Joe Crookston – Concert
Stomping Loud in Minor Keys and Story Songs and Jamborees
Joe Crookston performed a concert at BluSeed on
Friday, December 11, 2009
A stunning performer…His latest recording was awarded 2009 "Album of the Year" by the International Folk Alliance in Memphis, TN.
Joe received a songwriting grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to travel throughout New York State, collect stories and write songs based on his travels.
"This is not reviewer's hype, this guy is flat out good."
- Rodger Nichols of The Dalles Oregon Chronicle
Joe Crookston….born and raised in rural Ohio, with Hungarian roots, Polkas Polkas…and eastern European food..A little bit of Gypsy soul in this guy…Whether it’s his hypnotic guitar sound, bubbling banjo, or short story lyrics, his music draws from his urban adventures and his rural Ohio roots, exuding a remarkable timeless quality. Haven't seen him perform?? You'll be glad you did.
In 1987, The Kent State Folk Festival changed his life. After hearing Harvey Reid and the Horseflies at the festival, Joe sold his electric guitar, bought a steel string and never looked back. He's a fiddler and a pretty darn good percolating clawhammer banjo player to boot…There is not a navel gazing break-up song to be found anywhere… his audience rapport, musicianship and playful stage presence is intense, mesmerizing, and unforgettably dynamic.
Inspired by Woody Guthrie, Joe was awarded a year-long grant (2007) from The Rockefeller Foundation to travel around the State of New York, interview local residents, gather stories and write songs based on his experiences. His project is called, “Songs of the Finger Lakes.”
"Fall Down as the Rain", not surprisingly, was chosen by Performing Songwriter Magazine as a 2004 "TOP-12-Do-It-Yourself" independent recording, was featured on National Public Radio's “All Songs Considered”, as well as Syndicated Minnesota Public Radio, The Midnight Special and Folkscene. He has shared festival stages with the likes of Livingston Taylor, The Subdudes, John McCutcheon, Arlo Guthrie, and Tim Reynolds, John Gorka, and many others.
Website: www.joecrookston.com
Sample of Joe's songs on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/joecrookston
