Crittenden-Sax-Keys-n-Vox, DMott-Skins, Jerry "The Doc" Livingston-Bass, Kenny Hawkins-Guitar, Wade Hawkins-Keys, DJ Cutler, Michael DiSanto-Guitar
Influences
Create your own visitor map! 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
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 me; it’s that simple.
From his musical birth Eric 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 Eric; “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 I’m 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 Blue will be on tour in support of the record through out the summer and fall. What can you expect from a Juke Joint Blue show? You’re just going to have to check it out and see for your self!
-namaste
hey you...i'm visiting my parents in batavia..will be in buffalo on monday for the day if your free maybe we can get a cup of coffee.. miss ya..write me a comment or send me you new number don't have it
Blu is the leader of West Coast Hip Hop. Since the days of Pharcyde, Freestyle Fellowship, and Jurassic 5, there have been few wordsmiths that have grasped the attention of listeners worldwide. Introduced to NWA and Public Enemy by his father, Blu later was captivated by the likes of Black Star, The Roots, and Common, creating a unique balance that is displayed in Blu's personality and music.
Blu's first full length LP, "Below the Heavens" pairs Blu with producer Exile on the Sound in Color imprint. His first single, "Narrow Path" has rocked stages across the world, as fans begin to feel the impact of Blu's music. His delivery flows flawlessly, while the content reflects the joy and pain of working class youth everywhere. Since the release of "Narrow Path," Blu has performed alongside Slum Village, X-Clan, Platinum Pied Pipers, Lyrics Born, DJ Houseshoes, and many others, while participating in 3 high-profile nationwide tours alongside musical family members: Ta'Raach, Aloe Blacc, and Exile.
The buzz has fans salivating for new music. Worldwide, people are looking to put hope into the 'next' emcee that will give them the same feeling when they first heard Black Thought, Common, or Slum Village. Blu fulfills this need, but maintains something that is entirely new, while not recycled.
COME CHECK HIM OUT ALONG WITH THE RETURN OF CONSTANT CLIMAX & FRESH GUAC TO THE STAGE. 6.21.08 @ BROADWAY JOE'S . . . $5 . . . 18+!!! A SHOW YOU DON'T WANNA MISS. HOLLA @ THE GUACONIANS FOR YOUR TIX.
