See the Crook family live at the BBC Click the photo of Tim above.
The Crook Family were formed in Pembrokeshire, West Wales in 2006 by Tim Williams (Vocals, Guitar) and Jon Sharpe (Vocals, Guitar and Double Bass). Later that year, Sarah Richards (Vocals, Piano), Tim’s long lost cousin, joined to complete the line up.
The Family was born. After a year finding their musical feet and writing songs, the band got down to recording their self produced debut, ‘The Crook Family Album’ (featuring guitarist Kevin Teel). Predominantly slow, acoustic and brooding, the record was underpinned with a dark lyrical edge and natural vocal chemistry which caught the imagination of a widening audience.
‘Fiver Sale and Vampires - two fully formed classics dropped from heaven.’ Alan Thompson, The Evening Show BBC Radio Wales. Their version of the Dylan Thomas anthem ‘Eli Jenkins Prayer’ reached cult status, becoming the soundtrack to the new production of ‘Under Milkwood’ in New York last year.
‘This is the most requested album on my Radio show and you only have to listen to know why, live they are sensational too - I heard them supporting Jethro Tull at St. Davids Hall, Cardiff and they were joined on stage by Ian Anderson himself….they sold out of CDs in the interval, they were that good.’ BB Skone. Radio Pembrokeshire .
‘I bought this after becoming their friend on myspace. It is rare that I buy a CD on this basis but this one was different. It is such a lovely album that I am glad I took the plunge.’ Tim Mee, BBC.
One of the most creative of the contemporary Welsh bands, The Crook Family consistently blend classic song writing with often breathtaking experimentation. ‘Welsh music is in rude health. These guys are one of the best of best Welsh bands.’ BBC Radio Wales.
‘Imagination, sensitivity and songs about elephants and vampires… what more could you possibly want? The Crook Family Album is a stunning collection of songs played with great passion and insight.’ Malcolm Cawley, festival organiser.
Following the release of their first album the band have played several live sessions for BBC Radio Wales, among others, with a stretch of gigs at theatres and festivals up and down the country.
Drawing on some of the great threads of American and British music, and recorded partly in Pembrokeshire and partly in Providence, Rhode Island, the band’s second album ’From the West’ was completed in the autumn of 2008. It features, once again, Nashville guitarist Kevin Teel and is produced by Mason Neely (no strangers to Wales, both having worked extensively with Cerys Matthews in recent years). ‘The Crook Family have been to America. They’ve gone for broke - and it’s paid off.’ Frank Hennessy, ‘Celtic Heartbeat.
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