Original songwriting from this edgy bluesman has earned Tas Cru the moniker, "the master of the triple entendre." His songs are eccentric, quirky, and sometimes boldly irreverent with a repertoire that is equal parts power, passion, and pure hilarity. This combined with his soulful voice and skillful guitarwork has earned him his reputation as a bonafide "triple threat."
"Jus' Desserts" Cru's brand new album, released on 11/10/10. KBA award winning writer, Dave Rubin notes, "The story-telling griots in Africa dispensed the tribal wisdom and blues artists in America have been doing the same for well over 100 years. Like Percy Mayfield, who was also called the “poet of the blues,” Tas Cru tells life lessons with a rare verbal flair. , It is not for nothing he has been called “the master of the triple entendre . Indeed, fans who enjoy their blues with literate, saucy, profound lyrics are the lucky ones in store for a sumptuous, satisfying treat. Jus’ Desserts are the kind that stick to the ribs and the soul."
Cru's CD, "Grizzle n' Bone" (2009) generated serious blues world buzz making its way onto a variety of US and International roots music radio ariplay charts and with great reviews from the blues media including Downbeat,Blues Revue, Blues Festival Guide, and the UK's Blues Matters!. Responses include, "His most varied collection to date, all delivered with conviction and a welcome dose of wry wit" (Larry Nager - Blues Revue) and "This will definitely sit at the top of my best of list at the end of the year" (Stuart Hamilton - Blues Matters!). Grizzle n' Bone comes hard on the heels of Cru being named by Blues Festival Guide as 2009's Blues Artist on the Rise and is his third release.
Tas' CD, "gravi-Tas " (2008) builds on the traditional flavor of his solo acoustic 2006 CD, "Biscuit," Both CDs enjoyed wide airplay on XM Radio's BB King's Bluesville -especially "gravi-Tas" that was a "Pick to Click. (April thru July, 2008) Both CDs were reviewed in the premiere blues magazines, Blues Revue and Living Blues. Blues Revue noted, "Listening to gravi-Tas will create a strong desire to see Cru live .The album is a multi-course feast of the down-home variety: friendly, welcoming, and direct. "(Genevieve Williams) and "A keeper. Fine resonator work both slide and fingerstyle supports an insightful batch of songs."(Tom Hyslop). Living Blues reviewer Dave Ruthenberg said, "On intricate resonator finger-picking or some smoky electric slide, Cru scores consistently."
Tas Cru, based out of upstate New York. performs in a variety of formats ranging from solo-acoustic to an 8 piece backing band that includes the talented singing trio-Stacked Deck. He is a regular at Clarksdale's Ground Zero Blues Club as the host (six years running) of its annual Pre-IBC Jam. Cru has shared the stage with a growing list of well known blues artists that includes Buddy Guy, Shemekia Copeland, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith.
Tas Cru records on his own label, Crustee Tees Records www.tascru.com He is currently represented by Backroads Booking Agency brbagency@gmail.com and KT Management rbates2@twcny.rr.com His publicist is l Blind Raccoon LLC, Memphis, Tennessee betsie@.blindraccoon.com
Read more...