Eric Goyette really pulled out all the stops at the 3rd Anniversary party for La Place À Côté hosted by Kenny Dupree on December 30th. Wow - two-hand tapping à la Van Halen! But let's face it, Eric gives us his all every week at John McGale's Wednesday night jam sessions at the Plateau Mont-Royal bar.
In one evening, it is not surprising to find Eric playing the piano, drums, several different kinds of guitars and singing lead and back-up vocals. What is surprising, is that he has never taken a music lesson. He explains, "I understood early on that there is a logical way to play music. So, I use this logic in playing instruments."
Eric, 32, is proud to say he has rarely missed a weekly jam session at LPAC during the last two and half years. He added, "Last week (December 30) was very special for me. I had tears of joy as I watched so many of my friends perform. I realized how much we have all grown thanks to John McGale's ongoing encouragement." He told me about the first night he went to LPAC. "I arrived at the bar with my guitar slung over my back. I wasn't invited up to play that night. John told me later, "I thought, here's a guy who just broke into a pawn shop." Two months later, John presented me with a guitar case "so I wouldn't look like a guitar thief anymore" and told me I had helped bring the sessions to another level."
But don't let Eric's youthful stage exuberance fool you. Behind this playfulness is a man committed to music. Born in Verdun, Eric remembers being part of the many church and community dances deejayed by his parents who spun the disco and rock tunes of the time. He was seven when he received his first guitar to "scratch on" and, according to a family tradition, a few years later his father gave him a harmonica. At the age of 13 Eric sang and played harmonica at his first gig, a high school event in front of over 1500 people. Soon after he was invited to play at senior's centres and to sing in church choirs. "By the age of 15 I knew I was destined for a career in music," said Eric.
This musical destiny took Eric "on the road" for the next 14 years playing heavy-metal and the Top 40s with over 30 bands at countless weddings, neighbourhood festivals and bars in the Montreal area. Who were his musical idols back then? Van Halen. The Beach Boys and Bryan Adams stand out for him, but mostly it was Offenbach, who according to Eric, "both inspired and sustained him" during those sometimes long and tiring gigs.
In 1997, Eric took a break from the music business due to illness. He even sold all his guitars. Within a short time, he realized music had to be a part of his life. Enter LPAC and John McGale. After only a few months with the weekly sessions, he was ready to resume his musical career. In January 2001, Eric formed a new band, Auroch with fellow jammers, Michel Padra (guitar), Denis Monette (drums), Michel Robert (bass) and Jean-Francois Thibault (keyboards). Eric credits Michel Padra with being "his guru." "He's part of the reason I keep doing what I do. When things get rough, he reminds me to take my time."
Auroch rehearses weekly and plans to release their first cd this year. It will include some of Eric's original lyrics and music. Auroch does not perform publicly. One exception to this rule was made for the "Fête de La Reine" in Pointe St.Charles last May. Eric isn't shy to admit that another dream came true for him that day. John McGale and Breen Leboeuf, ex-Offenbach members, performed with the group at that gig.
When you hear Eric's story, it's hard not to believe in the power of destiny. Don't miss this exceptionally versatile musician and performer who truly enjoys pleasing his audience. Eric says "I'm very happy if my music becomes part of someone's life, if even for a few seconds."
Be sure to visit Eric's web site at www.geocities.com/eric_goyette where you can sign his guestbook or send him an email at eric_goyette@yahoo.ca.
Copyright © Barbara Lavoie, 2002