For information about booking Ed

please click here to go to: 

Below is the

detailed version

about Ed Englerth. 

For a more concise version

click here.

  SHAKE, RATTLE, and FOLK, and JAZZ and BLUES  and More . . .   return to home page

SHAKE . . . Disturbing the warp and woof, shattering the serene, unnerving the unresponsive, rhythms that make you sweat.  RATTLE . . . What awakens one from dreams, from that place of comfortable complacency?  From the distillation of life in this world come the images from Ed.  FOLK . . . Music that verbalizes attitudes and dimensions.  Acoustic, it carries the energy from the power of the song rather than the power of the amplifier.   JAZZ . . . Freedom to express from the long linage of the soul.   BLUES. . . . Refuses to ignore hardship in this life and our response to it.  More . . . unconfinable and never ending.

What kind of music is it?  A few years ago a reviewer described the type of music that Ed plays as ED MUSIC.  We figure -- why fight it?

Ed Englerth has played music with a lot of different people in many situations.  Some of these are: Ray White
(Frank Zappa), Kenny Meeks (Sixpence None The Richer), Joe English (Wings), Robin Robbins (Bob Seger), John Lawry (Petra), Jan Krist, Ben Brown, Jim Cole, Aracely, Jim Earp, Scott Roley, Dave Perkins, Donny Hartman, Xalt, Armada, Linear Action Band, The Son People, Aslan, Harvey Jet, and Earthen Vessel.  

Ed’s played on the same bill as: Urban Hillbilly Quartet, Ten Shekel Shirt, Jesus Freaks, Crash Dog, Jeremy Morris, Julio Rey, Greg Strange, Glen Rowlands, Living Sacrifice, Glenn Kaiser, Deliverance, Tourniquet, Code of Ethics, Deluxe Tone Rockets, The Insiderz, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Mike Stand, White Cross, Margaret Becker, Babbie Mason, News Boys, Larry Howard, Rick Cua, Bash N’ The Code, Hot Pink Turtle, Andréa Crouch, Ron Moore, Lilly Green, Farrell & Farrell, & Andrus/Blackwood.

Ed’s played to crowds of over 5,000.  He’s played at Ichtus, Mosh Fest, and Cornerstone Music Festival.  He’s taught music for over 20 years, and has earned his living as a producer and engineer.

  A little background:  

Ed Englerth is the founding member and songwriter for the band LAB.  Although he plays guitar in the band now, he played bass in earlier versions.  Ed also does solo work and has several recorded projects.  The latest CD is called "D.I.A.L. Business" other CDs include ,"Ed Englerth Jazz Quartet" - "Anything But Hope" - "Live At The State Gournds" - "PINGO" - “Little Bit Of Me Everywhere” - “Rational?”  Several songs from Ed’s CD's have received  airplay and charted on Uncle Sammo’s Zoo’s Indi Charts and on Mark Glunt's Silent Planet Radio. and other around the world.  

Ed's song "2Q" a jazz instrumental from his CD "Live At The State Grounds" has gone as high as #2 in GarageBand.com's Jazz charts.  One of the reviews from GarageBand.com said the following about the song "2Q"  

7 minute . . .
Great phat bass tone. Awesome snare sound. Loved the sax and was that an occasional wood block that i heard? Try stopping the whole band at the space after the first two notes when the snare hits, and starting back again. Awesome transitions and scales. You have yourself an awesome band. Good Quality recording. Guitar break matched the song well. Liked how the bass would pluck every once in a while. Liked the voices in the background. The sax is like a little orgasm in the song. Second guitar solo watch good fusion of old rock and jazz with good stretchy appeal. Sounds like Bela Fleck. Great ending. I would really like to hear a bass solo. Best song I've reviewed so far.

THEY SAID WHAT?  (Comments about Ed and band throughout the years.)

