Eric’s latest release, Search For The Sound, is available for purchase and streaming on Bandcamp, Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.
Mixed and mastered by Alan Osmundson
Eric’s 3rd album release as an independent artist, Sounds of the Heart, is a collection of compositions for solo saxophone with special guests.
Support Eric directly by purchasing his music on Bandcamp!
Featuring Alan Osmundson, Edward Evans, and Isaac Schwartz
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Alan Osmundson
All music composed by Eric Nakanishi (BMI)
Eric Nakanishi’s second album is here!
Support Eric directly by purchasing his newest release, Breakout! Nakanishi Quartet Live at Bird & Beckett, on Bandcamp. Released on May 3, 2022!
Recorded LIVE 11/12/21 at Bird & Beckett in SF
Breakout! Nakanishi Quartet Live at Bird & Beckett is a live record featuring original compositions and arrangements in a chordless quartet setting. Special thanks to Eric Whittington, Angela Bennett, and Bird & Beckett Books & Records birdbeckett.com for making this event and recording possible.
This outstanding chordless quartet is led by saxophonist and composer Eric Nakanishi. The young artist, currently residing in Tucson, Arizona, makes this his second album release, following Introducing (2020). Eric’s unique and distinctive alto sax sound is paired up front with the strong creative force of trumpeter and Concord native Edward Evans. This East Bay Area horn duo shares the stage with bassist Cyrus Campbell, who makes an exceptional introduction to the Bay Area from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Oakland native Isaac Schwartz completes the rhythm section on drums, adding foundation, flair, and solid interpretations of the compositions.
This live event was completed with acrylic painter and ceramic artist John Nakanishi, who brought a beautifully unique experience to the live audience by painting simultaneously with the music. John had this to say, “Challenged with the demands of ‘performing’ a painting, I began creating movements with my brush that followed the notes and cadence of the band. I found it interesting how the strength and texture of my brushstrokes were in part determined by the syncopated rhythm of the musicians’ improvisations. I felt like I was overlaying my interpretation on the musician’s interpretation, layering color over sound, strokes over notes. A layered kaleidoscope of movement and color.”
Event Hosted by Eric Whittington
Sound Engineering by Angela Bennett
Mixed and Mastered by Alan Osmundson
Album Artwork by John Nakanishi
Design by Eric Nakanishi
Editing by Alice Mace Nakanishi
To reserve a seat in advance call Bird & Beckett (415) 586-3733. Bring proof of vaccination and $20 cover charge at the door, BYOB! Doors open at 7:20.
Check out the livestream at Bird & Beckett’s youtube
“Join us for a special night of music, art, and collective spontaneous creation. Featuring all original compositions and a simultaneous live-painting… This performance will be recorded and live-streamed. We hope to release a record of this performance with the finished painting as the cover art!”
Eric’s debut album, Introducing, features all original compositions brought to life by a talented and dedicated band made up of young up-and-coming artists. This set of compositions cover a wide variety of musical styles that highlight improvisation and group interaction; such as swing, free, and modern contemporary musics. Available for purchase and streaming on Bandcamp, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and Apple Music.