Graham & James Crocker
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Duo Offers Blend Of Folk, Blues, Celtic & Ragtime
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A new release on CD-R, As It Happens, has recently been made available by the father-and-son duo Graham and James Crocker. Consisting of eleven instrumental guitar duets (most originals), all the tracks were recorded live, in one take and with no overdubs. The playing is first-rate--this is an inspired duo who offer songs seeped in blues, folk, celtic and ragtime influences, along with the occasional cover tune, such as Chet Atkins' "Dizzy Fingers". One listen to "Dagda's Harp" or "A Cornish Wedding" and you'll be transported to the Crocker's living room for an initimate evening of acoustic guitar. Another standout track was the electric guitar solo piece "Voices", played by James Crocker. Bottom line, As It Happens is down-to-earth, impressively played collection of tunes.
Graham and James have been playing together since 1982. At that time, James was eight years old and Graham was showing his his first chords. More recently, they have performed together within various groups and also as a duo, utilizing their talents on acoustic and electric guitar, slide and mandolin. James has a degree in music and Graham is a university lecturer. Both are very busy with individual projects (James with the Warner-signed folk-rock band Equation) but continue to write and perform as a duo, stretching themselves and their playing as they go.
The Crockers will continue to promote their original fingerstyle compositions by performing as a duo in England.
Contact Information
Graham & James Crocker
2 Station Cottages
Bridestowe
Okehampton
Devon EX20 4HE
England
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Scott Kungha Drengsen
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Trance Ambience For Horizontal & Vertical Bass
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For a truly spritual experience at the low-end of the sonic spectrum, check out Scott Kungha Drengsen's solo release, entitled Basscapes. Recorded mostly live in the studio, Drengsen uses a foot-operated phrase sampler/sequencer as a looper to 'overdub' as he plays. All guitars, sitars, chimes, steel drums, keyboards, strings, animals, spaceships and exploding stars on the CD were produced on the six string fretless bass or an acoustic bass. The tracks delve into trance and ambient moods throughout--Drengsen's bass conjuring up personal visions of the universe. Repeated listenings to Basscapes is likely to result in a profound meditative experience.
Scott started out on bass over 22 years ago with the goal of being the next Jaco Pastorius. His first bass teacher was a classical guitarist who stressed technique, theory, and reading. He eventually went on to study with Mel Graves, Kai Eckhart, Benny Rietwald, and Ashly Addams. Scott plays six stringed fretless bass guitar, doublebass, acoustic bass guitar, five and eight string basses, six string electric doublebass, oud, twelve string guitar, and efunctory keyboards and percussion. He's been known to attempt the four string fretted bass at times. Scott's main bass influences have been Scott Lafaro, Mick Karn, and Michael Manring.
Drengsen currently divides his time between being a bassist, a teacher, healer, and executive for Radiant World Records. He would love to collaborate with any artists interested in the support of a unique and inventive bass voice. Next up is a forthcoming CD featuring a duet with Michael Manring.
Contact Information
Scott Kungha Drengsen
4193 Shaffer
Oakland, CA 94609
United States
Web site:
www.basscapes.com
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