Eric Jerardi's - The Game

Eric Jerardi Announces New Album The Game, Arriving October 30

Eric Jerardi is setting the board for a powerful new chapter with the release of his upcoming album, The Game, due out Friday, October 30, 2026. Leading up to the full album release, Jerardi will roll out three singles across the summer and fall, giving listeners a steady preview of what’s to come.

The campaign begins with “Setting Sun”, arriving Friday, July 17, 2026. As the first single, it launches the road to The Game and offers the first glimpse into the sound, mood, and storytelling behind the new project.

Five weeks later, Jerardi returns with “Thorns & Roses” on Friday, August 21, 2026. The second single continues the album rollout, building anticipation while revealing another side of the record’s emotional and musical landscape.

The third single, “Unexpected Connections,” follows on Friday, September 25, 2026. Released five weeks after “Thorns & Roses,” the track serves as the final preview before the full album arrives.

Then, on Friday, October 30, 2026, Eric Jerardi will release The Game in full, with “Hard Being Here” set as the album’s focus track.

Release Schedule

July 17, 2026 — Single 1: “Setting Sun”
August 21, 2026 — Single 2: “Thorns & Roses”
September 25, 2026 — Single 3: “Unexpected Connections”
October 30, 2026 — Full album release: The Game
Focus track: “Hard Being Here”

In addition to the singles rollout, videos are also planned for each release, with partners premiering each release around the world.

With The Game, Jerardi invites listeners into a new collection of songs that unfolds one move at a time. From the campaign launch in July to the full album release in October, each single marks another step toward the complete story.

The Game arrives October 30, 2026.

ERIC JERARDI REVIEWED IN BLUES NEWS FINLAND

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**Blues News Finland English Translation

The new ambassador for the Stella Artois beer brand is the singer-guitarist Eric Jerardi. Although he is probably an unknown name around this part of the world, Jerardi has been releasing albums at regular intervals since 1998, and this is his seventh release. There are only seven tracks on the album and the CD has the length of a vinyl record. Jerardi has written all the songs himself, except for "Don't Take It So Personally", which is Jerry Williams/Jeff Healey song.

The music on this album is soul blues, it's refreshing to play something outside of your favourite genre. The mood is pleasantly relaxed, the songs flow smoothly forward.

Well played, well produced. All areas are in order. I find myself liking this record.

ALBUM QUOTES

Jerardi’s crisp lead guitar work sparkles with a purity of phrasing that gives each song its soulful center.  Every tune takes shape around his just-right notes and his moving vocals.  Occupied delivers a tasty soul of stew that satisfies. 

Henry L. Carrigan Jr. Living Blues Magazine


Jerardi has mastered the blues with his new album Occupied,  combining blues with Muscle Shoals Soul!

It’s just that good! 

Tony Peters, Icon Fetch

Eric Jerardi’s CD fantastic! 

DJ Ben Vee in CT, BluesMusicFan.com

“My longtime friend who has really progressed into his most mature sounding form yet. Onward and upward!” 

John “The B-Man” Beaulieu, Hall of Fame DJ on WTUE

Jerardi has spent the better part of the last five years honing his skills as a soul blues singer songwriter. These are excellent songs especially the title track.  Jerardi is an emotive singer inspired by this outstanding band.“Do Right By Him” is another great song. This is a wonderful entry for the soul blues genre.

- Richard Ludmerer, Making A Scene


From the opening horn riff, Jerardi blows the roof off the sucker with the help of the classic Swampers…

Killer stuff throughout. 

– Chris Spector Midwest Record Entertainment


Jerardi’s new R&B-infused album, “Occupied”

is simply stunning! 

Don Thrasher, Dayton Daily News


Jerardi’s vocals are tailor-made for this material, smooth and soulful with just the right amount of Memphis grit… Occupied is a most-welcome addition to the soul-blues genre. 

Graham Clarke, Phoenix Blues Society BluesBytes


Living Blues Magazine Review of Occupied

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Jerardi demonstrates his command of a range of styles on this album. The tender opener [Do Right By Him] blossoms into the propulsive blues shuffle Whole Again; that features Jerardi’s crunchy guitars along with punchy horns and swaying background vocals; the final bars of the song take us in an unexpected direction before ending with an instrumental should shout. He funds it up on Don’t Take It Personally…

Jerardi’s crisp lead guitar work sparkles with a purity of phrasing that gives each song its soulful center. Every tune takes shape around his just-right notes and his moving vocals. Occupied delivers a tasty soul of stew that satisfies. - Henry L. Carrigan Jr.

