Chicago Blues, West Coast Swing, Kansas City Jump - these are just a few of the styles that you will hear on Kurt Crandall's new CD, True Story.

11 MP3 Songs
BLUES: Chicago Style, BLUES: Jazzy Blues



Details:
Searching for the sound of the blues masters before him, Kurt dismissed newfangled technology and the digital wizardry of computers and instead recorded live in the studio to analog tape. The result is a disc that is contemporary in its themes but "old school" in its sounds and attitude. In addition to 8 cleverly crafted originals, Kurt pays homage to harmonica genius Little Walter, songwriter Smiley Lewis and the first Sonny Boy Williamson. With witty lyrics that evoke Rick Estrin's songwriting and harmonica playing that is eerily close to the late, great William Clarke, Kurt Crandall has joined the current crop of young harmonica players to be reckoned with on today's blues scene. In support of Kurt's fine songwriting, singing and harmonica playing are Kansas City's finest blues musicians - Jaisson Taylor on drums (formerly with Little Hatch, Joe Louis Walker, current drummer for Lee McBee), Karl Angerer on guitar and Ralph Ybarra on bass (also play with Lee McBee), Mike Sedovic on keys (piano player for the Blues Notions) along with Pete Kanaras (the former guitar player for the legendary Nighthawks - currently with the rock band The Shambells). A particular highlight of the album is the fretwork of Pete Kanaras and Karl Angerer. Pete provides inventive rhythm playing and fills while Karl supplies many tasteful solos. Be sure to pick up this breakout disc by one of the blues most exciting new artists...


"I have to say that I was pretty impressed by the disc. You're a fine harp player with some real command of the instrument and clearly plenty of knowledge of the tradition. Your vocabulary is large, you play with taste, feeling, and good dynamics. Plus, attention to tone. You're band is strong and really "tight"... Congratulations on a fine job."

Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records


There is certainly a glut of harmonica players around in the moment, with new names appearing almost daily. However, Georgia based Kurt Crandall is a bit special. Sure he can blow with the best of them and he has a good voice, but what makes him stand out is his wiity ongwriting. "Marinara Mambo is a tale of a woman who does all kinds of unmentionable things with hot sauce, and "Sammy" is about his lady who calls out the wrong name when they are making love - no problem, though, he'll change his name! There's a great band in support with nice piano from Mike Sedovic and tasty guitar by Karl Angerer. Enjoyable stuff.

Juke Blues (UK) - (February issue, 2005)