Craig Crawford Players

They are no strangers to the New York music scene and their body of work encompasses jazz stylings as diverse as the people that make up the great metropolis. The velvet melodies of Brooklyn-born saxophonist Craig Crawford, a long-time resident of Queens, and leader of the one-time Dove Award & two-time Stellar Award nominated Craig Crawford Players for twenty years convey all that is New York City on a clear, crisp day or a rainy night. Like a craftsman who has perfected his tool, Craig masterfully weaves together a blend of inspired and moving arrangements sure to connect the heart and soul with his Players skillfully navigating the ride. On Ill Be With You Craig and his crew take listeners on a musical journey not to be forgotten featuring eight Craig Crawford originals (including the albums title track), covers, and reinventions of traditional gospel classics. There is no mistaking Craigs gospel roots which soulfully resonate throughout Ill Be With You. From the upbeat I Love The Lord to the faith-affirming Theyll Know We Are Christians the man and his standard are one. Hearers are sure to find encouragement in Craigs simplistic, yet reassuring Yes Jesus Loves Me or comfort on Friend of A Wounded Heart. Never afraid to bring on the funk, Craig and his players turn up the volume on the hard-hitting, Aint No Party delivering a hard-edged jazz sound - at once unpredictable and without apology. His cover of the classic People Make The World Go Round is equally enticing. The arresting sound of The Craig Crawford Players uniquely transcends musical boundaries and is evident on their 20th Anniversary DVD. Never one to cram his talent into a box, Craig and his players continue to perform for diverse audiences in New York City on BET J, the St. Albans Jazz Festival and around the world. His influences include legendary artists of modern jazz as well as the gospel greats of our time and beyond. Craig and his five-member band have had the privilege of performing with high-profile artists including Najee, Donnie McClurkin, Mike Phillips, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Deniece Williams, and the late gospel patriarch, James Cleveland. In addition, Craig has written, produced or performed musical scores for HBO, NBC, VH-1, PBS, MSG, Nickelodeon and Fox Television.