About Me
CRAWL was born out of a set break at a Chicago jazz venue, when the three musicians backing a great local jazz vocalist decided that they really enjoyed each other’s unique approach, and wanted to advance that into a setting that actually highlighted each of their unique playing abilities to create an original, instrumental project. Of course, as any musician knows, talk like this is always present on gigs - its usually a great way to seal the deal on a networking opportunity in order to make sure the calls keep coming. Well, this one only took a year of talk before it was put into action.Three powerhouse Chicago musicians adding yet another project to their roster seemed a daunting task, but as the planets aligned in some supportive fashion, a rehearsal, and then another took place. After only a few rehearsals a show was booked and CRAWL was presented to the public. The response was overwhelming, including high kudos from some of Chicago’s most prominent fusion players, as well as bartenders and non-musicians. Even the soundman loved it! So now the band is real and ready to share their music with the rest of the world.
CRAWL is comprised of composer, and keyboardist extraordinaire Paul Mutzabaugh playing exclusively Wurlitzer in this band, bassist and composer Chris Clemente, and drummer/percussionist Rich Stitzel. Three totally different backgrounds, one ridiculous sounding instrumental trio. This band has super high energy, very deep grooves, and incredible polyrhythmic interaction in an improvisational approach to original, structured compositions.
Paul Mutzabaugh, Wurlitzer – Toured the U.S. and Canada as a tenor drummer for the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (1997-2000) which gave him an intense foundation for his intentionally rhythmic approach to composing, improvising, and music making in general. He is the leader and composer for The Renegades, one of Chicago’s premier fusion groups. Paul works with many of the finest musicians in Chicago in a variety of styles including jazz, pop/rock/R&B, and gospel. He performs with John Elmquist’s Hard Art Groop, Typhanie Monique, Aaron McEver’s M13, and the tributasaurus sister band Ladies of the Canyon. Paul is absolutely mesmerizing to listen to and will freak anyone’s mind with his taste, intensity, harmonic density, and rhythmic accuracy.
Chris Clemente, bass – Performed with numerous artists of varied styles including Umpherys McGee, Kick the Cat, Jon Secada, Randy Brecker, Hiram Bullock, Percy Sledge, The Coasters, Christian Howes, and Bobby Floyd. He has toured in the U.S., Scandinavia and the Orient. Other Chicago groups Chris has supported include: Funkhouse, Hello Dave, Renegades, Make Believe, Tributosaurus, and Ladies of the Canyon. He has written music for Harpo Studios (Oprah Show), and NPR. He a featured artist and product tester for Warwick basses, and recently became the designer of a signature bass (the CC) model by Ramirez basses. Chris has undying energy for keeping things cooking. He is a super funky bassist with his heart in the music, and his soul in the groove.
Rich Stitzel, drums – Texas native, transplant to Chicago in 2001, Rich has brought a new vibe to the Chicago music scene. His fat, powerful pocket, and improvisational concepts are unique, fresh and quite intense. He has performed all over the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt. He has toured with the Grammy nominated powerhouse vocalist Cathy Richardson, Platinum selling country sensation Miranda Lambert, Legendary soulstress Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Steely Dan saxman Cornelius Bumpus, and Les Paul’s violinist prodigy Christian Howes to name but a few. He has recorded on over 50 albums covering all genres as well as jingles and industrial films. He is endorsed by Evans drumheads, and Vic Firth Sticks.
