Looking for More with Birmingham jazz guitarist Eric Essix

It’s understandable — and maybe to be expected — that local treasures are taken for granted. Eric Essix and his body of work fall into that category. 

The jazz guitarist has been a fixture on Birmingham’s music scene for more than 30 years and his easygoing manner has made him a friend to many in this community. But when we step back and revisit his catalog and accomplishments — 25 full-length recordings in a 30-year career, plus a degree from Berklee College of Music — we may just realize that we have an important national jazz figure in our own backyard.

These days, in addition to recording and touring, Essix serves as artist-in-residence at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, a role that finds him serving as musician, ambassador, and programming consultant. On Saturday, July 21, he’ll will perform at the Lyric Theatre, a show booked in conjunction with the release of his new album, More. Fellow Alabamians Roman Street will open the 8 p.m. show.

Recently, Essix spoke with Jefferson County Journal by phone about More, his upcoming concert at the Lyric, and the juggling act that is his career.

Jefferson County Journal: When I think of your career, the word “variety” comes to mind. You play several styles of jazz and hold the Alys Stephens center position in addition to recording and touring. Is that a fair statement?

Essix: That’s a very fair statement — I’m all over the place. The record I did in 2016 [This Train] was a straight-up gospel album. It was probably the biggest project I’ve ever done. There were 18 musicians on it, and a lot of guest artists. I think I’m more proud of that record than anything I’ve ever done. It was critically acclaimed but, because I’m a jazz artist, it didn’t reach my audience as much as I would have liked. But I’m still real proud of it.

Jefferson County Journal: Your next album is titled More. What can listeners expect from that one? 

Essix: This record is mostly my compositions. I wrote seven, my producer Kelvin Wooten wrote one — he’s produced my last few records, since 2009 — and then I did a cover that I did on another record, just because Glen Campbell passed away last year. I wanted to do a tribute to him so I did “Wichita Lineman.”

Jefferson County Journal: Where was the album recorded?

Essix: Kelvin has a beautiful studio in Athens, Alabama. I’ve actually recorded four or five records there. We recorded everything at his place.

Jefferson County Journal: How have you been able to balance your music career and your role at the Alys Stephens Center?

Essix: It’s tricky, man, I’ll be honest with you. I did a clinic this past Monday night, and somebody asked me a similar question. This year it’s particularly tricky, because I have so many things going on with two records, this concert on the 21st, and we’re in the process of booking a tour, which is about a third of the way finished and now looks like it might go into 2019. Then, there’s the big celebration concert at the end of the year at the ASC for the 30th anniversary.

Last month, I launched a kickstarter campaign to help supplement all of these different things I have going on. Usually it’s just one thing — this year, there are so many things I decided I needed a little help. [Laughs]

I’ve found out that you have to massage and manage that thing daily. It’s a lot more than I anticipated. We’ve announced our [Alys Stephens Center] season a couple of weeks ago and had a lot of challenges getting that nailed down. Ticket sales are going really well so far, and I’m really excited about that. It’s difficult to find a balance. I even struggle with having a personal life sometimes.

Jefferson County Journal: Given the demands on your time as a recording and touring musician, have UAB and the ASC been supportive?

Essix: They absolutely have and that’s from [UAB President] Dr. [Ray] Watts on down. Everybody is very supportive, and with the artist-in-residency thing I act as an ambassador when I go play clinics. I always talk about UAB and my role here. I receive an unbelievable amount of support. I couldn’t be more blessed to be in the situation I’m in.

Jefferson County Journal: Your presence at the ASC must be invaluable when the venue books shows and seeks programming input.

Essix: I like to think I bring a different perspective being an artist and knowing what’s going on from the other side of things. I like to think that it brings a little bit of value to what I do.

Jefferson County Journal: How would you describe the state of jazz? Is it true that the genre is often more appreciated more overseas than here in the U.S.?

Essix: That’s a great question, because I’ve experienced it overseas. There does seem to be a greater appreciation for the music there, especially the more traditional jazz. What I do leans more toward the contemporary side, but I’ve found in other countries — especially in Europe — they love the more traditional jazz, so I mix it up a little bit when I’m touring over there to be conscious of what they really like. They love jazz and blues, and when they find out I’m from Alabama, they automatically assume I can play blues. Fortunately, I can. [Laughs]

Live at the Lyric: Eric Essix CD Release Concert with special guest Roman Street takes place on Saturday, July 21. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show range from $20 to $30. To find out more, visit lyricbham.com.