 Linear Action Band (LAB) is known both in and outside the U.S.  Some of the news from around the world has even surprised us.  According to a magazine in Switzerland  called Cross Metal that was reviewing a band called Armada that Ed played in "Ed is the most important guy of these hardrockers. He not only sings in his `Ed Englerth's Linear Action Band (a pop-rock band) but is also the driving motor behind this great rock and roll..." A bit misguided but reading it was fun.  

 Wonderful World of Music, Belgium.  “This American Rockband has this goal: to let people think about regular important things.  You can tell when hear the lyrics of the non-cliché text from their debut cassette “Hit The Wall”  The Track “Injustice in a fallen world” illustrates this.  They find the right balance ‘error’s in society’ and giving answers: “I Can Go To You.” . . . Real rockin’ tracks and also ballads of top quality.”  

 We appreciate the support and coverage both in magazines and air play from the underground scene both in the US and around the world.  In the US here's a little of what's been said about Ed and Linear Action Band.  

All Music Guide (AMG) "masterful guitar playing"

Cross Rhythms (UK): “Ed is a consummate musician”

 White Throne - California. "Interesting rock with something to sink your teeth into.  Musically it reminds me strangely enough of Dire Straits colliding into The Cars.  The hooks on the songs are strong and show creativity.  The lyrics contain relevant thoughts of social justice...Mr. Englerth has quite a knack for creating thought-provoking tunes..."

The Activist - Youngstown, Ohio. "Wow!  This time Ed Englerth and his Linear Action Band have outdone themselves!  At times you'd think you were listing to Elvis Costello, DA (`Stop Making Sense'), and current British faves...Hit The Wall has some of the best production to be found on any custom ... Englerth outdoes himself here.  How many times do I have to say this before you believe me?! ... Ed Englerth's Linear Action Band is one of the underground's best-kept secrets. This guy needs to be put on a label!!"

The Cutting Edge - Florida. "Englerth and band serve up ... words that demonstrate a command of vocabulary, style and structure.  The style is that of heads down, no nonsense rock ... good stuff.  You'll like it if you got your thinking faculties intact."

The HIPP - Michigan "...incredible lyrics and music...Musical style is hard to define.  At times LAB has a Vector feel, but the Tragically Hip show up as well.  An original work worth the $"

Troubador-Battlelines - Michigan.  "I am impressed ... LAB is a good alternative band with strong vocals. ... They have a tight simple sound with lyrics based on tough issues. ... LAB will become a major influence on the music scene. "

 A THIEF IN THE NIGHT - Michigan. "LAB is a mix of Pop and Folk and College ... The lyrics are wonderful."

The HIPP - Michigan  "Ed brings us a fine release of intelligent .. songs in folk-rock fashion...Ed's excellent  improvisation on guitar at times draws from Pink Floyd influence This ... will expand the listeners vocabulary of Ed."

 "I believe your tape conveys truth ...  I have enjoyed listening to it several times and have played it for friends.  A nice parody of psychological defensiveness is your song STOP MAKING SENSE.  The defensive person purposely closes out the truth because of fear.  You've captured that very well.  And I like so much the truthful assignment of INJUSTICE to the sinfulness of human beings rather than to the society or the system or the white race or the rich or some other blame target ...  In my opinion, it's good."  William Backus, Author, Christian psychologist and Pastor.

 “If you need excellent musical talent and an outstanding message, then you will want Ed Englerth . . . . .We have seen him many times and have always been encouraged with his music.”  Bob and Marcia Van Kirk (promoters), Michigan

 “Ed’s love of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior permeates his life as well as his ministry.  Consider having . . . .Linear Action Band for your next concert.”  Ann Heilborn, Director of Christian Education, First United Methodist Church, St. Clair Shores, MI

 “I would without hesitation recommend the Linear Action Band . . . .They are one of the most talented and spiritually sound bands we’ve had appear.”  Rev. Glenn Meldrum, Pastor Harvest Ministries, Detroit, MI

 “We’d like you to come back and perform for us again.” Corey Smith, member of United Methodist Church of Middleville.

