The Crawdaddies

Artist Information

Biography

For booking and management please contact:
Head-On Entertainment, Inc
(410) 903 8634, E-mail: contact@headonentertainment.com

THE CRAWDADDIES
A band founded in 1995 on the premise of “why not, it might just work,” The Crawdaddies infuse Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Ska, Roots, Rock and Reggae into an incomparable, groove-laden sound that is unquestionably its own.

The Crawdaddies are, Kraig Greff, accordion, piano; Chris Huntington, vocals, guitar; Chris Everett, vocals, guitar, washboard; Rod Gross, drums, vocals and Dan Hones, bass, vocals. Each road-seasoned member hosts an impressive and diverse musical / performance resume, most notably, 2008 Emmy award recipient Greff who toured with Della Reese, Barry White, Joe Williams and Diana Ross.
Consummate headliners, the eclectic, good-time spirit of their set has allowed The Crawdaddies to share the stage with a wide range of artists including:
Etta James, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Trombone Shorty, Dr. John, Charlie Daniels, Last Train Home, Buddy Guy, The Old 97s, The Radiators, Jimmy Cliff, Carbon Leaf,
CJ Chenier, John Eddie, Joan Jett, The Spinners, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Terrance Simien, G. E. Smith, Marshall Crenshaw, The Young Dubliners, Buckwheat Zydeco, and Reel Big Fish.
The Crawdaddies were also invited to perform on the 2009 Mardi Gras Mambo Tour with Dr. John and the Neville Brothers.
The band has been featured in Dirty Linen magazine three times, has toured the USA extensively earning a strong grass roots following and is a regular fixture on the national college, festival and theater circuits. The band has performed many major festivals including Ann Arbor, MI Summerfest, Bethlehem Musikfest, PA, Gumbo Ya Ya Festival in Rock Island, Illinois, the DC BBQ Battle, the Virginia Wine Festival, The Barbecue Festival in Lexington, NC and the American Music Festival…plus many more. The Crawdaddies’ performance from the famous WC Handy Blues Festival in Henderson, KY is now being featured nation wide on the popular PBS music program “Jubilee”. The band has been selected to showcase the 2013 Millenium Music Festival, mainstage at three NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) regional conferences, the prestigious NACA national convention in Nashville, TN, the PA Fair Convention in 2012 and the 2011 MD Fair Convention. In 2006 AOL Citiguide chose The Crawdaddies as “editor’s pick” for best entertainment from Baltimore, MD.
The Crawdaddies’ four CDs, Live from the Road, Keep Lookin’ Up, Accordions Are Cool and Spice it Up have received regular rotation on college radio, internet radio and broad-format “triple A” radio stations world wide. The Crawdaddies were nominated “Best Roots Rock Band” by the Washington Area Music Association in 2012, 2011 and 2007. The Crawdaddies song "Cuttin' the Body Loose" was a finalist in the 2010 New Orleans Songwriters Festival! The Crawdaddies won three 2009 DC TIVA Peer awards for “Love that Natty Boh” and CD “Keep Lookin’ Up” (Louddust Recordings) was nominated for a 2009 JPF Music Award. Song “Gimme Some” won the “Silver” award in the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest and In July 2007 "Gimme Some" also landed in the top 20 of the Unisong International Song Contest Category: AAA/Americana. The music video for the song "The Life of Riley" won an award at
the 2007 BVA Film Festival and CD "Spice it Up" won awards
in two categories at the 2006 JPF Music Awards,
Santa Anna, California!

The band proudly endorses Audix Mics, D'Aquisto Strings, Vic Firth Drumsticks and G&L Guitars.

"It's hard not to keep lookin' up with music as buoyant and infectious as The Crawdaddies'...these lads are authentic roots rockers even when they have tongue firmly placed in cheek."
-Adam Harrington
Whisperin & Hollerin UK

Instrumentation

Kraig Greff - Accordion and Piano
Chris Huntington - Vocals and Electric Guitar
Chris Everett - Acoustic Guitar, washboard and vocals
Dan Hones - Bass and Vocals
Rod Gross - Drums and Vocals

