Erick Baker
The chance to simultaneously immerse yourself in music and the outdoors holds a certain kind of magic. Such is the promise of the seasonal concert series, Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards. As birds quiver and crickets chirp in harmony with the music, the light dims and casts shadows, and the evening yields an experience wholly engulfing.
Singer-songwriter Erick Baker performs on Thursday, June 15. And once again the orchard will become a chamber of resonances and reverberations; the soulful sounds of his voice echoing among the trees, his acoustic guitar serving as rhythm and background to the swell of his voice.
Baker, who is often described as a “late-bloomer,” didn’t start performing until he was 18, while at 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. When he was spotted by a local promoter at an open-mic night in Knoxville, he was offered a chance to open for John Legend and the buzz soon spread.
Drawing comparison to contemporary songwriters like Ray LaMontagne and Ryan Adams, Baker 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.
The show begins at 6:00 P.M. and concludes around sunset at 8:00 P.M. There is a $40 cover charge for the public. Every ticket includes light bites and a cash bar.
For updates and to book online visit OldEdwardsHospitality.com/OrchardSessions
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