LATEST NEWS
Harmonica Ace Steve Krase Expands His Blues Roots on New CD, Just Waitin’, Coming June 15 from Connor Ray Music
World-class harmonica player Steve Krase expands his blues music into new territory on his fourth CD, Just Waitin’, coming June 15 on Connor Ray Music. Produced by Rock Romano (who also played bass and sang backing vocals), Just Waitin’ features Steve Krase (vocals and harmonica), backed by a solid cast of additional notables, including David Carter (guitars and backing vocals); Tamara Williams (drums, percussion and backing vocals); James Gilmer (percussion); Brian Jack (accordion); Mike Vee (rubboard); and Kenan Ozdemir (lead guitar).
Steve Krase will celebrate the new album with a special CD pre-release show at Houston’s famed Big Easy Club on Friday, May 18th (5731 Kirby Dr., Houston), where he’ll be joined by several special guests including the legendary singer Trudy Lynn, plus James Gilmer on percussion and Brian Jack on accordion. “I’m so pleased to be showcasing our new CD at one of the finest Blues Clubs in the world, Houston's Big Easy,” says Krase. “This is a new band, a new sound, and I'm excited to roll it out.”
Just Waitin’ spends much time within the blues world, with songs from Howlin’ Wolf and Big Walter Price, among others; but also traverses beyond that into roots and Americana styles, with a song on the new disc from Hank Williams (“Settin’ the Woods on Fire”) and even a Zydeco –flavored take on the theme from the “Beverly Hillbillies” TV show (“The Ballad of Jed Clampett”).
In the liner notes for Just Waitin’, Krase sends a big shout out to all the musicians, production personnel and fans for their work and support. “Thanks to all the great musicians that I am lucky enough to have in my corner,” he says, “especially to my band: David Carter, Tamara Williams and most notably to Rock Romano, who pulled triple duty as bassist, producer and sound engineer on this recording, in addition to penning three of the songs. Special thanks also to Trudy Lynn, who continues to amaze me with her talent and from whom I continue to learn. Very special thanks to the clubs that continue to support live music and KPFT Houston radio for all of their support Finally, I want to thank all of the people that contributed money to assist the Houston Blues musicians in need after
Hurricane Harvey.”
Said producer/bassist Rock Romano about the recording sessions: “Steve really delivered on this CD; great song selections delivered with dynamic heart-felt vocals along with his unique and powerful harmonica style.” And special guest James Gilmer, longtime percussionist for Lyle Lovett, added, “I love this project! It’s like Magic Dick and Peter Wolf meet Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter!”
(posted 5/2/2018)
Steve Krase will celebrate the new album with a special CD pre-release show at Houston’s famed Big Easy Club on Friday, May 18th (5731 Kirby Dr., Houston), where he’ll be joined by several special guests including the legendary singer Trudy Lynn, plus James Gilmer on percussion and Brian Jack on accordion. “I’m so pleased to be showcasing our new CD at one of the finest Blues Clubs in the world, Houston's Big Easy,” says Krase. “This is a new band, a new sound, and I'm excited to roll it out.”
Just Waitin’ spends much time within the blues world, with songs from Howlin’ Wolf and Big Walter Price, among others; but also traverses beyond that into roots and Americana styles, with a song on the new disc from Hank Williams (“Settin’ the Woods on Fire”) and even a Zydeco –flavored take on the theme from the “Beverly Hillbillies” TV show (“The Ballad of Jed Clampett”).
In the liner notes for Just Waitin’, Krase sends a big shout out to all the musicians, production personnel and fans for their work and support. “Thanks to all the great musicians that I am lucky enough to have in my corner,” he says, “especially to my band: David Carter, Tamara Williams and most notably to Rock Romano, who pulled triple duty as bassist, producer and sound engineer on this recording, in addition to penning three of the songs. Special thanks also to Trudy Lynn, who continues to amaze me with her talent and from whom I continue to learn. Very special thanks to the clubs that continue to support live music and KPFT Houston radio for all of their support Finally, I want to thank all of the people that contributed money to assist the Houston Blues musicians in need after
Hurricane Harvey.”
Said producer/bassist Rock Romano about the recording sessions: “Steve really delivered on this CD; great song selections delivered with dynamic heart-felt vocals along with his unique and powerful harmonica style.” And special guest James Gilmer, longtime percussionist for Lyle Lovett, added, “I love this project! It’s like Magic Dick and Peter Wolf meet Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter!”
(posted 5/2/2018)
Phoenix Blues Society reviews
Should've Seen It Coming
Click here to purchase your copy of Steve Krase's latest release
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
Harmonica master Steve Krase is recognized as a blues dynamo on the Houston music scene, thanks to his legendary live performances and his work on the Connor Ray Music record label, where he’s released four of his own albums and backed many of the label’s other artists, including Trudy Lynn on her three Connor Ray releases. A multiple winner in the annual Houston Press music awards, Krase also advanced to the semi-finals in this year’s I.B.C.
