On various recordings here you may find yourself listening to the delightful playing of: Spider Mackenzie (Harp) with the duet; the various Pictones including Davy Cattanach (Guitar, Vocals), Frances Wilkins (Concertina, Vocals), Carol Anderson (Fiddle), Ali Salam (Percussion) et al; other sporadicals such as Simon Gall (Keys, Vocals), Graeme Stephen (Guitar), Stuart Ritchie (Drums), Martin Allan (Mandolin, Vocals), Gal Levy (Keys)
Currently i'm playing both with the sublime Spider Mackenzie in a harmonica, guitar and vocal duet and with the divine Davy Cattanach in the band of brothers and sisters The Pictones. Both have their own profiles here on myspace (in my top friends) so please check them out. I'm also a drummer, both teaching and doing session stuff - jazz/funk/singer-songwriters or whatever gigs happen to blow my way......................................................................................................................................I've just recorded my first album with Spider - called 5AM - and it's available to buy on cd baby. Please help a poor musician to pay the rent and buy a copy!! Comments on the music most welcome..............................................................................................................................................................About Steve Crawford and Spider Mackenzie: It’s a rare, but refreshing occurrence, when an album comes along that makes you sit, listen and take note. Yet, sit, listen and take note – with a big smile on your face - is exactly what 5am, the new album from Aberdeen duet Steve Crawford and Spider MacKenzie, makes you do..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................The unique range of self penned songs, which manage to wash over your soul and give your ears a reassuring hug, mix fluidly with some highly original arrangements of artists including Tom Waits, Johnny Cash and Prince and create an eclectic album, and a sound, too difficult to pigeon-hole..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Described as ‘Sting in a Stetson’ and as providing audiences with ‘a fresh pot of musical gumbo taking in the full spectrum of aural flavour – from country to jazz’; the duet take influence from a range of musical styles including blues, jazz, country, soul and reggae. Steve’s velvety vocal tones and smooth guitar riffs mix seamlessly with Spider as he pours out his soul into and through his emotive harmonica playing. The album easily showcases the reasons why the pair have been hailed as one of the most exciting new acts to arrive on the acoustic music scene in Scotland in recent years........................................................................................................................................................................................................................The highly awaited album is a reflection of their live gigs which have a rapidly increasing following throughout Europe. They have an ability to consistently deliver great performances whenever and wherever they play – whether to a crowd of 3000 at support gigs or 30 people in a coffee shop – the guys think nothing of getting the crowd moving and grooving to their heavily rhythmic, funky acoustica, followed by a soothing ballad that could melt the hearts of the coldest. Informing on and updating the rich folk-blues tradition of voice, guitar and harmonica...........................................................Review for 5AM: (Fatea Records - www.fatea-records.co.uk)........For decent delta blues do you really need anything more than a fine collection of songs, good vocals, guitar and some fantastic gob iron. I was immediately thrown back to '91 when I got to catch a performance by Harlem duo, Satan & Adam. I really do think it's been that long since I've heard a blues harmonica and guitar combo this good. There's a couple of covers, but for me it's the self penned material that really stands out, it flows more naturally to their style. They're not trying to bend to fit. "5AM", the last of the red wine and some blues, oh yes, bring it on..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................About The Pictones: A collective of songwriters and instrumentalists. A bunch of has beens and will be’s. Started in 2000 by Davy Cattanach, the original line up recorded a cd in 2002 called Jellytown. Since then people have changed city, changed country or simply changed their minds. Such is the fickle nature of a musician’s life. The original line up was Carol Anderson (fiddle, mandolin) Neil Cairney (keyboards, percussion), Davy Cattanach (guitar, vocals, percussion), Dave Innes (drums), Greame ”BUG” Stephen (guitar, mandolin) and Mikey Rae (bass guitar)...Just after the release of JELLYTOWN, Dave Innes left for work in London, and was replaced by Aly Salam.This incarnation lasted for a couple of years and you could find us down The Blue Lamp every Wednesday night. You will still find us down the Lampie. Mostly standing at the bar, still doing the odd gig, or joining in the folk sessions, particularly on a Monday night. After a time of recovery from the first incarnation, Aly Salam persuaded Davy to resurrect the band. This needed a completely new line up, as everyone had gone walk about. So, welcome to the new line up. Davy Cattanach (vocals, guitar, percussion), Stevie Crawford (vocals, guitar, percussion), Carol Anderson (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), Aly Salam (percussion) and Frances Wilkins (concertina and vocals). The music may be described as Amerighana. Which basically implies an interesting trans global cornucopia of cowboy’s and cowgirls heading south with a swing to the east. In other words, think of a harmonious blend of World roots music, laced with a sharp edge of vocal harmony and sprinkled with a hint of mellow. Like stroking the thighs of a Moon Goddess, the Pictones aim to entice and tease the listener into their lair of aural pleasures and forbidden desires.