Discography

-“Groovin’ in the Grass" Compilation CD Song: Gimme Some (2012)
-“Live from the Road” The Crawdaddies (2010)
-“Live from the Road – Single” Love that Natty Boh and Cuttin' the Body Loose, The Crawdaddies (2009)
-"Music 4 More Compilation CD” song: Cuttin’ the Body Loose (2009)
-"Keep Lookin' Up" Loud Dust Records (2007)
-"Drop Hits 2006 Best Of Compilation CD" song: Gimme Some (2006)
-"Spice it Up" (re-master) Stringbean Int. Records UK (2005)
-"More Happy Songs For Hard Times" EP (2004)
-"Cajun Christmas" Single (2003)
-"Spice it Up" (2001)
-"Accordions Are Cool" (1997)


MORE INFO ON EACH RELEASE:
"Live from the Road' The Crawdaddies 4th full length CD. Sold out of its first pressing in three weeks. Won three DC Peer Awards. Song "Cuttin' the Body Loose" finalist in the "2010 New Orleans Songwriters Festival Song Contest"
Receiving radio play on AAA stations nationwide.
"Keep Lookin' Up" The Crawdadies (official release date with record label February 2007)
the bands 3rd full length CD distributed by LoudDust Records to stores nationwide and worldwide digitally.
receiving radio play with rave reviews accross the USA and UK.
Song "Find Yourself" received honorable mention from the 17th annual Billboard World Song Contest.
CD was nominated for a Wammie award by the Washington Area Music Association
Video for song "Life Of Riley" won a 2007 BMA award. The song "Life of Riley" was selected as the theme song for a children's audio book and the song "Jive Time Farmer" made it to the final selection of the 2007 Mountain Stage new song contest.
“A great mix of Zydeco, Cajun, Funk, Soul, Reggae, and Roots Rock...you can't miss with The Crawdaddies.”
-Don Zelazny
American Roots
2008

"Drop Hits 2006 Best Of Compilation CD" song Gimme Some, written by Chris Huntington performed by The Crawdaddies. Distributed to over 150 College radio stations, 1500+ A&R reps, and most music conference grab bags including NEMO, Philly Music Conference, Atlantis, Millennium, and NXNE.

"Spice it Up" (re-master) The Crawdaddies 2005 released in USA and Europe through Stringbean Records. Radio play on over 300 radio stations with rave reviews.
won two 2006 Just Plain Folks Music Awards

"More Happy Songs For Hard Times" The Crawdaddies EP released 2004 airplay on many college and AAA stations in USA

"Cajun Christmas" Single, The Crawdaddies, released in 2003 some AAA radio play in Northeast USA

"Spice it Up" The Crawdaddies' second full length CD released in 2001, radio play on over 300 radio stations in USA mostly college and AAA stations, some radio play in Holland, Belgium and The Netherlands and some songs off this CD picked up for national TV series and commercials.

"Accordions Are Cool" The Crawdaddies first CD released in 1997, radio play on college stations in Northeast USA and one song used on a film sound track.

Official Website

http://www.thecrawdaddies.com

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace

Audio

• Take That Bottle
  Listen   Download
• Shake 'n Bake
  Listen   Download
• Love that Natty Boh (LIVE)
  Listen   Download
• Gimme Some
  Listen   Download
• Cuttin' the Body Loose (LIVE)
  Listen   Download
• Jive Time Farmer
  Listen   Download
• Last Train to Clarksville
  Listen   Download
• Swamp Music
  Listen   Download
• Spice It Up
  Listen   Download
• The Life of Riley
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Gimme Some
• Love That Natty Boh
• Cuttin’ the Body Loose
• Jive Time Farmer
• Free Man
• Swamp Music
• Spice It Up
• Life of Riley
• Find Yourself

Video

The Crawdaddies Love that Natty Boh

Photo Gallery

Press

• Quotes and Raves [+ Show ]
  

  "Jive Time Farmer is fun, innovative, and really unique. You guys are great! Good lyrics, good narra..."Jive Time Farmer is fun, innovative, and really unique. You guys are great! Good lyrics, good narrative."
  -John Francis
  Nashville, TN
  2012
  
  
  "The Crawdaddies killed it!!"
  -Shelia Goodwin
  Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts
  Director of Artscape 2011
  
  
  “Simply a great group with a great sound!”
  -author: Rich Borges
  CD Baby
  2010
  
  “These guys (The Crawdaddies) have the whole package, and guaranteed, it's one that can't be broke.”
  -Dan Willging
  Dirty Linen magazine
  
