Colorado, USA-based singer-songwriter Eric Richard Stone has delivered a well-seasoned palette of original folk, bluegrass and americana music since the 1980’s. Back then he opened for the likes of Utah Phillips, Tom Rush, and Chuck Pyle. But life takes its unexpected twists and turns. What happened during those next 30 plus years could best be described as "Life". Marriage, grad school, a career as a wildlife biologist and natural resource manager, raising three children, and finally turning back to music again. Now, 40+ years and nine CDs later, he is just hitting his stride. Sometimes the songwriting trickles out, and other times it gushes like a swollen mountain stream in spring-melt runoff. Whether accompanied on mandolin by fellow singer-songwriter, Tom Hall and on bass by Patricia Wolter as the trio "StoneHall" or playing guitar and singing solo Stone's roots in New England and the desert Southwest, Stone's many years in the folk music scene provide texture and diversity to each performance. Soulful vocals, lush guitar and humor-filled stagecraft enliven performances on stages like The Pagosa Folk N’ Bluegrass Festival, Four Corners Folk Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest and Red Lodge Songwriter Festival. Original songs inspired by the angle of the sun, and a longing of the heart are riveting.
With a new solo release due out in April 2025, Stone’s nine prior collections, "StoneHall" (2023), “Feathers & Stones” (2022), “Kitchen Table” (April 2021), Just Before Dawn (2020), After The Storm (June, 2020), Fire, Waterfall & Wave (2019), Song Heroes Vol. 1 (2019) Circle Round The Sun (2016) and Junk Yard Dog (2013) bring together accompaniment from producer, Ray Smith, Hall’s mandolin, and bluegrass banjo and dobro from well-known Kentuckian, Aaron Bibelhauser and other accomplished musicians. Together they render blends of original soul-grabbing ballads and traditional bluegrass and folk songs in a fashion reminiscent of Tim O’Brien, Darrell Scott, or David Mallett.
Stone’s performance credits include the following Festivals: Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, High Mountain Hay Fever, Pagosa Folk N’ Bluegrass, Four Corners Folk Festival, Ned Fest, Frozen Dead Guy Days, Paddle Fest, 14er Fest, Red Lodge Songwriter Festival. He has shared the stage or opened for Utah Phillips, John Denver, Tom Rush, Chuck Pyle, StrangeByrds, David Mallett.
Here's what others are saying about Eric Richard Stone.
Eric Richard Stone has been creating Americana music since well before it was labeled as such and the lessons he’s learned along the way come to fruition in a most beautiful way on this new album. There’s much to enjoy here, not the least of which is the diversity of sounds. The album mixes originals with a variety of traditional songs that feel completely at home with Stone’s warm and friendly vocals. On his originals, one hears his years of practice in the craft of finding the perfect arrangement of words to paint a picture or tell a story. Listening to this album I’m reminded of Tom Rush which is not surprising as he’s one of the many Folk/ Americana artists Stone has worked with over the years. Simply fine music. -Kevin Slick, President, Colorado Bluegrass Music Society.
Full of a positivity, hope, and understanding, Eric's music has an uninhibited strength and exuberance that makes you want to sing along, and it leads effortlessly to the gorgeous original melodies. The kind and patient wisdom in the songs that Eric writes as well as those he chooses to cover is unmistakable throughout the album. - Kate Lee & Forrest O’Connor
Eric’s voice is expressive and soulful...and has only become more so with age. I am trying to say that Eric’s voice has a maturity that is alluring. Maybe that just comes from experience. Eric’s singing and songwriting, as well as stage presence are engaging! - Julie Hoest (Mother Folkers)
Eric's songs all deliver on creative melodies, powerfully sung; a soulful collection that highlights Eric's vocal talents. A bit like a house concert, his music is intimate and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. You will too. - Bonnie & Taylor Sims (Bonnie and the Clydes, Everyone Loves An Outlaw, Big Richard)
