Rachel Eckroth
Rachel Eckroth is an American singer-songwriter and keyboardist from Phoenix, Arizona.[1] She is currently the keyboardist for singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright[2] after being the keyboardist for jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, and The Meredith Vieira Show.[1][3][4]
Rachel Eckroth | |
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Rachel Eckroth performing live in 2019. | |
Background information | |
Origin | Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
Genres |
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Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, keyboardist |
Instruments | Vocals, keyboards |
Years active | 1997–present |
Labels | Virgo Sun Records |
Associated acts | Rufus Wainwright, Chris Botti, KT Tunstall, The Meredith Vieira Show |
Website | racheleckroth |
Biography
Rachel Eckroth was born into a musical family[5] and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. As a high school student, she was already performing in the Phoenix jazz scene and had the mentorship of former Count Basie vocalist Dennis Rowland.[6] She then went to study at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas receiving her BA in Jazz Performance. In 2001, Eckroth moved to New York City and studied under jazz pianist Stanley Cowell at Rutgers University before receiving her MFA in Jazz Piano.[1][7] In 2005 Eckroth released her debut album Mind with bassist Kevin Thomas and drummer Chris Benham.[7] Later, Eckroth joined saxophonist Arun Luthra to release the album Louder Than Words in 2009.
In 2014, Eckroth released her album Let Go, which began her pursuit of singer-songwriter music.[8] Later that year, she also released Makeover Volume 1, an EP featuring pop covers of her musical influences.[9]
Eckroth was also the keyboardist for The Meredith Vieira Show house band from 2014 to 2016 before joining the backing band for singer-songwriter KT Tunstall in 2016. She then began her role as the keyboardist for Chris Botti in 2017.[1]
In 2017 Eckroth also formed a fusion jazz group called Antelog, who released their self-titled debut album that same year. In addition, Eckroth served as the assistant music director for the 2017 Women's March in Washington DC.[2]
Eckroth released her new album When It Falls in September 2018. The album features many guest musicians including bassist Tim Lefebvre (David Bowie, Tedeschi Trucks Band), guitarist Doyle Bramhall II (Eric Clapton, Roger Waters), Matt Chamberlain (Tori Amos, Pearl Jam) and guitarist Derek Trucks (Tedeschi Trucks Band and Allman Brothers Band).[1][10] In May 2018, she released her first single from the album titled "Dark Waters".
Eckroth is currently the keyboardist for singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright and was also the supporting act for his All These Poses Anniversary Tour in 2018-2019.[2] She released the single "I'll Try" with singer-songwriter Althea Grace in 2019, along with two singles "Dale Cooper" and "Laura Palmer" with Antelog. In 2020, she released another single "Get U Ready", and she was featured on saxophonist Donny McCaslin's single "Circling".
Discography
As Leader/Co-Leader
Rachel Eckroth
- Get U Ready (Single) (2020)
- When It Falls (2018)
- Makeover Volume 1 (2014)
- Let Go (2014)
Antelog
- Dale Cooper (Single) (2019)
- Laura Palmer (Single) (2019)
- Antelog (2017)
Althea Grace and Rachel Eckroth
- I'll Try (Single) (2019)
Michael Stegner and Rachel Eckroth
- Fell From You (Single) (2019)
Arun Luthra and Rachel Eckroth
- Louder Than Words (2009)
Rachel Eckroth Trio
- Mind (2005)
As a Session Artist
- Scott Newell: Psycho Electric (2020)
- Donny McCaslin: Circling (Single) (2020)
- Michael Stegner: A Believer (Single) (2019)
- Emily Saliers: Murmuration Nation (2017)
- Climbing Poetree: INTRINSIC (2017)
- KT Tunstall: KT Tunstall's Acoustic Extravaganza 2 (2017)
- KT Tunstall: Live at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire (2016)
- Jay White: Tomorrow (Single) (2017)
- Shirazette Tinnin: Humility: Purity of My Soul (2014)
- Jesse Fischer & Soul Cycle: Retro Future (2012)
- Marion Meadows: Secrets (2009)
- Pete Gitlin: Full Circle and the Great Temptation (2008)
- UNLV Jazz Ensemble: Coloring Outside the Lines (1999)
References
- Regen, Jon “Talent Scout – Rachel Eckroth”, "Keyboard", San Francisco, May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
- Borders, Lindsey "Rachel Eckroth to release new album this fall, tour with Rufus Wainwright", "Guitar Girl Mag", Woodstock, August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
- Mason, Sheila Horne “The 2017 TD James Moody Jazz Festival” "Jazz Police", Minneapolis, February 2, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- Alderete, Juan “Pedals And Effects 5: Rachel Eckroth of KT Tunstall”, "Pedals and Effects", Los Angeles, August 8, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- https://medium.com/women-in-music-org/interview-with-the-musician-rachel-eckroth-3904b1c747ed
- Hennessey, Trish “Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey – with Rachel Eckroth!”, "Blog Talk Radio", New York, April 17, 2014. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- Jansen, Steve “Noise Boy: Jazzed about pianist/vocalist Rachel Eckroth”, "Phoenix New Times", Phoenix, March 6, 2008. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- Wierzbicki, Kevin “Rachel Eckroth: Jazz pianist talks about new album ‘Let Go,’ her Phoenix roots”, "AXS", Los Angeles, August 23, 2014. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- Extra, Naomi “Indie Artist Spotlight: Rachel Eckroth, "Weird-Sister", New York, April 27, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- Horowitz, Scott "Interview: Tim Lefebvre Talks David Bowie, Whose Hat Is This?, & Tedeschi Trucks", "Live For Live Music", July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 27, 2018.