Erica West is strong, confident, and sultry right out of the box. Her striking looks and mesmerizing vocals make an immediate impression on the senses. In a uniquely captivating way, Erica brings a beautiful fusion of soulful, R&B, pop, jazz and blues inspired melodies to the microphone. But do not let her silky vocals fool you. Erica’s vocal style is both powerful and sultry influenced by female vocalists such as Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Nina Simone, Shirley Horn, Roberta Flack, Sarah Vaughan, Lizz Wright, Goapele and Jill Scott.
Currently, Erica performs at music venues throughout the Twin Cities with her band "The Erica West Band" in addition to collaborating with other talented Twin Cities Musicians for annual shows like: A Tribute to Marvin Gaye, A Tribute to Luther Vandross, A Tribute to Donnie Hathaway and Roberta Flack, which feature several of Minneapolis's finest vocalists including: Ray Covington, Jay Bee and Julius Collins. Erica also collaborates with her husband, Kevin Anderson, who is in her opinion, the best guitar player that Minneapolis has to offer. Kevin is the lead guitar player and co-musical director for the Erica West Band.
Erica has had the opportunity to open for several different national recording acts including, Motown recording artist, Kem, husband and wife singing duo, Chante Moore and Kenny Latimore, as well as the Legendary SOS band. Erica was even fortunate enough to be joined on stage, by the illustrious artist known as Prince, one night while performing at a local jazz club. With a list like that it’s obvious that she is versatile, equally as at home with a smoldering jazz ballad as she is with R&B.
Erica loves the true art of musicianship, lyrical content, beautiful melodies and music that demonstrates true emotional expression. With hypnotic phrasing, subtle shading, and a powerful range, she offers that emotional experience, holding you spellbound from the first note to the last. There’s a passion that vibrates off of her and raptures her audience. That makes it easier than ever to separate her from the rest.