Biography
Original songwriting from this edgy bluesman has earned Tas Cru the moniker, "the master of the triple entendre." His songs are ceccentric, quirky, and sometimes boldly irreverent with a repertoire that is equal parts power, passion, and pure hilarity. This combined with his soulful voice and skillful guitarwork has earned him his reputation as a bonafide "triple threat."
Cru's latest CD, "Grizzle n' Bone" (2009) has generated serious blues world making its way onto a variety of US and International roots music ariplay charts and with great reviews from the blues media including Blues Revue, Blues Festival Guide, and the UK's Blues Matters!. Responses include, "His most varied collection to date, all delivered with conviction and a welcome dose of wry wit" (Larry Nager - Blues Revue) and "This will definitely sit at the top of my best of list at the end of the year" (Stuart Hamilton - Blues Matters!). Grizzle n' Bone comes hard on the heels of Cru being named by Blues Festival Guide as 2009's Blues Artist on the Rise and is his third release.
Tas' CD, "gravi-Tas " (2008) builds on the traditional flavor of his solo acoustic 2006 CD, "Biscuit," Both CDs enjoyed wide airplay on XM Radio's BB King's Bluesville -especially "gravi-Tas" that was a "Pick to Click. (April thru July, 2008) Both CDs were reviewed in the premiere blues magazines, Blues Revue and Living Blues. Blues Revue noted, "Listening to gravi-Tas will create a strong desire to see Cru live .The album is a multi-course feast of the down-home variety: friendly, welcoming, and direct. "(Genevieve Williams) and "A keeper. Fine resonator work both slide and fingerstyle supports an insightful batch of songs."(Tom Hyslop). Living Blues reviewer Dave Ruthenberg said, "On intricate resonator finger-picking or some smoky electric slide, Cru scores consistently."
Tas Cru, based out of upstate New York. performs in a variety of formats ranging from solo-acoustic to an 8 piece backing band that includes the talented singing trio-Stacked Deck. He is a regular at Clarksdale's Ground Zero Blues Club as the host (six years running) of its annual Pre-IBC Jam. Cru has shared the stage with a growing list of well known blues artists that includes Buddy Guy, Shemekia Copeland, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith.
Tas Cru records on his own label, Crustee Tees Records www.tascru.com He is currently represented by KT Management rbates2@twcny.rr.comwww.blindraccoon.com and Blind Raccoon LLC, Memphis, Tennessee.
Instrumentation
Tas Cru -vocals, guitar, dobro and harmonica
Band varies depending upon booking preferences
Discography
Listed below are Blues recording projects only:
Tas Cru
"Biscuit" (2006)
"gravi-Tas" (2008)
"Grizzle n' Bone"(2009)
Tas Cru w/ the Conrad Story Blues Band:
"Poutine" (2004)
"Obsession Road" (2007)
Links
| http://www.tascru.com |
| Tas Cru Official Site |
| Tas Cru MYSPACE |
| Tas Cru Merchandise |
| Tas Cru Merchandise |