Sun Sentinel Review
by Beth Feinstein-Bartl –
Tate Earle experiences the best of two worlds every time he’s onstage.
When he’s not playing solo acoustic gigs, Earle goes electric as frontman of the Smokin’ Rickshaws.
Solo, the songs take on a mellow, coffeehouse vibe. The Rickshaws amp up the power, giving the tunes a blend of funk, rock and blues with jazzy undertones.
The Rickshaws expect to enter the recording studio this month to work on their debut CD, due to drop this fall. A second disc, a solo effort by Earle, is also due out later this year.
Earle’s been busy carving out a name for himself in the local club and cafe scene since trading in the snow of his native Vermont for South Florida’s sunshine five years ago.
Earle provides lead vocals and guitar, with backing from bassist Casey White, drummer Erik San Julian, keyboardist Jeff Iorio and percussionist Luis Gorfinkel.
The Hollywood resident said he’s amassed 15 years of material. He picked up a guitar and began crafting songs in middle school. His studies took a more serious turn at Bennington College, where Earle graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in music and performance.
His lyrics range from political themes to personal memories about living-room jam sessions with his family.
As a guitar instructor, Earle is inspiring young students to rock on and speak out.
“I want them to use their art to communicate important issues,” he said.