biography

unapologetic rock n’ bluz bombast set off by an introspective acoustic streak

Ah, the hallowed tradition of power trios fronted by dynamic singer-guitarists! The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, SRV & Double Trouble, Eric French & Mr. Hyde…

Living and performing in Providence and Boston for years after attending Berklee College of Music, Eric developed his rock and folk personas while simultaneously working as a guitarist for other artists. The son of a blues guitar player, tools and support were present from a young age. As a cancer survivor, so was the inspiration, resolve, and patience necessary to bring his work to bear.

Eric French & Mr. Hyde has been the vehicle for that work. Performing all over New England, the group is working to follow up last year’s debut release quickly with a new LP entitled “Old City Blues”. Since the addition of keys and a change in lineup, a more focused study in 4 piece blues and rockin the #$%! out has emerged.

Eric sings and plays all acoustic and electric guitars, bringing both his more thoughtful side and his electrified bombastic persona together more fully. Not to mention bringing both closer to his blues roots. Walt Skorupski plays bass, Eric’s brother Aaron French & engineer Corey Schreppel share drum duty, and Tim Butterworth plays hammond organ and piano.

Aaron French

Eric and Aaron have played together since childhood, accompanying dear old dad at blues gigs and driving poor mama French crazy for years. A natural since sitting down to his first kit, Aaron brings instinctive arrangements, talent and personality behind the drums that only a younger sibling can. Eddie and Alex Van Halen… Eric and Aaron French… coincidence?

Walt Skorupski

Walt and Eric have performed together off and on since their teenage years. They played their fair share of Zeppelin and SRV early on, as well as worked on projects in Boston years later where Walt attended Berklee College of Music. A multi-instrumentalist, Walt has been a staple in RI’s music scene for years as a trombonist for Bad Larry. When Walt isn’t in the pocket, you can find him deep in the tech scene. He helped develop the most critically-acclaimed music video game ever, Rock Band 3. Currently, Walt is working as a QA tester for Akai/Alesis/Numark. Walt is a proud endorsing artist for MONO Cases.

Tim Butterworth

Nothing simultaneously grounds a band and screams around it majestically like great organ, and Tim Butterworth plays great organ. An accomplished performer, arranger, and singer, Tim has been working in Boston since moving from his home state of Maine in 2000. Tim is also the founding member of High Five Time, a rock cover band of undeniable proportions. He will soon be heard around Los Angeles as he pursues further endeavors there.

Corey Schreppel

Aside from his work as a drummer in the New England scene, Corey is a well-known, sought after Mix and Recording Engineer in the area. His work ranges from Indie Rock genres to Jazz and World music to Classical ensembles of all sizes and instrumentation. He’s an avid Apple tech geek and Tim Butterworth’s #1 fan. You can check out more of Corey’s work on his website.