Pick up your copy of Living Blues today

Rock & Blues Muse 5 star review for jerardi

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Occupied is full of the type of ensemble-focused soul-blues music that puts the singer and the song up front and eschews long guitar solos. Jerardi focuses on the greater impact of the big picture and lets the lyrics, grooves, and horns carry the day rather than just blasting out guitar licks and it makes all the difference. Fans and artists both often forget that the blues and its progeny are all vocal music, first and foremost. The voice is the call and the guitar is the response. Eric is clearly a fine guitarist but the restraint and maturity in his overall style is what makes this such a great record.

Jerardi immediately begins schooling us on the opening track “Do Right By Him.” The song is a heartfelt slow jam that pulls listeners closer to listen to his tale of loss and tribulations in a moment when most artists would be trying to blow people away with energy and intensity. Jerardi’s guitar slips and slashes in between the beautiful tones of the Muscle Shoals horns and adds some grit to their smooth brilliance. Here and throughout the album, Jerardi’s lyrics are honest and real, not full of clichés and jive, and it’s easy to feel the emotions in every line he sings. *By Mike O’Cull

FULL REVIEW HERE

ERIC JERARDI'S TELEVISION WORLD PREMIERE

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Eric Jerardi’s “Do Right By Him” will be included the “Featured Video” video which will air on the DittyTV network and will also be posted across of their Social Media platforms.

WHO: Eric Jerardi

WHAT: DittyTV Debut of “Do Right By Him”

WHEN: 10PM/CDT on Wednesday, March 27th, 2019---Rebroadcast 10AM/CDT on Thursday, March 28th

WHERE: The Curve

 TO WATCH DITTY TV:

DittyTV is accessible on the web and on any connected device, and also on your TV set via AppleTV, FireTV, Roku, GoogleTV, Sony and LG Smart Televisions, and through cable providers with digital service , such as Mediacom, Comcast and Cox via a Tivo box.  

Or, online via this link: https://dittytv.com/watch/

DittyTV is watched by over 5 million viewers each month.

THE REVIEWS ARE STACKING UP FOR JERARDI'S "OCCUPIED" ALBUM

ALBUM QUOTES

Jerardi has mastered the blues with his new album Occupied, combining blues with Muscle Shoals Soul! It’s just that good! 

Tony Peters, Icon Fetch

Eric Jerardi’s CD fantastic!  - DJ Ben Vee in CT, BluesMusicFan.com

“My longtime friend who has really progressed into his most mature sounding form yet. Onward and upward!” 

- John “The B-Man” Beaulieu, Hall of Fame DJ on WTUE

Jerardi has spent the better part of the last five years honing his skills as a soul blues singer songwriter. These are excellent songs especially the title track.  

Jerardi is an emotive singer inspired by this outstanding band.“Do Right By Him” is another great song. This is a wonderful entry for the soul blues genre.

- Richard Ludmerer, Making A Scene

From the opening horn riff, Jerardi blows the roof off the sucker with the help of the classic Swampers… Killer stuff throughout. 

– Chris Spector Midwest Record Entertainment

Jerardi’s new R&B-infused album, “Occupied” is simply stunning! 

Don Thrasher, Dayton Daily News

Eric was encouraged to stretch out not only through his gifted writing abilities, but also in the lead vocal role, and the results are astonishing, indeed.  The songs deal predominantly with love, loss, and hopeful redemption, and the set begins with the question, “When will it stop?,” as our hero reaches the literal end of his emotional rope in “Do Right By Him.” 

- Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance

5 * STAR REVIEW OUT OF NASHVILLE

Rave review out of the Nashville Blues and Roots Alliance.  Review here: https://donandsherylsbluesblog.wordpress.com/

Eric was encouraged to stretch out not only through his gifted writing abilities, but also in the lead vocal role, and the results are astonishing, indeed.  The songs deal predominantly with love, loss, and hopeful redemption, and the set begins with the question, “When will it stop?,” as our hero reaches the literal end of his emotional rope in “Do Right By Him.” - Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance



Eric Jerardi: Playing for Keeps in The Game

Biography

Eric Jerardi has built his life at the crossroads of soul and storytelling. A Dayton, Ohio native, his music blends weathered truth and raw finesse—equal parts grit, groove, and grace. Since 1997, he has released ten nationally distributed recordings, each one a milestone in his evolution as a soul‑soaked blues‑rock artist.