Should’ve Seen it Coming, Krase’s latest release for Connor Ray, includes 11 tracks, with five original tunes, plus a pair of bonus cuts. He’s backed by a core unit of Rock Romano (bass), David Carter (guitar), Richard Cholakian (drums), Randy Wall (keys), and Alisha Pattilo (sax), with James Gilmer contributing percussion on several tracks. Ms. Lynn adds backing vocals on three tracks, and guitarists Mark May and Bob Lanza each guests on
one song.
May’s guitar work is a highlight on the old school opener, “Brand New Thang,” written by Romano, and Lanza dazzles on a rocking version of the Arthur Alexander hit, “Shot of Rhythm and Blues.” The Willie Dixon tune, “Crazy For My Baby,” is a standout, as is the jumping take on Fats Domino’s “Let The Four Winds Blow,” Wee Willie Wayne’s “Travelin’ Mood,” and Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s “Troubles, Troubles.”
Krase’s brother David wrote “Repo Man” and the title track, which are both present in regular and “explicit” versions and are entertaining in either format. Krase also pays tribute to his former boss and musical mentor, the late Jerry Lightfoot, with a swinging version of Lightfoot’s “Make You Love Me Baby” --- Krase spent ten years in Lightfoot’s Essential Band --- and contributes the wild “The World’s Still In A Tangle,” an adaptation of the Jimmy Rogers Chess classic updated for The Walking Dead crowd.
Should’ve Seen It Coming shows why Steve Krase is so highly regarded on the Houston music scene by both peers and fans alike. Krase is a fine vocalist and musician and the band really knocks this material out of the park. This album is a must for fans of the real deal blues.
- Graham Clarke
(posted 6/26/2017)
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
Harmonica master Steve Krase is recognized as a blues dynamo on the Houston music scene, thanks to his legendary live performances and his work on the Connor Ray Music record label, where he’s released four of his own albums and backed many of the label’s other artists, including Trudy Lynn on her three Connor Ray releases. A multiple winner in the annual Houston Press music awards, Krase also advanced to the semi-finals in this year’s I.B.C.
Should’ve Seen it Coming, Krase’s latest release for Connor Ray, includes 11 tracks, with five original tunes, plus a pair of bonus cuts. He’s backed by a core unit of Rock Romano (bass), David Carter (guitar), Richard Cholakian (drums), Randy Wall (keys), and Alisha Pattilo (sax), with James Gilmer contributing percussion on several tracks. Ms. Lynn adds backing vocals on three tracks, and guitarists Mark May and Bob Lanza each guests on
one song.
May’s guitar work is a highlight on the old school opener, “Brand New Thang,” written by Romano, and Lanza dazzles on a rocking version of the Arthur Alexander hit, “Shot of Rhythm and Blues.” The Willie Dixon tune, “Crazy For My Baby,” is a standout, as is the jumping take on Fats Domino’s “Let The Four Winds Blow,” Wee Willie Wayne’s “Travelin’ Mood,” and Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s “Troubles, Troubles.”
Krase’s brother David wrote “Repo Man” and the title track, which are both present in regular and “explicit” versions and are entertaining in either format. Krase also pays tribute to his former boss and musical mentor, the late Jerry Lightfoot, with a swinging version of Lightfoot’s “Make You Love Me Baby” --- Krase spent ten years in Lightfoot’s Essential Band --- and contributes the wild “The World’s Still In A Tangle,” an adaptation of the Jimmy Rogers Chess classic updated for The Walking Dead crowd.
Should’ve Seen It Coming shows why Steve Krase is so highly regarded on the Houston music scene by both peers and fans alike. Krase is a fine vocalist and musician and the band really knocks this material out of the park. This album is a must for fans of the real deal blues.
- Graham Clarke
(posted 6/26/2017)
Blues In Britain reviews
Should've Seen It Coming
Click here to purchase your copy of Steve Krase's latest release
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
Steve Krase is a harp virtuoso, who like James Harman, Steve Guyger et al has the ability to sing the blues his own way without ever trying to sound black.
On this set he is backed by a crack band featuring guitarist David Carter and Rock Romano, with guest appearances from Mark May, Bob Lanza and Trudy Lynn.
Krase opens with the hypnotic rhythms of ‘Brand New Thang’ with its mellifluous Chi-Town harp and catchy guitar hook. Willie Dixon’s ‘Crazy For My Baby’ is a classic example of vintage Chicago ensemble playing with Krase’s harp melding the influences of Big Walter Horton, James Cotton and Sugar Blue. Fats Domino’s ‘Let The Four Winds Blow’ is a slab of pure Crescent City Blues replete with rock-steady harp – ‘The World’s Still In a Tangle’ has obvious influences although the guitar is permeated with shades of Buddy Guy and the harp reflects an admiration for both Walters – whilst Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s ‘Troubles, Troubles’ rocks irresistibly fuelled by New Orleans sax and piano.
