Saxophonist, composer, producer, vocalist and model Eric Darius likes to play by his own rules. He’s a creative free spirit who has learned to listen to his own inner voice. Steeped in tradition and grounded in the lessons learned from his mentors and ancestors, Darius is not afraid to push himself and his art forward. The Renaissance man reaffirms this credo on his sixth album as a leader and second recording for Shanachie Entertainment. “Retro Forward represents my musical statement as an artist that’s not confined by any boundaries, rules, or genres. As a younger person with roots in the Contemporary Jazz genre, I feel it’s my responsibility to pay homage to the greats that founded this music, but also push it forward to a new, exciting direction that will keep the music alive and relevant for the younger generation,” confesses the astute business school graduate.
Nowhere is this more on display than on the terrific duet of the two Erics – Eric Darius and singer Eric Dawkins – on the hot cut, “What’s Her Name.” Check out this funky jazz number below, our newest SoulTracks First Listen.
Eric Darius feat. Eric Dawkins
“What’s Her Name”