  "The Crawdaddies...A must see"
  -Patrick Berkery
  phillyBurbs.com
  August 2009
  
  
  “A great mix of Zydeco, Cajun, Funk, Soul, Reggae, and Roots Rock...you can't miss with The Crawdaddies.”
  -Don Zelazny
  American Roots
  2008
  
  
  “This five-man band (The Crawdadddies) is sure to set bodies young and old in motion.” -Washington Post Washington, DC
  2008
  
  
  “The Crawdaddies are just plain fun. Full of energy, funk and soul. A truly unique band...Lesser musicians could never pull this off, but these guys are so talented that they manage to not only make it work, but make it fantastic...a blast to see live.”
  -Sarah Griffiths
  Shinbone Magazine
  September 2007
  
  
  "The group's third disc, Keep Lookin' Up, finds it once again skanking heavy on the one-drop and juxtaposing styles to infectious melodies".
  -Dan Willging Dirty Linen Magazine July 2007
  
  
  “Their [The Crawdaddies] shows are a nonstop mix of good times, good tunes and great musicianship.”
  -Michael Macey
  CMG Magazine
  2007
  
  
  "It's hard not to keep lookin' up with music as buoyant and infectious as The Crawdaddies'...these lads are authentic roots rockers even when they have tongue firmly placed in cheek."
  -Adam Harrington
  Whisperin & Hollerin UK
  October 2006
  
  
  "The Crawdaddies.......... an awesome show"
  -Alicia Pol
  Public Relations chair, Breakout Entertainment
  Texas A& M University, Fort Worth, TX 2005
  
  
  “This is perhaps the most commercial band I've seen in this genre of music. They (The Crawdaddies) can play any venue anywhere, anytime. What an incredible, exciting group of professional musicians.
  -Robert Metzgar
  Legends Hall of Fame Producer
  Universal Music / Capitol Management, Nashville, TN 2004
  
  
  “The Group (The Crawdaddies) truly is an awesome display of talent and charisma onstage.”
  -The Great Cajun and Zydeco Festival of Moodus, CT
  Roger Straub
  Hometown Journal
  Moodus, CT
  
  
  “The Crawdaddies are living up to their reputation as one of Baltimore’s most eclectic, fun-loving bands.”
  -Stefan Leggin
  Radio Host
  WTMD 89.7 FM Towson, MD
  
  
  
  “We warmly appreciate your participation in the Levitt Pavilion's 34th
  summer season....The Crawdaddies’ appearance here on July 28, 2007 was certainly one of the highlights!”
  -Freda Welsh
  Executive Director
  Levitt Pavilion for the Arts, Westport, CT
  2007
  
  
  
  “Their [The Crawdaddies] shows are a nonstop mix of good times, good tunes and great musicianship.”
  -Michael Macey
  CMG Magazine
  2007
  
  
  
  “The Crawdaddies, a Charm City Favorite, are a little like a steaming
  bowl of Louisiana gumbo--rich in a multitude of flavors so delicious that immense satisfaction lies in digesting each and every ingredient.”
  -Pete Kerzel
  writer / editor for AOL Citiguide
  Posted August 2006
  
  
  
  Since 1995 the Crawdaddies have been playing to packed houses in the Baltimore/Washington area. The Crawdaddies have blended some of the hottest, accordion-driven, feel-good styles to create a sound that defies you to sit still.
  -Posted by Ed
  Old Blue Bus
  August 2006
  
  
  
  “These guys (The Crawdaddies) have the whole package, and guaranteed, it's one that can't be broke.”
  -Dan Willging
  Dirty Linen magazine
  issue #110, February/March 2004
  
  
  “A wacky mix of Cajun/Zydeco rhythms.....The band stays upbeat on their second release with the humorous and ska-like “Gimme Some” and the bouncy rhythms of “Swamp Music.”
  -Jacob Parcell
  Columnist
  Style Weekly, Richmond, VA
  
  
  
  “ Intriguing, bluesy and energetic!”
  -National Association of Campus Activities
  Showcase selection committee
  East Coast Region
  
  

• New Music Now Spotlight: The Crawdaddies [+ Show ]
  

