Soulful Sounds of Erick Baker

Written By: Laurel Magazine Staff | Issue: October 2024

Erick Baker

Welcome to Appalachia’s foremost autumnal experience – hours basking in spectacular fall foliage, drenched in color, immersed in music.

Such is the promise of the Thursday, October 10, concert at the Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards – an evening spent amidst lush orchards, listening to the Emmy Award-winning writer, TV show host, and singer-songwriter Erick Baker.

As birds quiver and crickets chirp in harmony with the music, The Orchard will become a chamber of resonances and reverberations, and the soulful sounds of Baker’s voice echoes among the branches, his acoustic guitar serving as rhythm and background.

Baker’s path to music wasn’t a conventional one. Often described as a “late bloomer,” he didn’t start performing until he was 18, while attending the University of Tennessee. He quickly made up for lost time. He started playing covers at bars with a local band, cut a pair of self-released albums, and began performing as a solo acoustic act. His big break came when a local promoter spotted him at an open-mic night and offered him a chance to open for none other than John Legend. It didn’t take long for the buzz to spread.

Baker’s music draws comparisons to contemporary songwriters like Ray LaMontagne and Ryan Adams, but his style is uniquely his own. He has earned a following for his emotionally charged songs about the travails of love and life. Well known for blending the energetic beat of pop music into a soul culture, he creates music that pushes the boundaries of genre stereotype.

At the heart of his music is his soulful voice, “a smoke and whiskey tenor with plenty of range and emotion.”  The aching intensity, and unguarded emotional energy of his live performances are a compelling example of what can be accomplished through song. Mountain Xpress described him as having a, “raw and powerful” voice and an, “ability to whip a crowd into a respectable frenzy.” This is music that reminds us how to enjoy nature and each other.

Not content with just music stardom, Baker released his first children’s book in 2021, Willie the Weed, an optimistic tale with vivid illustrations and a heartwarming message that encourages children to be proud of who they are.

Shows begin each evening at 6:00 P.M. and finish at 8:00 P.M. – perhaps just in time for a showing of nature’s own Klieg light, the rising of the moon. Admission is $25 for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests and Members, and general admission is $40 and includes light bites and a cash bar. The session will move indoors to the new Orchard House in the event of rain.