One Eyed Ford

It is with just tremendous sadness that I share that Eric Laubach passed away today. Bill Burkett, the mandolin playing partner in our band, One Eyed Ford, called me with the news. Eric passed away comfortably at home. Eric Laubach was a tremendous talent in the Valley for decades. A fabulous pianist, creative songwriter, engaging storyteller, guitarist, harmonica player, vocalist and Native American Flutist. Eric formed and headed One Eyed Ford, and his goal was always to disperse the instrumental playing among his band mates. He loved to include numerous instrumental interludes in our performances. Eric was the most inclusive player I have ever worked with … never leaving his band mates hanging but always organizing the performances to perfection and bringing us along with him through every note of every song. Eric was a giving man. A man who loved sharing his music with others. It was a privilege to work with him and learn from him during the years I was blessed to do so. ‘When A Cowboy Dreams’ is one of my favorite songs of Eric’s we performed. Bill and I and many others will miss Eric so very much. Happy trails, my friend … ‘may your last dreams take you back home.’

One Eyed Ford will not be playing tomorrow at the Glendale Folk Festival … so here is one of Eric’s originals, My River Runs Again, to tide you over until our next live performance.

One Eyed Ford at Glendale Public Library yesterday for a one-hour performance. Bill Burkett on mandolin, Eric Laubach on guitar and vocals, Jenn Steege on Native American Flute. ‘Top of the Rock’ is an original song by Eric musically telling an origin story of the Dine’ people.

‘Wind in the Wood’, an original song by Eric Laubach originally written for the Arizona Flute Circle. Played today on Center Stage at the Laveen Folk Festival. We segued into the song with a short flute solo of Cheyenne Love Song, a traditional Native song.

One Eyed Ford performing the final song, ‘Wayfarin’ Stranger’, of our one-hour performance yesterday. Eric Laubach on guitar and vocals, and Bill Burkett on mandolin. Jenn Steege on Native American Flute.