“This Modern day, ‘John the Baptist’ has a message straight from the heart of God that must be heard.”  Rev. Samme Palermo The Living Rock Ministries, The Living Rock Radio WITR-FM "On The Rock"WITR-FM "Uncle Samoo's Zoo", President of NACRR

 “ ‘I'm addicted to that coffee, I got da coffee blues!’ It's a great CD. I think [PINGO] it's your best yet. And it's you!”  Daniel Whalen CCRM Community Relations Director Anderson, Indiana(CCRM is Christian Center Rescue Ministries)

 “This [PINGO] is Ed's finest effort to date. Englerth fans will be delighted! Congratulations on a fine effort and a long hoped for recognition.”  Jan Krist, singer/songwriter, Silent Planet Records

"Little Bit of Me Everywhere is an apt title for this album ­ Ed Englerth is all over the map musically.  Vocally, Englerth ranges from Santana to Shawn Mullins before settling into a Kenny Wayne Shepherd/Jonny Lang style that is understated, while he lets his guitar do the talking."  Phantom Tollbooth - Brian A. Smith 8/31/2002 

"...he refuses to be pinned down to one particular genre, while having it all still work somehow. Pingo will hold your attention from beginning to end."    Phantom Tollbooth - Brian A. Smith 8/31/2002 

"One part blues, another part Americana, another jazz rock, _Live at the State Fair Grounds Coffee House_ showcases the guitar and vocal abilities of Ed Englerth.  “It’s Never Too Late to Lose” opens the show with the comment “This is a song about misery.”  “Kick a Dog” is a spoken word rant warning those who would add to the troubles of its subject.  “Rapture Snake,” a highlight, is a polemic against televangelists and their ilk - those who would prey on the fears and insecurities of people who don’t have confidence in their relationships with God.  “Spark” is a jam in the mode of Jonny Lang . . . reminding us that no matter how bad things get, it is never so bad that our fire gets extinguished: 

For every bad time, for every sad life,
Whenever there’s trouble, whenever lightning strikes
 For the cloudy days of rain
When the wind blows like ice
When you’ve been down so long, you can no longer cry
There’s a spark, I know there’s a spark...

“Shall We Stop” shows some Bill Mallonee influence.   “L.O.V.E.” is a jazz piece detailing I Corinthians 13 with a great saxophone background.  “2 to 5,” another instrumental, is in the vein of Steely Dan or Sting’s “Bring on the Night” concert album.  Ed Englerth has the blues, but an appreciation for the interaction of God in human lives.  We as listeners can rejoice in his sorrows, knowing the music produced and the lyrics written reflect our own feelings and moods." Phantom Tollbooth, Brian A. Smith 2/3/2003

"Got a chance to really listen to your disc.  I truly like it!  And your

right "Rapture Snake" is a great single.  Love the lyrics.  Nice lyrical
depth to your songs.  Can I join your band?  Are you sure you really aren't
Bruce Cockburn, just trying to lay low?  Are you Canadian? <:)

I'm going to add it (RS) this week, as long as I have 2 open spaces for new
songs, which should be the case.  Thanks for sending this little gem to me.
Wishing the very best for you!!!  Peace, Mark Blair Glunt  Silent Planet Radio"

"Thornapple Valley Church   Hastings, Mi. January 21, 2003  

I have known Ed Englerth for at least 2 decades. For all the years I have known him, I have had the sense that this is a man with a solid, and honest commitment to God, and his music often reflects this. 

My observation: His music isn’t fluff…it reflects the depth in Ed, his artistry, and his spiritual journey.

 Ed has a tremendous passion for music and is an excellent musician. I have watched him over the years bring other great musicians together to produce some outstanding stuff. 

 I think you will like Ed, and his music. I do.   Sincerely,   Jeff Arnett (Sr. Pastor, Thornapple Valley Church)"

For information about booking ED please click here to go to: 

 mailto:  EdEnglerth@BlueSideDownStudios.com 

return to home page