Eric Marienthal
Having performed in over 60 different countries, recording 10 solo CD's and playing on hundreds of other records, films, television shows and commercial jingles, Eric has definitely exceeded those musical goals he set for himself
A graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA., Eric had achieved the highest proficiency rating given by the school. In 1995, Eric was awarded the Berklee Distinguished Alumnus Award for outstanding achievements in contemporary music.
After moving to Los Angeles in 1980, Eric auditioned for famed New Orleans trumpeter Al Hurt. He got the gig, moved to New Orleans and played with Al and his band for about a year. He got the gig, moved to New Orleans and played with Al and his band for about a year.
While playing at a club in North Hollywood, Eric looked up from the stage to see jazz legend Chick Corea walk through the door. Chick had been one of Eric's very favorite all-time musicians. "When I looked up and saw Chick walk in I thought I must be hallucinating!" Chick was a friend of John's so Eric figured he was there to see John's band. But unbeknownst to Eric, Chick was looking to add a sax player to his famed Elektric Band with bassist, John Patitucci, drummer Dave Weckl, and guitarist Frank Gambale. Not only did Chick stay for the whole night but he sat in during the 2nd set. "We played one of Chick's standards, "500 Miles High". Thank God I knew that tune!" Eric said that his wife Lee Ann happened to be there that night and could see the excitement in his eyes.
The real bombshell, however, didn't hit until the next day. While Eric was sitting in the Disneyland Band break room the phone rang. "The bass player answered it and said it was for me. He had an odd look on his face and when I asked who it was he said it was Chick Corea's manager. I totally froze!" Eric finally made it to the phone and the manager told him that Chick wanted him to join the Elektric Band. The Elektric band went on to record 6 albums, won 2 Grammys and traveled to every corner of the globe. After the Elektric Band's "Light Years" CD was released, Eric was offered his first solo record contract with GRP records. "It was a dream come true for me. Playing with Chick and getting signed to my own deal, what more could I ask for."
Currently, Eric is signed to the Peak Records label, owned by Rippingtons founder Russ Freeman. "When Russ asked me to join the Rippingtons, he also offered me a deal with his label and I jumped at it. Playing with the Ripp's has been incredibly fun for me and the band is awesome!”
Among all the different bands that Eric has been a part of, one of his favorites is the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band. Gordon is a very prominent, Grammy winning composer in Los Angeles and the Big Phat Band is among the most popular Big Bands in the world today.
Eric will be performing with the Crescent Super Band, recently awarded top Student Band in the world by Downbeat Magazine.