"Feel the warmth of the sun as it sets on the backdrop of a new England seaport and then kick back and relax with a tropical Mai Tai and a cool ocean breeze" Now you’ve got the mood to fit the music. After a decade as an in-demand, behind the scenes L.A. studio cat who programmed arranged and played in countless TV and trailer projects, master guitarist/sythesist ERIC BYAK has turned his talents in an ambitious new direction. Eric can now be found center stage as the creative force in The Eric Byak Project, his stellar new group which is currently touring in support of his new CD, Journey of the Heart, on ERB Records More than two years in the making, Journey is a stylish fusion of smooth jazz and rock elements. Each track on all the instrumental CD features Eric's seductive guitar work seamlessly interwoven with classic jazz, breezy funk, and sensuous Brazilian rhythms. Joining Eric is a tight ensemble of L.A. session and touring aces, including Frank Briggs (Atlantic Star) on Drums, Hans Zhermuhlen (Air Supply, Frank Gambale) on keyboards, bassist Baba Elefante (Brandon Fields), George Shelby (Sheena Eaton, Larry Carlton) on sax, and percussionists M.B. Gordy and Gabriel Falcon (Neil Diamond, John Tesh, Aaron Neville).. WHAT’S HAPPENIN... What a great year it was for Eric Byak and the Sound Design Advertising team. Many of the cuts off "Journey of the Heart" made it to the radio waves, 94.7 KTWV, The Wave Los Angeles, in commercial ads. This year, Shoreline Village in Long Beach, Calif. has run continuous 60 second radio spots since July featuring not only Eric's original music but voice-over talents as well. His 30 second cable TV ads have also been running on Charter Cable networks and Adelphia. To hear one of Eric's commercials for Shoreline Village click on the link @ www.shorelinevillage.com "Journey of the Heart" has now reached into international domain with The Wave 94.7 Canada, and you guessed it, "Wind N' Butterfly" was added to their weekly rotation. http://www.wave947.fm. Currently, the CD is now on 5 internet radio stations with the latest addition in London @ http://www.softjazz.co.uk The group performs Smooth Brazilian Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Nouveau Flamenco and Salsa in support of the current CD "Journey of the Heart". The CD format is geared for the Wave audience, but "live", the group has much more of a progressive "edge". They are currently recording their second album, "The Edge of Zorro" due for a winter release 2006. "Thorns of the Rose", a powerful ballad, promises to be one of the notable singles from the album. It features a torrid flamenco guitar woven with cello and an orchestra underscored by a driving rhythm section...Otmar Liebert meets Aerosmith! Eric has made many musical friends since his first recording and that album gained the attention of some major industry players. “Zorro” will feature industry heavyweights Nathan East (Foreplay and the Phil Collins band) and drummer to the stars Ricky Lawson (from the Stevie Wonder Band). The tracks are "slamin” and will generate some serious Brazilian vibes. Past gigs have included: Playboy Jazz in Central Park, The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, Shoreline Village Long Beach, Fisherman's Village Marina Del Rey, Malibu Arts Festival, Riviera Village Art Festival Redondo Beach, A Taste of San Pedro Festival and the Hollywood Park Casino. The Eric Byak Project has received excellent reviews and have done well in local CD sales. Cuts from the CD are currently receiving recognition from ASCAP-a well-deserved perk! REVIEWS “JOURNEY OF THE HEART” …A WONDERFUL CD. ERIC BYAK IS AN OBVIOUS TALENT” ---- CATHI PARRISH –94.7 THE WAVE L.A. "THE FIRST 4 SONGS BLEW ME OUT OF THE WATER. THEY ARE SPECTACULAR!" ---MICHAEL SHAWN-SUNSETJAZZ.COM "ERIC BYAK TOUCHES NOT ONLY OUR HEARTS BUT ALSO OUR SOULS. TO LISTEN IS TRULY A SENSUAL EXPERIENCE" ---BOB FARROW-WAVE94.7FM "ERIC IS CLEARLY A TALENT. OVERTONES OF "REPTILE"BY ERIC CLAPTON. REMEMBER THIS MAN'S NAME" ---JIMI KING-SOFTJAZZ.CO.UK