Sumner Erickson

Me, Guitar and a Mic Vol. 1

“All I want to do is sing, sing my song,” croons Sumner Erickson on “Dreams.” The younger brother of Texas psych legend Roky Erickson was a master tuba player with the Pittsburgh Symphony but in recent years has turned his local efforts to rocking with the Texcentrics. For Me, Guitar and a Mic, his first nonclassical solo effort, what you read is what you get. Erickson’s gentle approach finds its comfort zone in heartfelt folk-rock about life (“What Is,” “The Sun Is Always Shining”), love (“Now and Forever More”), and naturally, the birds and the bees (“It Burns My Eyes”). Vocally, Erickson’s tenor veers toward his brother’s yawp without as much success, yet carries a naivete that has its own appeal. Shadows sometimes loom long and deep; Sumner unplugged is still looking for his place in the sun.

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This article appears in February 13 • 2009.

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