Crook County Blues

“These Crooks are less about stealing than honoring their R&B, blues and rock ‘n roll influences–loose and fun and thoroughly earnest is their approach. Guitarist Russ Hartig has exceptional chops: whether playing Hendrix, Presley, Cream, or Freddie King classics, he nimbly and seemingly effortlessly switches genres and goes beyond imitation to make established tunes sound both immediately familiar and notably his own. The reliable rhythm section David Clarke and Ray Somera seques easily across the genres Crook County explores, and multi-instrumentalist Pat Fiege (harp, keys, sax) is an affable and inviting front man with enough vocal growl and melody to span the band’s catalogue. Plus, you can tell he’s enjoying the hell out of playing this music the band so obviously loves. Before you lock them up, give the Crook County Blues Band a listen.”