Biography

December 2007 saw the release of Dutch singer songwriter Eric Devries' second solo cd. Titled "Sweet Oblivion" is recorded with his new band 'The Easy' but also contains three songs recorded in Tulsa, U.S.A. while Devries was on tour there in the spring of 2005. The so called Tulsa tapes were recorded by Gene Williams, featuring Don Morris (ex Dwight Yoakam) on bass and BJ Baartmans on guitar.
With his debut solo cd "Little of a Romeo" Eric Devries launched himself to the top of the Dutch Americana/folk scene, almost out of nowhere but not quite. At one time Eric Devries fronted "The Big Easy", an Amsterdam band renowned for their acoustic approach towards catchy poprocktunes where Devries' songwriting skills first became adamant. They came in second in Holland’s biggest talent competition and got airplay on both national radio as well as national TV. They toured The Netherlands and Switzerland but failed to land a record deal and quit in 1996.

Devries reinvented himself and went solo and toured the Netherlands, often performing together as an acoustic singer songwriter duo with BJ Baartmans. In 2004 Devries released his debut cd which was very well received in the alt. country / americana / folk scene. With "Sweet Oblivion" Devries bridges the gap between his more band orientated past with his solo work of the present. With these 12 songs Devries once more proves his songwriting abilities.

Quotes from the dutch press:

“..Sweet Oblivion contains some remarkably strong songs in which Devries surpasses himself quite regularly...tunes without any pretentions but in all simplicity radiating international allure..”
Harry de Jong, Revolver Magazine april 2008

“.. As a writer of bittersweet melancholy tunes Devries can easily compete with many American counterpart..” ”..with his exceptionally beautiful voice he leaves many contemporary colleques behind..” Marcel Haerkens, Muziekkrant Oor, magazine jan. issue 2008

“..his second solo cd from the first note to the last belongs to an international class of its own..”
Benny Metten www.ctrlaltcountry.be (Belgium website)

“.. it’s the acoustic guitars and that compelling voice that makes your hairs stand on end..”
Sjak Jansen www.folkforum.nl (Dutch website)

“..Sweet Oblivion belongs to the best ever countryrock made in Holland, at least in 2007..”
Hugo Vogel www.altcounrty.nl

“..top of the bill of the dutch singer songwriter scene..”
Erwin  Zijleman Velvet Music magazine

[Home] [gigs] [bio] [contact] [Mp3] [pers] [pics] [projects] [english] [Press]