Ed Miller
EM@WildWest-Tahoe.com 

10/15/24

As I drove along the spectacular West Shore of Lake Tahoe on a beautiful Sierra morning, I slid Eric T. Brandt’s newest album, “What You Left Behind” into my car’s CD player.

What I experienced while listening to the six songs took me on a journey that encompassed a delicious array of emotions that brought me both tears and broad smiles.

Being a life-long music lover, and having produced countless concerts, I have been the recipient of so many tapes and CDs by both professional and amateur musicians. I can truly say that this collection of songs is easily within the top three…possible the best. There is nothing about it that I didn’t like. The production and mix are excellent, the instruments and vocals are very professional and easy to listen to, and the lyrics are heartfelt and beautifully crafted.

Music holds a special place in te human brain. Long after we have forgotten names or vocabulary, musical notes and lyrics stay with us and often conjur up memories of where we were when we first hear them. Eric’s wordsmithing evoked such powerful emotions as I drove, I must admit that even though I was on my way to work, I had to pull over and call him to express my feelings, and clear the tears from my eyes for driving. His powerful lyrics are so personal, and yet so relatable. They made me appreciate my decades of life here at Lake Tahoe, the friends I have, and those who have passed, and what I have left behind. Although I have known Eric for many years, enjoyed his performances as lead vocalist and guitarist with "Tahoe’s oldest unrehearsed” band The Beergardeners, I dont know him as well as many other friends and acquaintances. After listening to What You Left Behind, I have so much more insight into his talent, his life experiences, and his emotions. 

This is an album worth listenting to, not only for entertainment, but as a fellow traveler on the journey of life. 

Many Thanks Eric for sharingthis beautiful collection.