Tim Eriksen
Soul of the January Hills

(2010)

"A stunning and magical record that takes us right back to the very roots. . . An exceptional recording by an exceptional performer. Here at last we have something that truly communicates." Maverick, UK

“Haunting . . . performed with a strong, clear voice.” – Tad Dickens, Roanoke, VA., Times

“. . . Strips his vocal gifts down to their barest essence. . . . the album finds Eriksen’s burnished baritone caressing such traditional American artifacts as ‘Amazing Grace’ and the 15th Century ballad, 'John Randolph'." – Steve Kilbride, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“. . . hardcore Americana at its most elemental.” – Brattleboro, VT., Reformer

“In the domain of traditional ballad singing, Tim Eriksen wields astonishing power, with a voice full of deep, emotive qualities, a well-worn character and effortless fluidity. . . . He sounds like he's 250 years old – a compliment in traditional ballad singing – but his singing has an immediacy that grabs listeners and compels them to share in the moment of performance.” – Parrish Ellis, Mountain Xpress, Asheville, NC

“Eriksen’s voice is perfectly attuned to these songs, yet utterly without drama or artifice. The songs are about the stories, not about the singer. . . . the stories and lyrics are familiar, but the tunes have gained new settings, new heroes or villains, and that wild strangeness that is the hallmark of much American balladry, as if they’d been tumbled over the stones of some remote mountain stream for generations. Eriksen has a genuinely unique place on the contemporary American folk scene for his ability to get inside these songs . . . the unaccompanied Soul of the January Hills stands out for the focus, clarity and quiet intensity of the songs.” – Joan Crump, English Dance & Song, UK

“Eriksen’s voice is perfectly attuned to these songs, yet utterly without drama or artifice. The songs are about the stories, not about the singer. . . . the stories and lyrics are familiar, but the tunes have gained new settings, new heroes or villains, and that wild strangeness that is the hallmark of much American balladry, as if they’d been tumbled over the stones of some remote mountain stream for generations. Eriksen has a genuinely unique place on the contemporary American folk scene for his ability to get inside these songs . . . the unaccompanied Soul of the January Hills stands out for the focus, clarity and quiet intensity of the songs.” – Joan Crump, English Dance & Song, UK

“Eriksen's voice is a powerful instrument in its own right . . . the wonderment of the narratives and the ability of the voice to cut to the emotional quick take hold.” – Rob Weir, Valley Advocate, Northampton, MA

“As deep into the folk tradition as you can get . . . dyed in the wool contemporary folkies that think the Amish are too plugged in will get off on this big time. Wild stuff if you’re ready for this kind of ride.” – Chris Spector, Midwest Record