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Crittenden

NOW FEATURING RICK JAMES' STONE CITY BAND!

About Me


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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.


My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 2/1/2005
Band Website: 1crittenden.com"1crittenden.com
Band Members: Crittenden-Sax-Keys-n-Vox, DMott-Skins, Jerry "The Doc" Livingston-Bass, Kenny Hawkins-Guitar, Wade Hawkins-Keys, Michael DiSanto-Guitar
Influences: Earth Wind and Fire, James Brown, Zepplin, Pink Floyd, Herbie Hancock, Al Green, Eddie Haris, D'angelo, Theloneous Monk, Erika Bhadu, Jill Scott, ?uestlove, old skool hip-hop, old skool r-n-b, bill Laswell, Cinnematic Orechestra, Portishead, DJ Z Trip, Culture, Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hatheway, Aretha Franklin, Grant Green, Groove Holmes, Maceo Parker, U2, Art Blakey, Miles Davis. Sly and the Family Stone, The Roots, Radio Head, Tortouise, Primus and John Coltrane.Plus all the amazing kats I work w/ and meet around the country on the road!
Sounds Like: Crittendens R&B vocals marry 1970s soul with 1990s hip-hop in a party atmosphere that rules out individualism. -Jim Santella, allaboutjazz.com
Record Label: ..
Type of Label: None

My Blog

Death of a friend

My friend has crossed over, good for him? I don't know what the hell to think. I have never had to deal with death so closely in my life. I mean I have dealt w/ death but not like this. I talked to th...
Posted by Crittenden on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:07:00 PST

On tour!!!

Finally after 5 years and a couple near-miss freak-outs...I'm getting back on the road thanks to my best friend and biz confident and now manger Jeff Garbaz and my new booking agent Gabe Johnson at In...
Posted by Crittenden on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:13:00 PST

My videos!!

Peace!!! Just wanted to drop a line about my videos that my boy Justin created...check ém out....
Posted by Crittenden on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:08:00 PST

BLU reviews

"Crittendens R&B vocals marry 1970s soul with 1990s hip-hop in a party atmosphere that rules out individualism. Blu is a team effort that puts your mind at ease and opens the door for party time."...
Posted by Crittenden on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:31:00 PST

New Record w/ Kraz and Wasserman

What's up!? Crittenden here to let you know that my debut album has Kraz and Wasserman on it and I would love to hear your opinion. Come over to myspace and chek it out and lemme know what you think!!...
Posted by Crittenden on Sun, 05 Feb 2006 02:00:00 PST

My space and Zepplin shows "No Quarter"...

This is the kewlest site...nothin' but pure connection...this and all of you rock. I look forward to our future vibe sessions on the net, in person or thru the soul.... Zepplin Tribute: WOW what i...
Posted by Crittenden on Mon, 01 Jan 1900 12:00:00 PST