Eric Martin Concert Review

Eric Martin

Debonair Music Hall, Teaneck, NJ

17Dec2022

The Eric Martin band concluded a very busy 2022 with its final show of the year at what he referred to as his home away from home, The Debonair Music Hall. A true veteran musician, in 2022 Eric circled the globe including several trips through Europe & South America, a Fall US run as support for Michael Schenker, plus many weekend solo dates (including a show at this same venue in April).

Playing to a sparce, yet enthusiastic crowd, for this occasion he was joined by a backing band of NJ native PJ Farley (Trixter), Paul Pesco (Daryl Hall) & Ben Hans. The unit had a great vibe together & brought a lot of humor into the show, which made for a natural & loose performance & interaction with the audience. Their self-deprecating humor was on full display on this night amongst the band members, but most important was the “Superfantastic” performance itself.

Playing a scaled down electric set, the setlist contained all of the best-known cuts from the Mr. Big catalog (“Alive & Kicking”, “Wild World”, “To Be with You”) plus a great sampling of deeper tracks from all periods of the band (“Take Cover”, “Shine”, “Dancin’ with My Devils”). In addition, PJ Farley took front & center to showcase some of his solo & Trixter material, and the set also included a ripping version of the traditional blues track, “I Just Want To Make Love To You”.

After the show, the band hung with the crowd, took pictures, signed merchandise and I was able to talk in length to Eric Martin about my experiences seeing Mr. Big as a 19-year-old kid opening for Rush.

He was all smiles and appreciative of the conversation and I hope to expand the dialogue with him at some point in the near future. Oh yeah, and he hinted to me to expect “news” soon for 2023 on Mr. Big hitting the road again!