerful presence - his romantic and intensely emotional songs - and the strong connection that he established with his audience that night was nothing short of electrifying.

I've now seen it happen several times over...I've watched Erick walk onto the stage as the opening act before a sold out house ...unannounced...to understandably skeptical and at first totally disinterested audiences...but ultimately a standing ovation and a line in the lobby to buy his only CD. I've had an audience of jaded music biz agents trying to act cool and reserved as they call and email about what we're thinking next and what we're planning and can they help and would Erick like to open for this act and that act...

I want you to come see for yourself. If you've been moved by the work of Damien Rice, or Ray LaMontagne, or even Dave Matthews or John Mayer...I think Erick will knock you out. And I suspect you'll be telling folks 10 years from now..."I remember when I saw that guy at this little basement club.."


Ashley Capps
President, AC Entertainment