  New Music Now Spotlight: The Crawdaddies Published: February 13, 2008 8:12 PM EST By: Isaac Josep...New Music Now Spotlight:
  The Crawdaddies
  Published: February 13, 2008 8:12 PM EST
  By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior
  (Juniorscave.com)
  Americana / Pop
  
  Founded in 1995; The Crawdaddies are making music that certainly is jamming hard these days with their infusion of Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Ska, Roots, Rock and Reggae into an unique sound that can certainly be coined as original. I recently had the pleasure to review their EPK (Electronic Press Kit) on Sonicbids.com (Music Resource Community) and was taken away by the band's sounds. I then spoke with Guitarist, Vocalist, Producer and primary Songwriter for the group Chris Huntington about the band. Check out this great spotlight as Chris revealed many great things about The Crawdaddies.
  
  Isaac-Joseph: How is everyone doing today?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- I'm fat and sassy
  
  Isaac-Joseph: Your music has a nice acoustical feel to it. What I really like about the music is that when you are listening to it I feel I am listening to a story being told. How do you approach your music?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- We do tend to lean toward an acoustic sound built around Kraig Greff's accordion. Even when recording the electric guitar, drums, bass and accordion our goal is to get the acoustic sound of each instrument on tape. We very seldom use processing. Oh yeah...and the washboard... is as acoustic as you can get, but we tend to take the acoustic instrument / sound and arrange it in a non-traditional way. Example: we commonly use the accordion where most others would use a horn section. Kids, don't try this at home, only a seasoned pro like Kraig can pull this off on an accordion! Example 2: We like to use the washboard as percussion over reggae rhythms and rock guitar with a Cajun feel, etc. Most of the songs I have written for The Crawdaddies start with a lyric concept or story line. The music is then, typically, composed to support the lyrics or help tell the story with a certain feel or sound (hence the overlap of so many musical styles in The Crawdaddies).
  
  Isaac-Joseph: What aspect of making music excites you the most right now as an entertainer?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- The more I study music the more I find to learn...I love the fact that there is always new territory to cover and music is a life long lesson. I enjoy songwriting. Songwriting is a very satisfying way to express feelings and tell stories. The process can be like putting a puzzle together. With the Crawdaddies, I will write a tune and then the band will perform it live for, sometimes, a year before recording. It is fun watching the song unfold live...and I have always enjoyed the live performance part best...I am always saying "I tolerate all the bullshit of the music biz just for that 90 minutes on stage." There is nothing like performing for 30,000 people.
  
  Isaac-Joseph: What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged you the most?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- The most discouraging aspect of music is on the business side. Major corporations controlling the music biz have made it difficult for any artist with unique ideas to be heard. If millions are not to be made, the music will never be played and the majority of the public will never know it existed. Many talented musicians are left struggling, and I'm not talking about kids plucking around, there are some greats out there that are barely making a living.
  
  Isaac-Joseph: You have some new releases. Expound on your new project and what can we expect from them.
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington-The Crawdaddies released its third CD "Keep Lookin' Up" with Louddust Records in 2007. The CD is being spun on 300 + radio stations worldwide and getting some nice reviews. We are seriously thinking of releasing a live CD sometime in 2008 or 2009. We started recording at some amphitheater and theater shows in 2007 and taped our show at Sellersville Theater, PA on Feb 8, 2008. We might use some of these takes but also plan to continue taping through 2008. Many folks seem to enjoy The Crawdaddies' live energy so we are hoping to get some of that on tape.
  
  Isaac-Joseph: What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording? How did the qualities of that place affect the show/recording?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington-The most unusual place The Crawdaddies ever played has got to be the show we did for the Jones Falls Watershed Association. It was a fundraiser event during a hot Baltimore summer. The promoter had us set up on the bank of the Jones Falls under a stone bridge with the audience on the other side of the water. The stone bank was sloped at about a 30-degree angle so the drummer could only bring a snare. They ran a 75-foot power cable from a generator placed above for power and we all just got our footing and played on. The echo from under the bridge was strange and, well, all the songs kind of had a mountain goat feel to them. One of the strangest shows was at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD. The college flew us in from a show we had in Dallas,Texas. We arrived for sound check at a huge auditorium / gym with full production. All good until it was about 10 minutes from show time and the gym was empty. We all went out to the outside smoking area behind stage to bitch about how much the show could suck, out in the middle of nowhere, loud with no crowd but when returning, to our surprise, the auditorium had quickly filled with about 5,000 screaming college kids and the show came off great! Those folks at Augustana College really know how to party!
  
