ERIC UGLUM & SONS BIO
An amazing family trio, Eric Uglum and his two stepsons Austin and Christian Ward bring considerable instrumental and vocal talents to the stage. Their show features songs with strong melodies and soulful lyrics and musical styles that range from Swing to Bluegrass with a few stops in between. Born in Kentucky and raised in Huntington Beach, California, Eric Uglum began his musical career as a teenager teaching guitar and attending many music festivals where he received numerous awards for his outstanding musicianship. He shared his passion for traditional music with his two equally talented step-sons, Christian and Austin Ward. The trio has performed all over the world and always leave an audience begging for more. The band has taught music workshops all over North America and Europe. A real inspiration to other young musicians, Austin and Christian are wonderful examples of the next generation of acoustic music superstars. Eric’s ear for excellent tone and precise timing is reflected in the 2007 pioneer recording project for Eric Uglum and Sons, The Old Road to Jerusalem which is getting extensive airplay internationally. Check out some sound clips of The Old Road to Jerusalem CD!
Christian Ward, fiddle/harmony vocals
...has become recognized as one of the best young fiddle players in the new generation of acoustic music performers. Christian, along with his brother Austin were selected by the International Bluegrass Music Association to perform in a teen all star band at the IBMA convention in 2006. He is also in high demand as a session player and displays an amazing virtuosity, but also a taste and maturity in his playing that goes beyond his years. Christian has toured North America and Japan with the Sierra Hull Band, Europe with Chris Stuart & Backcountry and recently was asked to teach the Fiddle Master's Workshop with Ron Stewart and Jim VanCleve at the IBMA convention in Nashville, TN. The release of Eric Uglum & Son's first CD entitled, The Old Road to Jerusalem, includes one of Christian's self-penned fiddle tunes, Stonewall.
Austin Ward, acoustic bass/harmony vocals
...has in a very short time become a respected and solid, yet creative bass player whose bass solo's always bring the house down at performances. He has a thorough feel for all styles of music, and along with his brother, Christian, appeared in an ABC Prime Time Special that was taped at the 2006 CMA Fan Fest in Nashville, Tennessee where he performed in front of an audience of 50,000 people with Ricky Skaggs and Earl Scruggs. Austin has toured North America and Japan with the Sierra Hull Band and Europe and the Middle East Sultanate of Oman with Eric Uglum & Son's Trio. Austin, even at a young age, is already in high demand as a session player performing on CD projects for Cathey-Anne McClintock, Donavan Frankenrider's Matt Grundy, Paul Shelasky, Chris Stuart, Pat Cloud and the CMH Records Pickin On series release entitled, The Bluegrass Tribute to Jack Johnson.
Eric Uglum, lead/harmony vocals, guitar
...is one of the most tasteful players in bluegrass and acoustic music. His tone, timing, and taste, have been a major part of every band he's played in including Weary Hearts in the 1980s with Ron Block, Butch Baldassari and Mike Bub; Copperline; and for many years with Lost Highway. Eric's solo album on Backcountry Records, Shenandoah Wind, was selected by Bluegrass Now magazine as the best album of 2004, and the song "Shenandoah Wind," with Alison Krauss, was on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart for much of 2005. Eric has been featured in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine and Bluegrass Now Magazine as well as many television and radio interviews. Eric also owns and operates New Wine Sound Studio & Mastering Lab and has worked with many of the best known names in acoustic music including Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss, Ron Block, Sean & Sara Watkins, Tim O'Brien, Dan Tyminski, Adam Steffy, Rob Ickes, Stuart Duncan and Jerry Douglas.
Nancy Bouyear - Apple Valley, California Dear Mr. Uglum, My husband and I just happened to attend the Spring Show at the Performing Arts Center last Saturday night. Little did we have any idea of the treat that was in store for us, provided by you and your sons. We truly enjoyed your performance, it was obvious that the entire audience did too. We bought your "The Road to Jerusalem" CD and listened to it on the return drive to our home in Apple Valley. We have bought CD's before from groups we have been entertained by, they usually end up relegated to the back of a cd case. We were blown away by your cd, it was totally enjoyable from beginning to end. We love your voice, your family is overflowing with talent. Best of luck to you and your boys for a long, happy and lucrative career in music and Thank You for our new favorite CD. |
Eric, Heard you and the boys for the first time on The Folk Sampler Radio Show last week--Mike played "Life's Railway to Heaven". Just outstanding-clearly not your 'run of the mill' bluegrass. I immediately came home,went on-line and ordered both Old Road to Jerusalem and Shenandoah Wind. Received them in today's mail; they've been playing all day. Bluegrass with CLASS! You guys are great--music without the sound/flavor of pride and conceit that seems so common these days! |
Larry & Patti Hunziker - Blythe, California Saw you and boys at Blythe Music Festival. Awesome!! Sat in on your guitar and recording seminars also...Thanks for the enlightenment and great web page. |
I just wanted to take the opportunity to say how much I enjoyed watching you & your boys play at the Parkfield Music Festival. After listening to your songs here, I have to get your cd's!! Your voice is amazing!!! I remember seeing you & your boys in the jam room at Parkfield and didn't know who you were, (not really into Bluegrass), but am definately a fan now! |
Randy Emory - Everett, Washington Congratulations, Eric to you and the boys for a truely remarkable concert! I was spellbound. |
Joe Ross - Bluegrass Now Magazine Uglum and Son's musical fermentation is effervescent, largely due to their emphasis on both new and older acoustic spirits….with music not too dry or sweet, heavy or light. |
Eric, Austin and Christian in Bluegrass Now Magazine!
Check the November issue of Bluegrass Now magazine for a nice article about Eric and the boys by Yvonne Tatar!