Anthony Crawford

The concept behind, "Urban Jazz," is to approach solo jazz bass playing with a pop-ish urban feel and at the same time, bring fresh original music that everyone can enjoy. Stanley Clarke once told me to find what makes me unique and write songs based upon that quality, so I took what Stanley Clarke said and I came up with the, "Urban Jazz," title, which is a "bass jazz album from an urban point of view." Songs like, “Windy Days," and “A Melody For You,” are smooth songs that features soothing melodies and songs like, “Play For Me," and “Don’t Stop The Music,” are more urban-dance songs which features hot grooves that makes the listener want to dance. What sets me apart from other jazz artists is that my sound is a fresh new approach to the world of bass and jazz.

Born June 29 1981, Anthony Crawford was raised in a family of talented musicians. His father, funk and rock drummer, Hubert (H bomb) Crawford, has played with notable greats like James Brown, Mother's Finest, Mark Farner of the Grandfunk Railroad, The Bar-Kays, and then the original drummer for the Eric Gales Band, while his uncle is the legendary jazz saxophonist, Hank Crawford.

With such strong musical influences in his life, Anthony began playing the drums at the tender age of 2. At about 6 years old, he began to attend his father’s performances. It was at this time that Anthony started to visualize and dream of being on stage and playing the drums like his father. Soon after, this young gifted musician entered and won several school talent contests.

It was not until Anthony reached his 12th birthday that he finally picked up the bass for the very first time. He knew, just at that moment that he was meant to be a bass player. He walked away from the drums, never looked back, and began practicing the bass night and day.

When Anthony was 14, he began playing with his father and has set in with the Bette Midler Band. As a freshman in high school, he then met Derrick Dean, keyboardist, and Trevor Taylor, drummer. The trio soon became good friends and decided to form a band. Together they performed at church and for a variety of Memphis community choirs. Through these experiences, Anthony was introduced to many forms of jazz and musical genres.

Musically, Anthony has been greatly influenced by rock bands and bassists like Doug Wimbish, Les Claypool, Doug Pinnick, Metallica, Deep Purple, and Ozzy Osbourne, but the turning point surrounding his musical influences was when he recalls, “I got ‘A Show Of Hands," by Victor Wooten. "That record completely changed my life. I must have learned that whole entire record from beginning to end. That record made me really explore my talent in ways I never thought possible.” It was after this musical experience that he began listening to other great bass players like Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and John Francis Anthony "Jaco" Pastorius III, to name a few.

In 2000, post high school graduation Anthony flew to Los Angeles to play at the National Democratic Convention for Bill Clinton. Two years later, he appeared in a Burger King commercial with the basketball star, Shaquille O’Neal. The following year, Anthony released his first record entitled, “Satisfied.”

Anthony began playing with the legendary R&B group Shalamar in 2004, and shortly after with Howard Hewett. He also performed with Justin Timberlake. Then he met jazz saxophonist, Kirk Whalum. Together the pair performed a few shows and collaborated to create the music for a movie commentary filmed in South Africa.

On January 1, 2008, Anthony moved to Los Angeles, has been actively performing within the LA Scene, and is currently promoting & marketing his re-released solo CD titled, “Urban Jazz,” available on his independent label, Hydro 6 Records/Sonicflux Music which is part of 141 Entertainment/INgrooves/Universal Music Group. This album is a rare mixture of musical genres including pop, funk, fusion, hip-hop and smooth listening.

Anthony Crawford is a notable up and coming bassist inspiring generations to come with his unprecedented, eclectic musical talents.

Recommend that backline for all musicians be ready available.