  Isaac-Joseph: In what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived); affect the music you create, or your taste in music?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- I grew up in Portsmouth, NH about 45 minutes from Boston. I think I was very influenced by the ska / rock that I grew up with. Also, Portsmouth was and is still very supportive of the arts and my family was always taking me to various musical and cultural events that had a strong affect on my musical taste. Baltimore has also had a very strong influence on my music. I've studied music at the prestigious Peabody conservatory and with some great players from the area and also have had the chance to check out some musical cultures that I had never experienced, authentic African music, Polka, and even Zydeco I had never heard much of until moving south into an urban environment.
  
  Isaac-Joseph: When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about it?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- I write songs in bits and pieces almost on a daily basis. Sometimes I will come up with a lyric concept, usually from everyday experience, and then build on it for years before finishing into a complete song.
  
  That is why I say songwriting can be like putting a puzzle together. I sit on many musical and lyrical ideas until something clicks. Once a lyric, melody and chord structure click I can usually put a song together in about a week or two or sometimes only days. When it comes time to actually finishing the idea I prefer to have a band to write for and know the instrumentation.
  
  Isaac-Joseph: As you create more music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people...and why do you think that is?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- I try to seek out the origin of the particular style of music. I am always open to somebody who is doing something new but for my own interest I tend to seek out the roots of the music and study where the original ideas came from.
  
  Isaac-Joseph: Lately, what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener? (Old or new music? Music like yours or different from yours?)
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- I am drawn to anything done well from any period and any style.
  
  Isaac-Joseph: Name a band or musician, past or present, who you flat-out LOVE and think more people should be listening to. What's one of your all-time favorite recordings by this band/musician?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- Cajun: Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, album: Bon Reve
  Singer songwriter: Alexi Murdoch, album: Time Without Consequence
  One of my all time favorites: Lyle Lovett, album: Joshua Judges Ruth
  
  Isaac-Joseph: What is your favorite song of yours that you enjoy performing on stage?
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- I enjoy performing the song Jive Time Farmer from The Crawdaddies “Keep Lookin' Up” CD because I think the song is fun and most folks don't realize I'm singing about myself (Jive Time Farmer, definition - a white boy who doesn't know how to dress, therefore looks like a tired old farmer) and The Difference from The Crawdaddies “Spice it Up” CD because the country pickin' is fun live.
  
  Isaac-Joseph: This is what we call our Shout Out time. Elaborate on any and everyone that matters the most to you:
  
  Answer: Chris Huntington- My parents Ron and Evelyn Huntington (both graduates of the Maine Conservatory of music) have been a lifelong influence to me. Their musical lessons to me as a youngster and unconditional support of my choice for music as a career has made it possible for me to stand proud as a full time musician, be competitive and perform with confidence in a field that is changing on a daily basis.
  
  Instrumentation
  The Crawdaddies are,
  Kraig Greff, accordion, piano;
  Chris Huntington, guitar, vocals;
  Kenny Jones, vocals, acoustic guitar, washboard;
  Bob Hill, drums, vocals and
  Chris Sellman, bass, vocals.
  Each road-seasoned member hosts an impressive and diverse musical / performance resume, most notably, Greff who toured with Della Reese, Barry White, Joe Williams and Diana Ross.
  
  Main Website:
  http://www.thecrawdaddies.com
  
  Chris Huntington's Website
  http://www.chrishuntingtonmusic.com
  
  The Crawdaddies' EPK on Sonicbids.com
  http://www.sonicbids.com/TheCrawdaddies
  
  
  

• American Roots 2008 [+ Show ]
  

  The Crawdaddies - Keep Lookin' Up January 2008 Timing is everything. The Crawdaddies new CD Ke...The Crawdaddies - Keep Lookin' Up
  January 2008
  
  Timing is everything. The Crawdaddies new CD Keep Lookin' Up jumped to the top of my to-review stack because it arrived on New Year's Eve as 12 inches of snow also arrived in Michigan. The warm, lively cajun & zydeco laden CD proved to me that the band had nothing to do with the snow and provided a nice escape from the cold, getting multiple spins in between snow shoveling shifts.
  
