Davell Crawford
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Davell Crawford

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The best kept secret in music

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DISCOGRAPHY
Davell Crawford is his generation’s most documented piano player of contemporary American Roots music, having recorded stellar albums ranging from blues to funk, soul, jazz, gospel and, of course, New Orleans Music. His music has been featured on many noteworthy compilations of piano and organ work with some of the greatest musicians of Roots music. Stepping into some different shoes, Crawford has produced artists such as Kipori Woods, Irma Thomas and Marva Wright, for whom he’s also served as musical director and arranger. Other artists whose work he’s directed and arranged include Stephanie Mills and John Boutte. His session work includes work with Roberta Flack, Ruth Brown, Silvia Arsujo, Jimmy J. Johnson, Tracy Nelson, Anders Osborne, The Wild Magnolia, and Rockin Dopsie to name a few.

LIVE IN BRAZIL
Recorded with Crawford’s full touring R&B band and background singers straight from New Orleans, this is Davell Crawford at his best. Live In Brazil demonstrates why he was given the title of "The Prince" and was chosen as a Louisiana Cultural Ambassador. Rocking hard from start to finish, Crawford keeps you grooving and moving. If you really want to hear what New Orleans R&B sounds like with a twist of funk, soul and gospel, here you are. Crawford’s versatility is on full display here, covering everything from his grandfather's hit song, "Jock-A-Mo" to "Tenderly" and "Wind Beneath My Wings.” The piano solo, "Georgia on My Mind" is a great impromptu cut.
This is the band that has traveled the world promoting New Orleans music, soul, funk, and gospel. Since this record was recorded in December 1993, Crawford has toured the world with this band and the two others: The Davell Crawford Sixtet, which plays traditional to contemporary jazz; and The Davell Crawford Movement, which plays more original compositions.

LOVE LIKE YOURS & MINE
Many collectors seem to fly like a bullet as soon as someone like James Booker and Professor Longhair passes on, never having been paid respect while they were alive. Well, here's a New Orleans piano cat who's definitely alive and kicking and deserving of your respect NOW. Davell Crawford, the grandson of the legendary Sugar Boy Crawford, at the tender age of 22, is possibly the most gifted pianist to ever come out of New Orleans. At this young age, Davell has just put out this, his fourth CD, concentrating on the art of the jazz ballad (past records have delved into gospel, funk jazz organ and New Orleans funk in that order). All of Davell's recordings are mind-blowingly great, but this newest one I believe to be his best yet. From his heartbreaking rendition of "Fly Me To the Moon" to the Ray Charles inspired take on the Beatles "Let It Be," Davell's vocals soar and his piano sensitivity and agility stand unmatched. Don't let this brilliant cat fall between the cracks; Davell is the new "Messiah" of New Orleans piano with vocal chops to match. -Juke Joint

THE B-3 & ME
Here Crawford takes on The B-3, an instrument that lately finds itself relegated to a minor role in jam-heavy rock bands. By exploring these new directions, Crawford demonstrates his unwillingness to rest on his laurels. This stunning, exploratory musical accomplishment allows him to indulge his appetite for arriving at new musical styles. While paying tribute to greats like Jimmy McGriff, Crawford’s gospel roots are highlighted. On display here is a compelling command of his instrument, and tremendous staccato delivery coupled with great breath control. All of the great B-3 players have had the advantage of spectacular sidemen to help bring to life their musical visions, such as Hank Crawford with McGriff. Here, Clarence Johnson III on the tenor sax is a perfect foil to Crawford's organ excursions. Just listen to his winding solo on Sugarboy's "Ooh Wee Sugar" or the rising crescendo that culminates their great take on the standard, "Stormy Weather.” The B-3 & Me demonstrates Crawford's depth as an organ player and is a showcase for the talents of two sidemen, Clarence Johnson & Shannon Powell, leaders to be reckoned with really soon.

BORN WITH THE FUNK
Let me say it right out Davell Crawford is one of the most incredibly talented musicians New Orleans has ever produced. He's conducted choirs in Catholic, Baptist and Spiritualist churches and led gospel ensembles of his own. Born with the Funk is the record many of his fans have been waiting for, and dear friends, I'm happy to announce the wait is over. This is Davell Crawford at his very best and it just doesn't get any better than that! Davell is just beginning to reveal the depth and extent of his songwriting skills, introducing here such gems of New Orleans rhythm & blues as " The Mardi Gras Song,” "Going Back Home To New Orleans,” "Please Forgive Me,” Sad Song,” and " Born With The Funk.”
-John Sinclair, Blues Access

PIANO IN THE VAULTS, VOLS. 1, 2 & 3
Crawford is at his best with 88 keys and a microphone. T

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Bio

Since the beginning of the 90’s, the Soul Man from Louisiana, Davell Crawford has been a major force in American roots music following the footsteps of his famous grandfather, composer of, “Jock-A-Mo” (IKO-IKO), James Sugarboy Crawford and several other piano men from Professor Longhair and James Booker to Dr, John, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. A pianist, organist, soul crooner and a performer a heart, Davell has traveled around the world with his awe inspiring live performances and his recordings. A young master at everything from authentic New Orleans piano to Traditional Jazz, Gospel, Funk, R&B and contemporary Jazz & R&B he from the first note dictates to your heart and enlightens the soul. He is the most documented roots pianist of his generation.

From his first album, Let Them Talk, now considered a Louisiana Essential Historic Recording Davell instinctively demonstrated how to combine gospel, R&B, soul, funk and jazz. Throughout each of his 8 albums and over 60 recording credits he has displayed an array of musical influences, but all, still uniquely his own.

“Plain and simple, Davell Crawford is one of the most talented musicians alive!”
Bill Taylor from Blues Access.

Davell Crawford, also known as, “The Prince of New Orleans”, is a dazzling performer whether he’s alone at the piano, accompanied by an orchestra, a gospel chorus or his regular touring band. He is the definition of soul, demonstrating it in everyway and with every style of music he takes on. Davell has gained the reputation as a must see performer and has gained a loyal fan base of supporters around the world that that return time and time again to see him live in concert while bringing others to experience his genius. With a command performance for the Honorable Prince Albert of Monaco and requested performance by Prime Minister Roosevelt Douglas of Dominica for his Inauguration, Davell continues to travel his sharing his music and gaining new fans at every stroke of a key.

“Absolutely fabulous…he knows how to capture a room and keep them. That’s rare these days. Wonderful.”
George Wein