Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor - Image Hosting
Image Hosting Having earned respect on the national touring scene by playing his sax with the likes of Bob Weir, Michael Franti and Karl Denson, Eric Crittendens debut release, Blu takes the multi-instrumentalist (sax, keys and vocals), singer-songwriter beyond his horn and on the fast track to success. Collaborating with Soulives Eric Krasno and Rob Wasserman on a couple tracks, this front man-entertainer is at a whole new level. Crittendens Blu album is a jazz, rock-n-soul tour de force.
With proactive lyrics, soulful vocals and blazing sax leads, Blu is as progressive as it is classic. Crittenden has a unique way of taking progressive new steps in music all the while keeping it in the vein of the old school. Im a medium of sorts, says Crittenden. I play the instruments and write the lyrics, but the music plays meits that simple.
From his musical birth Crittenden, a Buffalo NY native, was brought up to the funk and feel-good soul sound of Motown, after-all his father played with James Brown. But it was later on in his 20s that he really discovered jazz and organic self expression. Listening to and being influenced by Eddie Harris, Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and Pink Floyd to name a few, completely changed his life and he started on a path of feel-good genre mixing that is accessible to everyone. For me, in order to go forward you have to go back, says Crittenden I was raised with old school R&B and soul and my father played with James Brown for 13 years. This is who and what I am all about, however this is a new era and music needs evolution and Im fortunate to be able to do my part.
Blu marks a new level of maturity and sophistication for Crittenden. While he is no stranger to the road and making records, this will mark Crittendens first real national effort. Crittendens band Juke Joint Blu, will be on tour in support of the record through out the summer and fall. What can you expect from a Juke Joint Blu show? Well, parts gospel, jazz, rock-n-soulan extremely talented band, and Crittendens fireyoure just going to have to check it out and see for your self!
And while it seems difficult to classify the vibe as any one thing, you can be sure that one listen to the record will ease your mind, shake your hips and make your soul feel good.