  The bands sound is a great mix of Zydeco, Cajun, Funk, Soul, Reggae, and Roots Rock. If you like The Subdudes you can't miss with The Crawdaddies. The list of artists the members have played with and bands they have shared the stage with is way too long to list. Kraig Greff's accordion highlights the cd, but the mix of music and styles is wide ranging. The disc opens with a bouncy tune "Tout Le Nuit Danse (Dance All Night)" and is followed by the cajun sounding "Free Man." Guitar and a reggae feel follow on the title track. The sound even gets a bit bluesy on "Spice It Up," which features the guitar and Hammond B-3. We hear of a lover working under the red lights in the French Quarter in "Louise." The CD closes with the song "Find Yourself" about a guy who gives up the bottle and tries to follow his mother's advice to "find a woman with a lot of common sense..find yourself". The only problem is that this advice doesn't turn out as he'd like:
  "Found the perfect woman with a lot of common sense..
  but she beat me, cheat me, took my dog, now all my money's gone"
  
  This is how we think the story ends as the song ends; but surprise, after about 5 seconds the song kicks into a reprise and we hear how the story really ends:
  "I hunted down that woman, filled her full of lead
  Shot her three times in the heart and three times in the head
  I tied her to the bumper and drived her down the lane
  I'll be out in three to five because I pled insane."
  
  I guess the moral of the story is don't mess with a mans dog?! Really, other than one little murder the CD is pretty upbeat and lively and a great cure for a cold winter's day! The band's website is www.thecrawdaddies.com.
  
  -by Don Zelazny
  American Roots.com
  January 2008
  

• 2007 Roots Time Review [+ Show ]
  

  THE CRAWDADDIES KEEP LOOKIN' UP Website: www.thecrawdaddies.com E-mail:headonent@aol.com (managem...THE CRAWDADDIES
  KEEP LOOKIN' UP
  Website: www.thecrawdaddies.com
  E-mail:headonent@aol.com (management)
  crawdaddies@thecrawdaddiescom (band)
  Label: Eigen beheer
  cdbaby.com
  
  
  
  In 1995 begonnen the Crawdaddies uit Baltimore onder het mom van, "het moest maar eens lukken" met hun muzikale mix van cajun, ska, roots, zydeco, soul, swing en rock en wonderlijk genoeg lukt dit samengaan van stijlen wat op het eerste gezicht een allegaartje lijkt, maar bij hun letterlijk in de plooi valt tot een mooi geheel. Drie cedeetjes verschenen er ondertussen, en ze brengen een sound die veel accordeon bevat, en vooral vocaal en qua opbouw van de songs erg lijkt op The Subdudes, die erg onderschatte band uit New Orleans die reeds een zestal prachtalbums maakte en bij mij op de bovenste plank liggen. Ze beginnen hun cd overtuigend met "Tous les Nuits", maar dan volgen een paar nummers waar 't ska-ritme de boventoon voert, wat niet zo dadelijk my cup of tea is maar het geeft wel ambiance en sfeer (zeker live). Vanaf de song "Spice it up" gaat het echter weer heel erg de goeie kant op, en krijg ik weer die Subdudes indrukken, en die blijven, want "Walk With Me" is een prachtig nummer dat balanceert op de rand van zydeco en New Orleans funk en wat verder bij "Louise" is de gelijkenis bijna perfect. Een prachtnummer! Tijdens "I'm Livin it up" flirten ze weer even met ska, maar "Find Yourself" waarmee de cd afsluit is weer zo'n schot in de roos, spijtig dat de totaalduur van de cd maar een kleine 40 minuten bedraagt, want hier lustte ik meer van! Crawdaddies, een naam om vanaf nu te onthouden, voor mij toch alleszins!
  (RON)
  
  www.rootstime.be
  
  

• “Editor’s Pick” 2006 AOL Citiguide [+ Show ]
  

