Craig Brenner: Exploring the Jazzy Side of Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano
"Craig Brenner is a fine and funky pianist..." - Living Blues
Blues, boogie woogie, and jazz pianist Craig Brenner is a composer, teacher, and recipient of arts grants. The leader of Craig Brenner & The Crawdads, Craig has recorded seven albums, founded Bloomington Boogies: The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival, and is a member of The Ragin' Texans.
Craig's latest recording is Passages (read about Passages below). Other recordings include
- Live to Love, by Craig Brenner & The Crawdads
- Live at the Old Mint: Blues and Boogie Woogie Piano, with Alfred "Uganda" Roberts and Lori Brenner
- Window on the Soul, with members of Craig & The Crawdads
- Man at the Piano, with members of The Crawdads and special guests
- Backstage Boogie, with Dan Hostetler on drums
Listen to samples by clicking on Music.
Passages - original jazz, blues, boogie woogie, and more - on vinyl, CD, & files for download.
- Jazz journalist Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene: "a fine pianist," "Spring Is Near" is "a swinging and joyful original...quality is consistently high and the results are enjoyable."
- Dan Willging, OffBeat: "blues, jazz, and boogie-woogie with a sparkling, rich technique."
- Mike Leonard, The Ryder Magazine.
- Connie Shakalis, The Herald-Times.
- Crossroads Blues Society President Steve Jones, Blues Blast Magazine: "really good stuff with an eclectic mix of styles and genres to enjoy. I highly recommend checking him out!"
- George Fish, "Politically Incorrect Leftist": "the whole thing fits nicely the Beatles' famous words on "Sgt. Pepper's..." 'a splendid time is guaranteed for all!' "
- Merrill Garbus, Sound Opinions Show 809
- Writer/playwright/musician Cathi Norton of Finally Productions
More reviews are at Music (scroll to reviews). Listen to "Looking for a Job," produced by Nate Brenner (Tune-Yards, Naytronix). Passages made in part thanks to the IN Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and National Endowment for the Arts.
Available again in limited quantities (CD) - Live to Love, by Craig Brenner & The Crawdads
Due to COVID-19, musicians lost revenue for two years. Make a donation.
Click below for information about
- Craig Brenner Boogie woogie, blues, jazz, stride, New Orleans, and barrelhouse piano
- Review of Live At The Old Mint: Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano
- Craig & The Crawdads Foot-stompin' New Orleans R&B, Zydeco, blues, jazz, and swing
- Listen to Craig & The Crawdads play Craig's "Backstage Boogie"
- Craig & Lori Cocktail jazz, blues, swing, torch songs, and boogie woogie
- Bloomington Boogies: The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival
- Booking
- Free sheet music for "Nathaniel"
- Free sheet music for "The Crawdad Shuffle"