Nice one! Where abouts did u go? That's a bummer that it's an afternoon gig. I don't finish work til 3 at the very earliest and then have a 2 hour drive up to Aberdeen :( Will have to wait for an evening gig x
I'm good Thanks and certainly "groovy"!
Been jamming with a lot of people lately playing drums in one band and writing and singing in my own band! Not confident enough for gigging quite yet although played my sisters wedding dance. I did get a but squiffy first! What are you up to these days!?
Hey Steve :) Hows it goin? Was just checking out your Upcoming Shows bit. I'm hoping to come up to Aberdeen on the weekend of the 27th and thought it'd be cool to come and see one of your gigs. Is it really 1pm that your playing at the Lemontree on the 27th??
I'm good thanks, in the middle of applying to uni though (for medicine!) so I'm very busy with ucas stuff.
My mum just walked in and asked if I had an email address for you and John Coletta to put you in touch about the gaitherin actually. I don't have his email address though but if you can you should get in contact. :)
Miss you guys heaps...hope yous are having great adventures and fun...but come home soon :-( Love, hugs and bouncy happy thoughts always to you's xxxxxxx
Hey Steve. Hope things are going well. Sorry we didn't get a chance to jam in January, been busy with exams and things. As I say I hope things are going well. Give me a shout when you have the chance man. Take care. Luke :)
Hi there! i wondered if you could help us? and be in with a chance to win an xbox 360!
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Missin ya's already, seen Bosie play, what beautiful music and Paul and Davie had their birthday party...felt odd not having you's there though...Hope its lovely where you are and hot, its been snowing like mad here...but its pretty, if not abit chilly...I have given up smoking too...thats not so much fun...been quite grumpy and its hard to concentrate...well hope yous are having a great time...sending lots of love and hugs to you both xxx
Hello Hello.....How are you? Tonight @ 9pm, were playing the Blue Lamp, £5 at the door unfortunatly, totally worth it!! Should be a great Night! Hope to see you there!
Hey, hows you??Im good, one more exam to go on Thursday and thats them oot the way!!Wish I could have made it to the gig..but couldnt with exam the next day..On a Saturday aswell!!...Hope you's are nearly all set for the big adventure...would be great to catch you's before you's leave..However if too busy..can understand..none the less, even just a quick catch up...Its a gorgeous day..so wishing you heaps of happy thoughts and sending helpful sprites to get ya's organised!!xxx
Hey there, hope Santa was good to you,were playing Drummonds on Tuesday the 30th, 8. 30pm! get yourself there!! if you cant make it have a great Hogmany, and all the best for the new year!! Nicky
Hope you's have a great Christmas and have lots of delicious, mouth watering culinary delights to devour...I miss you's heaps and will be glad when you's are back...Quickly, quickly...Say hi to Lindas folks for me...Much love and hugs to you's and a wee cute kitty from me....xxx
Hey!!! hows you? were supporting Dave Arcari in Cafe Drummonds tonight, you should come along! were on stage at 9.30!! I garentee it will be a great night!! Nicky x
