Biography
Eddie Erickson stands out as a skilled guitarist and banjoist, a strong vocalist, and a quick-witted improviser with a knack for spontaneous humor. Born to an amateur guitarist father, he first picked up the ukulele at age seven before taking up trombone and cornet, the latter including performances at Disney World. By thirteen he had shifted his focus to banjo and guitar. His professional career began in San Jose during the mid-1960s, after which he took on roles at both Disney World and Disneyland while also joining the Banjo Kings. Between 1978 and 1983 he directed the Riverboat Rascals aboard a riverboat at Disneyland. For an extended period he teamed with vocalist and washboard player Sue Kroninger to co-lead the duo Fast Eddie & Big Mama Sue, delivering upbeat good-time music. Additional collaborations included work with the Abalone Stompers in Monterey and appearances alongside cornetist Jackie Coon in the Jack 'n Ed Show. He further released a leader date on the Arbors label. Since 2002 his most sustained partnership has been with vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, trombonist Dan Barrett, and bassist Joel Forbes in the ensemble BED. Through this group Erickson maintains a steady presence on the classic jazz festival and party circuit, contributing to three albums issued by the Blue Swing imprint. The setting highlights his comedic timing, his singing—most notably his signature rendition of “Easy Street”—and his work on guitar and banjo.
Albums
