Album Notes

"With a Tal Farlowesque tone, we are treated to a fine presentation of guitar jazz primarily in trio fashion.."
-Steve Adelson, Jazz Improv Magazine Fall 2005 issue.

SAM CRAIN is a jazz guitarist and composer from Springfield, Illinois, with 19 other CDs to his credit-all available here on CD Baby. His playing draws from different styles, from straight-ahead jazz to fusion, rock, R & B and other styles, still with something(or other) all his own- imagine perhaps George-Benson-meets-Robert-Cray, or along that line..

OOP BOP SH' BANG is Sam's 4th CD, and his second CD to be recorded at Third Stone Productions in Decatur IL. True to the title, the bebop side of Sam's playing is definitely explored, but things also veer into Latin and Contemporary 'territory' here and there. All original material, by Sam, and GG Pelletier(saxophonist on 2 of the selections)and by DC Hall, who is Sam's old "boss" from a roadband during '84-86. Modern jazz is the main entree here with a few funky and latin side dishes. Bon appetit!
"Oop Bop Sh'Bang" has sold online to listeners in France, Canada, Hong Kong, England and Australia as well as throughout the US(including Hawaii!)and has enjoyed some radio play out of Bridgeport, CT on a show called "The Upper Room with Joe Kelley". It's also available online through Audio Lunchbox.
Most recently three of the selections:Roadside Romance Dos Guitarros and Song for Gib have been featured on a Podcast: http://noidlefrets.blogspot.com/
The review listed below by Kevin Toelle, who is a freelance writer and harpist(as in blues), was published in the Illinois Entertainer.

LAST CD SOLD: 01/03/08


FUN FACTS ABOUT THIS RECORDING:
Produced by Sam Crain
Recorded by Dave Burdick
Mixed by Dave Burdick and Sam Crain
Duplication by Eastern Standard Productions
Layout and design by Nathalie Guarracino


Sam Crain-guitar
Andy Burtschi-bass
Craig Russo-drums
G.G. Pelletier-tenor saxophone

Recorded September 28 & 29, 2002
Third Stone Productions
Decatur, Illinois