"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. 

Reviews of Passages:

• 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.

Check out all Craig's albums.

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"