Eric Bettencourt
Secret Songs for Secret People
Shadow Shine Productions
Click to hear: “Fell Into Place”
Eric Bettencourt’s songs are like a comfy winter coat. They’re well crafted but nothing fancy. They make you feel just fine.
On his most recent album, Secret Songs for Secret People, released late last fall, Bettencourt further hones the easy-going blues- and folk-rock he delivered on 2009’s Fine Old World. His scruffy voice keeps reminding you of Shannon Hoon and Janis, but you never get the impression he’s struggling with the demons they did. This is that seemingly oxymoronic style: happy blues. There’s a song titled “Dying,” and you can practically whistle it.
Bettencourt handles most of the guitars himself. His playing is fluid and bright. Strings warm up a couple tracks, and several of Portland’s most accomplished female singers back him up, including Amanda Gervasi, Megan Jo Wilson and Sara Hallie Richardson.
Other than an utter lack of pathos, there’s nothing not to like about Secret Songs.
— Chris Busby
For more on Bettencourt, visit eric-bettencourt.com.
