Blair Crimmins and The Hookers

"The skilled piano playing of Blair Crimmins and the Hookers is complemented by an almost old-school style of vocals that is surprisingly modern while still carrying that twinge of nostalgia that places their sound in a spot a bit hard to pin down." - Creative Loafing Atlanta

I am dumbfounded after hearing Blair Crimmins’ EP, given to me by the editor of RFR. I can’t believe what I have heard several times now. This man has taken me back to the first conceptions of rocking and rolling. A time when jazz crazy people of the 30’s swung into a big band room. I’m talking about early stuff like Count Basie, Etta James, and early Ray Charles; into later music such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, or Elton John.

When listening to the first song, “March of the Hookers” I was blown away by the piano and the swing beat drums. I just love an off-timey beat, with big symbol crashes, and a hard bass drum kick. I just pictured a big band room with mobsters sitting around enjoying Duke Ellington. I almost thought I was in a movie. The EP keeps pace with the song. The vocals are incredible! That also equals a good record; I mean this kid has pipes. I almost think he could sing in a serious theatre production if he wanted to. I love his little ukulele and slide guitar love song, “Without You”. I am reminded of a nice beach front hideaway, and fifties surf. Without giving the entire record away, it later takes us to a song that sounds like he uses wash boards and a string bass to make. You ask, how good can that sound on record? All I can say is total brilliance and creativity. It’s like an old New Orleans marching band coming down the street, with the jazz horns and eurhythmic hand clapping. He finishes the EP on the song I think is his best vocal performance. He hits tones I didn’t he think he had. I stand corrected! This guy has something to say and he does it with some soul. It sounds like it’s poured out all over “Long Walk Home”.


All I can say is go see this show. I can’t wait for my first Blair Crimmins show. I want to figure out who plays with him. I want to know everything about this band. How do they pull this off live? The record sounds so good I visualize the music and different scenes sung out in perfect tone. I’m sure it all fits together live. I hope I’m right on with the feeling and attitude I get from this E.P., because I’d like to ask these questions in an interview. - Rock Fist Reviews

With a smile and a glint in his eye, Blair Crimmins entices listeners into his world. Songs jump with a 1920's gaudiness, reminiscent of tawdry, dangerous jazz. A multi-instrumentalist, he delivers off-kilter piano lines and rapid guitar strum, but tenor banjo, ukulele and accordion aren't out of the question. While devious lyrics can mirror the sinister Charlestons they accompany, Crimmins also has a grab bag of unjaded torch songs at his disposal, spotlighting the loneliness of a life spent in the shadows. - Independent Weekly Chapel Hill

Blair Crimmins and The Hookers possess your soul like a relentlessly starved demon. You are consumed by the ups and downs and the twists and turns of their music so much that calling an exorcist would be an exorcise in futility and error. Their brass and rhythm stick their claws into you and make you lust for more. Their songs are dark and beautifully crude. Crudely beautiful works just as well. Blair Crimmins and The Hookers appear dressed as refined gentlemen while seducing you into a hell that can only change your perspective on what truly is “paradise.” Their composition titled “Oh Angela” was outstanding and a must-listen-to. If you want to experience a roller-coaster ride of music then these guys are the ones to give you the ride. - Silver Tounge Atlanta