Singer/songwriter Eric Ott possesses a raw, open-soul approach to both songwriting and performing, exposing nerves at that root while making listeners feel as though they’re part of something larger than themselves.

Ott has fronted Mercuryhat since 2001, releasing two critically-acclaimed records in the process (Hover and Blinding Blues, Stinging Bees). His songs are a simple mix of what he calls “cowboy chords” and darkly-edged lyrics, derived mainly from the rigors of love, marriage, divorce and the great unknown. His words appear sunny in their context to the song, but upon closer inspection reveal an inner pain close to all with rich coursing blood and a heart to match.

Ott was weaned on the melodies and sticky harmonies of 1970’s AM radio. “As long as I can remember I have always been humming a song in my head, whether it was something I heard on the radio, or something I made up,” Ott said. “I remember asking my mom to purchase ‘Band on the Run’ by Wings, and I think those early years were the foundation for my quest for a sweet melody.”

Blinding Blues and Stinging Bees is a dissection of the human condition, a first-hand account of not only the unraveling of the soul, but the reconstruction of it, piece by piece. Musically it falls somewhere between the Jayhawks’ Rainy Day Music, Ryan Adams’ Jacksonville City Nights, and R.E.M’s Monster.

Despite the frank nature of his songs, Ott instills a wry sense of humor onstage which keeps the audience engaged between numbers. He never lets the content of his songs affect his stage presence and personality. In fact, it’s his openness which allows easy access to his core being, and it’s through this lens which we view a sophisticated by approachable songwriter, one for the times, and for all-time.

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