  The Crawdaddies, a Charm City favorite, are a little like a steaming bowl of Louisiana gumbo -- rich...The Crawdaddies, a Charm City favorite, are a little like a steaming bowl of Louisiana gumbo -- rich in a multitude of flavors so delicious that immense satisfaction lies in digesting each and every ingredient. Zydeco, funk, swing, soul, reggae and rock are among the musical morsels The Crawdaddies serve up to their loyal following.
  The rub board and accordion offer a distinctive dose of New Orleans seasoning to the evening's offerings, which feature guitarist-vocalist Rick Olaguer and accordion player Kraig Greff, who has toured with Diana Ross and Barry White.
  A fixture on the college and festival circuits, The Crawdaddies have performed with well-known acts including Joan Jett, King Creole and the Coconuts, and Marcia Ball. When these sons of Baltimore hit their groove, you know that spicy funk, zydeco and reggae is on tap. Don't miss them. Editors pick for Baltimore live entertainment for Labor day weekend 2006
  -Pete Kerzel
  AOL City Guide
  Posted August 2006
  

• 2006 CD Review The Crawdaddies Whisperin & Hollerin UK [+ Show ]
  

  The Crawdaddies, Keep Lookin' Up Genre: 'Indie -Release Date: '2006' Our Rating: 8 stars out of 1...The Crawdaddies, Keep Lookin' Up
  Genre: 'Indie -Release Date: '2006'
  Our Rating: 8 stars out of 10
  
  It's hard not to keep lookin' up with music as buoyant and infectious as The Crawdaddies' strange brew of zydeco, country, reggae, and alternative rock. Formed in the mid-'90s, the Crawdaddies have the chemistry of seasoned vets but the merciless energy of young pups bursting from the cage.The Crawdaddies' latest album is pedal-to the-floor party music, as tasty as hot chocolate and invigorating like a shot of hard liquor. Oddly enough, for a group that is so rambunctious, there is a surprising amount of warmth on this record. In a way, the Crawdaddies recall NRBQ. Like NRBQ, the Crawdaddies groove to an eclectic heart, giddily unafraid of genre clashing in the same song but achieving that with a generous amount of soul. "Tout Le Nuit Danse (Dance All Night)" is a blast of swinging accordions and feel-good vibes On "Free Man," the Crawdaddies perk up a ska beat with those wonderfully spirited accordions that complement, and not dominate, the rhythm section. On the hilarious "My Old Heart" and "Jive Time Farmer," the Crawdaddies take a classic country approach without looking like a joke; these lads are authentic roots rockers even when hey have tongue firmly placed in cheek.
  -Author: Adam Harrington
  Whisperin & Hollerin UK www.whisperinandhollerin.co.uk
  October 2006

• 75 Or Less Records CD Review The Crawdaddies [+ Show ]
  

  Review The Crawdaddies - Keep Lookin' Up The Crawdaddies have been unleashing their brand of zyd...Review The Crawdaddies - Keep Lookin' Up
  
  The Crawdaddies have been unleashing their brand of zydeco-spiced roots rock since the grunge era, and nothing can stop this freewheeling party band. From the country-fried comical lovelorn confessions of "My Old Heart" to the relentless fun of "Got Nothin'" the Crawdaddies leap in the air with an unyielding sense of joy. The group is completely irresistible, shakin' the shack with hook after hook and bouncy accordions galore. What more can you ask for?
  - written by Michael Sutton
  75 or Less Record reviews
  www.75orless.com
  Posted November 2006
  

• Dirty Linen magazine 2004 [+ Show ]
  

  While a lot of roots-rock bands these days claim to be a boiling gumbo of spicy sounds, the oft-utte...While a lot of roots-rock bands these days claim to be a boiling gumbo of spicy sounds, the oft-uttered adage fits the Crawdaddies so well, it’s too silly to even mention it. The Baltimore-based, accordion-centric quintet seemingly has no limits, stirring in heaping portions of reggae (“Gimme Some”), Swing (“Carolina Baby”), Swamp Rock (“Habit Forming”), hot Chet Atkins country (“The Difference”), and even a dollop of Zydeco in the most original, succulent combinations. As this gutsy fusion and eclecticism can go flat faster than homemade beer if it’s not brewed properly, the Crawdaddies unfailingly tap infectious melodies and lyrics supported by a steady stream of screaming guitars, flashing accordion playing, and an unfaltering dance sensibility, regardless of the stylistic dressing. The stories are cool (“Betty Says”), the songwriting’s smart, and the arrangements are top-notch, like “pump That Thing”, which kicks off like an old-school Clifton Chenier number before evolving into its own entity. These guys have the whole package, and guaranteed, it’s one that can’t be broke
  -Dan Willging
  Dirty Linen magazine
  issue #110, February/March 2004