His 2019 album Occupied—produced by the legendary David Z (Prince, Etta James, Jonny Lang) and recorded with the famed Muscle Shoals rhythm section—was hailed for its depth, groove, and emotional resonance. Critics called it a “low-key, deeply felt masterpiece,” and audiences across the country echoed that sentiment with standing ovations and lasting loyalty. Yet Eric’s art has never been about virtuosity—it’s about connection. The subtle inflection of a vocal line. The space between notes that speaks louder than any solo. He plays not to impress, but to connect—and people feel it.

And now, with his upcoming album The Game, Jerardi returns with something even more personal. It started with a nudge—or rather, an ambush.

A close musical friend, refused to leave him alone. Relentless texts. Daily reminders. No escape. The challenge was deceptively simple: write 12 songs in 12 weeks. Every Wednesday morning, a text arrived with a phrase that had to be used verbatim in that week’s song—phrases Eric would never have chosen on his own. Miss the deadline, and you paid a fine. Miss too many, and you were out. No polish required. Just honesty and accountability.

What began as a game became a mirror.

Produced by Michael James (Robben Ford, Edwin McCain, New Radicals) and featuring the iconic Muscle Shoals backing vocals of Cindy and Marie, The Game is raw, lean, and unfiltered. It cost Eric twenty dollars, a little sleep, and a whole lot of truth. Worth every penny.

Beyond the music, Jerardi’s world continues to expand. At Jerardi’s Little Store in Dayton, fans travel from across the country—and around the world—to meet him, collect signed merch, and have Eric personally select wines from his curated collection. That same spirit lives on in his YouTube series Backroom Blues & Bottles, where stripped-down performances filmed in the store’s back room blend his two passions: music and wine.

Through it all, Eric Jerardi remains guided by the same principle that’s shaped his entire career—connection. Whether through a lyric written under pressure, a note held just long enough, or a bottle poured across the counter, he’s inviting people into something real.

The Game may have started as a dare. But Eric Jerardi played it exactly the way he always has—honestly, fearlessly, and all in.

CLICK to SEE how The Game prompts unfolded. 

Team & Execution Partners (Why This Campaign Is Built to Win)

This campaign is led by a proven execution team with the rare combination of high-end visual storytelling, major-label caliber audio production, and experienced national promotion—the three pillars that separate hobby releases from breakout artist campaigns.

Allen Farst — Executive Producer & Director. Allen is an acclaimed American director and filmmaker and a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), with a track record spanning music, documentary, high-end commercials, and celebrity photography. His work has been featured by major brands and outlets, including Panasonic, Billboard, Bloomberg, Variety, USA Today, Nikon Cinema, Newsweek, Yahoo Finance, and Fox Business, among others. His award-winning film chuck leavell: the tree man is the longest-running film on delta airlines, featuring the rolling stones, eric clapton, billy bob thornton, and many others.

Michael James — Producer & Mixing Engineer. MJ is an established record producer, mixing engineer, guitarist, and former A&R executive, with credits that include work with artists such as Edwin McCAIN, L7, New Radicals, A.J. Croce, AND Robin Ford, among others. His own professional profile highlights that he mixes up to 250 songs per year across multiple genres and has mixed projects that achieved #1 chart performance internationally, underscoring both volume and competitive-level results.

Mark Pucci — Publicity (National / Roots & Americana Proven). Pucci brings deep industry experience going back to his work at Capricorn Records, where he served as a tour publicist and later National Publicity Director. His roster history includes major legacy and roots-adjacent artists such as The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Elvin Bishop, Delbert McClinton, Percy Sledge, and more.

MAC Radio Promotions — Radio Promotion (Blues/Roots Specialty Expertise). MAC Radio Promotions is a specialist radio promotion company focused on blues/roots campaigns. MAC is actively recognized in the blues promotion space and associated with professional radio promo work and industry outreach.

Powderfinger Promotions. We’re proud to have David Avery, Founder & President, leading radio promotion for The Game. David is one of the most trusted names in blues radio, with decades-long relationships across reporting stations, specialty programs, and syndicated shows. In a genre where credibility matters, having David on the team ensures this record is heard by the right ears—organically, authentically, and with long-term impact.

Distribution — Sony / The Orchard (Global Scale + Services). Distribution through Sony’s ecosystem—via The Orchard—adds a major-grade pipeline for global delivery and artist services. The Orchard is described as a leading distribution company operating in 40+ markets worldwide, offering artist/label services including marketing, sync licensing, video services, rights management, data analysis, and both digital and physical distribution.