Craig Caliva
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Music
Press
“The Eddy Redd Band’s 2003 independent debut album, “Caronna’s Bar,” quickly established the band’s diversity.”
“Mercy” is a guitar and harmonica stomp reminiscent of Blues Traveler; “Space So Empty,” with its clever arrangement, hints at future ambition and possibility. - The Times Picayune - Lagniappe
August 15, 2003
“In June, the Eddy Redd Band won a local battle of the bands at the Hard Rock Café, then moved on as one of five semi-finalists in the “Road to Town Fair IV” contest. A Boston band, eventually triumphed, perhaps for the best. It’s unlikely an audience assembled to thrash around to the likes of Blink 182 would appreciate the more organic ingredients that factor into the Eddy Redd Band’s sound.” “Local audiences are quickly catching on and tonight members of the Eddy Redd Band – vocalist/trumpet/guitar and front-man Craig Caliva, bassist Kyle Sclafani, drummer Nick Hingel, guitarist Travis Morgan, tenor saxophonist and harmonica player Jason Hemmens – celebrate the release of their independent debut, “Caronna’s Bar.”
- The Times Picayune - Lagniappe
December 2003
“The musicianship is solid and the band does succeed in showcasing a strong sense of song structure.” - Offbeat Magazine
1997
"Cooking up the hot stuff for everyone is Craig Caliva, lead vocals, guitar, and trumpet." - Slidell Centry Newspaper
January 28, 1997
"The wholesome yet trippy sounds of Psychedelicatessen."
- Gambit Weekly
“Over a four-year odyssey, Psychedelicatessen has evolved from a straight-up progressive alt-rock band to one with a more obvious funk content. The band is still led by brothers Craig Caliva on vocals, guitar, and trumpet and Kevin Caliva on guitar. - The Times Picayune - Lagniappe
Discography
6 Song EP "Rubbing the red velvet buddha"
Track 1 - 3 AM
Track 2 - One Night Stand
Track 3 - Answer to the World
Track 4 - First Big City
Track 5 - Out of my hands
Track 6 - I've been everywhere
Photos
Bio
Craig Caliva is most notably recognized for his work with two New Orleans, Louisiana local bands. A five year stint as front-man, vocalist, guitar and trumpet with the Eddy Redd Band and a four year run as front-man vocalist, guitar, and trumpet with Psychedelicatessen. Finally, after years of being a fixture in bands Craig has ultimately taken the advice of avid fans and gone solo. Which has proven to be a wise choice since hes assembled some of the most talented and recognizable musicians the New Orleans music scene has to offer including Robert Mache, Rob Lee, Elisabeth Gill, & Annie Clements.
Songwriting has always been his strong suit, from collaborating with members of a group or just coming into rehearsal with a polished song ready to perform at the next show. In the past hes always conformed to what each band was doing, New Orleans style funk, alt-rock, or whatever jam band eclectic mixes came out of a three hour band practice. Now Craigs sound is more focused and he is determined to do what he does best; writing good songs. Drawing on more recent influences such as the Old 97s and Ryan Adams Craig has matured into a more intuitive song writer set on making a name for himself.
And of course with his years of stage experience each live performance never ceases to amaze not only the audience, but his fellow band members. The energy he exhumes cant be missed, you can tell hes having fun and is in the right place among a group of real professionals.
Craig is continually writing new material hoping to strike the right chord or compose the next big hit for some high profile artist, which could finally get him noticed. Hes just recorded a 6 song demo/EP in an effort to book gigs and get his name out there. A full length record is soon to follow and is already in the works. Ultimately, Craig will continue in the same vein hes always known, work hard, write good songs, have fun, and whatever happens, happens.
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