Eric Bettencourt
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Latest News
WINNER Best Folk Act—Portland Phoenix 2010 Best Music Poll
Best Music Poll: 2010 www.thephoenix.com
Winner: Best Folk Act
3rd Place: Best Album-The Giraffe Attack Collection
"A runner-up in last year's poll, Bettencourt earned this victory the hard way: as a write-in candidate. Bettencourt is a songwriter at heart, expertly crafting a wide range of tunes around his scratchy, Janis Joplin-esque voice. Whether equipped with just an acoustic guitar, or with his whole backing band, Bettencourt combines folk, blues, and classic rock elements into always-pleasing melodic concoctions. He has admittedly learned from the rock gods themselves — Hendrix, Clapton, Page, Dylan — but is able to stay contemporary, also drawing on current artists like Iron and Wine and Ray LaMontagne. Combining guitar chops with lyrical prowess is a proven recipe for success and Bettencourt isn't afraid to go with what works. However, he still brings ingenuity to his tracks, often using unconventional arrangements. A staple in the Portland scene, Bettencourt is also a producer and runs his own record label Shadow Shine Records."
Runners-up
2. Marie Moreshead
3. Jason Spooner
4. Putnam Smith
Benifit Concert For East Wave Radio -
Our friends in East Wave Radio were recently in an accident while on tour in Canada. There will be a benefit concert and auction held for them at The Big Easy here in Portland. Proceeds to benefit the boys of EastWave Radio through their period of recovery. $10 minimum donation, music all day and night. Look forward to seeing you there!
12:00-12:30 The Project
12:45-1:15 The Grumps
1:30-2:00 Ben Burgess
2:15-2:45 Amanda Gervasi
3:00-3:30 Geoff Zimmerman Trio
3:45-4:15 Christian Cuff
4:30-5:00 Adam Waxman
5:15-5:45 Sara Hallie Richardson
6:00-6:30 Zach Jones
6:45-7:15 Jaye Drew
7:30-8:00 Eric Bettencourt
8:15-8:45 Div Kid
9:00-9:30 Stationeightyfive
9:45-10:15 The Nick Leen Trio
10:30 on Royal Hammer
Playing with The Mallett Brothers and Dark Hollow Bottling Company
Eric will be playing with The Mallett Brothers, and Dark Hollow Bottling Company Saturday, May 8, at The Empire in Portland, ME.
Opening for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
On March 13th Eric will be opening for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in Carrabasset Valley, home to the Sugarloaf Ski resort. He'll be doing a 45 minute solo acoustic set.
Grace Potter has recently toured with acts such as Taj Mahal, Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews Band, The Black Crowes, The Derek Trucks Band, Gov't Mule and blues legend Robert Cray.
Tickets:
$20 in advance or $25 at the door.
For tickets call 1-800-THE-LOAF:
http://www.sugarloaf.com/EventsActivities/concerts.html
More on Grace Potter and the Nocturnals:
www.gracepotter.com
This Big House, a Three Song EP, Now Available (Free Download)
Eric has just released his fourth CD release of the year, This Big House. It is a three song EP of which the title track will be available as a free download for a limited time.
The song, This Big House, is actually the third version of this song. The first was a solo acoustic demo version, which was recorded and filmed at the same time for youtube. It was included on the Two Wine Glasses/The Fear EP, which dropped in July. The second version was made for the movie, "Come to Know", which was made by the Maine Film Collaborative. (Read the previous news post for more info.)
The newest version, of which you can download for free for a limited time, is a completely new take with a slightly more upbeat tempo. Singer/songwriter Amanda Gervasi (Gypsy Tailwind) sings the backing vocals while Charles C. Gagne (Dominic and the Lucid, Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia) play drums on the track. Everything else you hear, the guitars, banjo, and bass were all played by Eric.
Liza Jane is an old, traditional tune which Eric was inspired to record after hearing The Wood Brothers cover of it. Ryan Cyr, Erics Giraffe Attack band mate, sings the background harmonies.
The third song, My Lady Tuesday, is the final take on an acoustic, instrumental piece that has been evolving for almost ten years.
The purchased CD of this includes the alternate version of This Big House, which was used on the "Come to Know" soundtrack.
This Big House EP:
Produced by Eric Bettencourt
All songs written by Eric Bettencourt except Track Liza Jane (Traditional arranged by Eric Bettencourt)
Recorded by Eric Bettencourt except drums on This Big House, by Billy Slifka, Bipolar Studio
Mixed by Eric Bettencourt and James Whalen, Shadow Shine Studios
Mastered by Jim Begley, The Studio
Cover art and design by Liza Kelley
Published by Shadow Shine Publishing
Copyright © 2009 Shadow Shine Records
