About the Author:

Erica Weander, Vocalist and Guitarist

With
Andy Stack, Guitar
Pete Romano, Guitar
Bret Egan, Piano
Ryan Cavan, Drums
Brendan O'Grady, Bass
Howard Johnson, Baritone Sax and Coronet

At

Birdland
315 West 44th Street, NYC
212.581.3080
www.birdlandjazz.com
Gianni Valenti, Owner
Andy Kaufman, Business Manager
Tarik Osman, Manager

By Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
July 17, 2003

Tonight was an early set, before the scheduled bands, in honor of the debut of the incredibly vivacious Erica Weander, a hot new vocalist and guitarist, who usually greets the Birdland fans at the door and decided to surprise us with her warmth and virtuosity amidst a fusion of rock and jazz. Her band of two guitars, piano, drums, bass, and sax or coronet was extremely well blended and played with just the right tempo and tone to showcase Erica's vibrant and sexy personality, with a voice to match. She belted Come Rain or Come Shine as a pro, and also wrote many of her own songs. If I were a West Coast Swing Dancer, I would have been hard put to keep from jumping onstage with the musicians. When she sang with just guitar and drums, Erica turned romantic and melancholy, with her youthful, yet attractive and soulful presence. Stormy Monday and Lord Have Mercy brought the audience to a rousing ovation, as they were charmed and proud of Erica, in her debut role at Birdland. This was a short, but balanced set, with romantic, bluesy, jazz/rock, and blazing songs, something for everyone and something to look forward to hearing again soon. Kudos to Erica Weander and to Birdland for offering her this rare, performance opportunity.

Erica Weander and Her Band

Gianni Valenti, Erica, Andy Kaufman

Tarik Osman and Erica