Released on the VizzTone label… Tas Cru gives us eleven songs featuring his trademark well-crafted lyrics, strong vocal and well-played cigar box, resonator, acoustic and electric guitars. Simmered & Stewed proves to be a worthy follow-up to Tas’ chart topping You Keep the Money (2014).
This new album has earned high praise. Referring to its high energy opening tracks, “Dat Maybe” and “Grizzle n’ Bone,” Big City Rhythm and Blues says, “Nearly blew me out of my chair!” And the Midwest Record dubs it, “The smokingest record of the year!” The take from Living Blues magazine reaffirms Cru’s well-establish reputation as a gifted writer calling Simmered & Stewed “songwriting with a deep respect for the blues.” Enjoying wide airplay, including being featured as a Sirius/XM Bluesville “pick to click,” for the first half of this year Simmered & Stewed has resided at or near the top of every major blues chart.
Simmered & Stewed was recorded at SubCat Studios, Syracuse, NY and produced by Tas himself. All songs are Cru originals, except one, the rousing album closer – Cru’s unique gospelesque arrangement of the Jackie Wilson classic, “Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher.” The songs are full band productions featuring harmonica, Hammond B3, piano, and a hefty rhythm section. Rich backing harmonies, written and arranged by Cru, bring added layers of spark and energy to several songs.
Cru is currently touring throughout the summer and fall, bringing Simmered & Stewed to festivalgoers and venue audiences. Upcoming shows on a Midsummer Tour include stops in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Manitoba (Canada), South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. With several 2017 festival appearances already or about to be in his rear view mirror, this fall, Cru will take the stage at the Baltimore Blues Society’s Alonzo’s Memorial Picnic and the Daytona Blues Festival. For a complete schedule visit his website.
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