• zydecoroad, CD Review The Crawdaddies [+ Show ]
  

  The Crawdaddies who hail from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area describe themselves as a band ...The Crawdaddies who hail from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area describe themselves as a band that plays Cajun and zydeco rhythms with cool Swing grooves, Country, Rock and Soul. If you listen to their CD "Spice It Up" you get the sense very quickly that their description is quite accurate. Any band that can record a cover of The Monkees' "Last Train To Clarksville" and make it sound like it was born on the bayou can't be that bad. The Crawdaddies are a seriously talented band. Although their music is mostly a blend of Rock, Reggae and Blues their use of the accordion is very effective in adding a hint of Cajun and zydeco flair to their sound.
  The Crawdaddies' "Spice It Up" is another one of those eclectic recordings by a regional band proving that there is great zydeco talent northeast of the Mississippi. There are several memorable tracks among the eleven featured including the bluesy feeling of "Alberta," the country sound of "Betty Says," the pushpump of "Habit Forming," and the lively Cajun rhythm of "Pump That Thing." The members of The Crawdaddies play their respective instruments ferociously and their upbeat sound all seems to come together well and will leave you satisfied. But don't expect any hard-driving zydeco here. "Spice It Up" is more reggae and rock with a great piano accordion than it is 'les haricots.' The band's philosophy about their music is rather straightforward; "why not, it might just work." Well, for me the three-pepper "Spice It Up" works. You can purchase this CD online and learn more about this talented group of musicians from the beltway area on their official website at www.thecrawdaddies.com.
  -A Review By Paule Pachter, February 11, 2003
  www.zydecoroad.com
  

• CD Review, The Crawdaddies "Spice it Up" Roots Town Music [+ Show ]
  

  I was recently introduced to The Crawdaddies, a five man band that since 1995 has made its home in... I was recently introduced to The Crawdaddies,
  a five man band that since 1995 has made its home in
  Baltimore, Maryland., USA. Their set includes
  an inviting mixture of Cajun, zydeco, soul, reggae, roots, and rock. All of these styles are wonderfully presented on "Spice It Up" which was preceded by they're debut release: "Accordions Are Cool!" A name that gives indication to the listener of the instrumentation that dominates every number from this second CD, irrespective of style. At the start of the first number "Last Train to Clarksville" (by the way, the only cover on this recording), I can't help but think of the untimely disappearance and rebirth of the Subdudes (they are back together and busy on a new one Luc-Red ). A hot guitar riff with a pumping bass above the cheerful, hopping accordion and a soulful voice immediately catch my attention, and raise high expectations as the CD progresses further. Those expectations are redeemed with listening, but the cover number stays as the main tune, which happens in the music business probably from commercial considerations. The second number is a churning reggae tune, and it feels suddenly as if it were done by a different band. But the accordion and the joyful harmony singing bring you right back. The high party value of the first numbers yields briefly to the plaintive "Baby Go". After that, the guys come back with steamy-soul/blues in "Alberta", (not a cover). And keep the party music coming with sing-a-long numbers that should keep everybody moving. "Swamp Music" is a really hot number, pleasant, sure and steady, and in a style that I would like to hear more of. Real strong harmony singing and some real fine playing by all the instrumentalists makes for a very compact and firm sound that I'd love to hear live. For in spite of my mainly vegetarian principles, Iwould really like a bigger taste (sample) of these guys. Send me as a spy to Baltimore.
  -Marc Nolis,
  Roots Town Music, January 2003, edition 36
  
  

Setlist

The Crawdaddies highly acclaimed live sets are very upbeat and danceable. The show engages the audience with a high energy level and the band is known to toss mardi gras beads to audiences while performing. The music is a 90% original, very infectous mix of Roots Rock, Zydeco, Blues, Funk and Ska and if the band plays a cover it is a very unique version of the song
example of quirky covers:
The Monkees' "Last Train to Clarksville" done with a Cajun feel
AC/DC's "You Shook Me" done reggae
the theme to Fat Albert funked up
"Swamp" Talking heads done with a swing to it
commonly a festival set will be 60 or 90 miniutes long sometimes the band will play two 60 minute sets with one break for festival work
The Crawdaddies have enough live material to perform 5+ hours

Basic Requirements

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