However, my two favourite tracks are ‘Should’ve Seen It Coming’ and ‘Repo Man,’ which are reminiscent of the work of Big George Jackson with the combination of broody sax and harp with a jazzy/funky edge and almost conversational and personal vocals.
One to look out for!
-Mick Rainsford
(posted 5/9/2017)
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
Steve Krase is a harp virtuoso, who like James Harman, Steve Guyger et al has the ability to sing the blues his own way without ever trying to sound black.
On this set he is backed by a crack band featuring guitarist David Carter and Rock Romano, with guest appearances from Mark May, Bob Lanza and Trudy Lynn.
Krase opens with the hypnotic rhythms of ‘Brand New Thang’ with its mellifluous Chi-Town harp and catchy guitar hook. Willie Dixon’s ‘Crazy For My Baby’ is a classic example of vintage Chicago ensemble playing with Krase’s harp melding the influences of Big Walter Horton, James Cotton and Sugar Blue. Fats Domino’s ‘Let The Four Winds Blow’ is a slab of pure Crescent City Blues replete with rock-steady harp – ‘The World’s Still In a Tangle’ has obvious influences although the guitar is permeated with shades of Buddy Guy and the harp reflects an admiration for both Walters – whilst Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s ‘Troubles, Troubles’ rocks irresistibly fuelled by New Orleans sax and piano.
However, my two favourite tracks are ‘Should’ve Seen It Coming’ and ‘Repo Man,’ which are reminiscent of the work of Big George Jackson with the combination of broody sax and harp with a jazzy/funky edge and almost conversational and personal vocals.
One to look out for!
-Mick Rainsford
(posted 5/9/2017)
Bman's Blues Report reviews
Should've Seen It Coming
Click here to purchase your copy of Steve Krase's latest release
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Should've Seen It Coming, from Steve Krase and it has great swagger. Opening with Brand New Thang, I'm immediately struck by the stinging guitar work of Mark May backed by Rick Roman on bass, Richard Chokakian on drums and of course the fine vocal and harp work of Steve Krase. On Willie Dixon's Latin influenced Crazy For My Baby, Krase sits in the groove with James Gilmer on percussion. Very nice. On slow blues number, Let The Four Winds Blow, David Carter lays down a nice guitar lead and Krase plays up the appeal today to zombies in Fat's Dominos classic track. Randy Wall takes a real nice piano solo on this one giving the track a nice sparkle. Title track, Should've Seen It Coming has a cool , voodoo kind of groove with a great bass line by Roman. Again Wall stretches his hands nicely on piano and Carter does some fine fret work, complimenting Krase on lead vocal and harp. With it's light Latin beat, Krase really showcases his harp work on Travellin' Mood. On shuffle track, Make You Love Me Baby, Krase shows his best vocals with cool solos by Carter and Wall. Rich sax work by Alisha Patrillo and the funky beat work of Gillmore gives a great musical envelope for Krase's comical story. Gospel like feel sets a nice table for Krase's harp soloing on Way Back Home, a classic Crusaders tune. Carter absolutely rips a solo on this one providing super contrast to the quiet nature of the basic track. Very cool. Super sax work on bonus track, Should've Seen It Coming Explicit, provides a great opener for an almost 8 minute jam by this talented band. Super closer for a really strong release.
(posted 5/8/2017)
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Should've Seen It Coming, from Steve Krase and it has great swagger. Opening with Brand New Thang, I'm immediately struck by the stinging guitar work of Mark May backed by Rick Roman on bass, Richard Chokakian on drums and of course the fine vocal and harp work of Steve Krase. On Willie Dixon's Latin influenced Crazy For My Baby, Krase sits in the groove with James Gilmer on percussion. Very nice. On slow blues number, Let The Four Winds Blow, David Carter lays down a nice guitar lead and Krase plays up the appeal today to zombies in Fat's Dominos classic track. Randy Wall takes a real nice piano solo on this one giving the track a nice sparkle. Title track, Should've Seen It Coming has a cool , voodoo kind of groove with a great bass line by Roman. Again Wall stretches his hands nicely on piano and Carter does some fine fret work, complimenting Krase on lead vocal and harp. With it's light Latin beat, Krase really showcases his harp work on Travellin' Mood. On shuffle track, Make You Love Me Baby, Krase shows his best vocals with cool solos by Carter and Wall. Rich sax work by Alisha Patrillo and the funky beat work of Gillmore gives a great musical envelope for Krase's comical story. Gospel like feel sets a nice table for Krase's harp soloing on Way Back Home, a classic Crusaders tune. Carter absolutely rips a solo on this one providing super contrast to the quiet nature of the basic track. Very cool. Super sax work on bonus track, Should've Seen It Coming Explicit, provides a great opener for an almost 8 minute jam by this talented band. Super closer for a really strong release.
(posted 5/8/2017)
Reflections In Blue reviews
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
Click here to purchase your copy of Steve Krase's latest release
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
Should've Seen It Coming is an incredibly diverse album from a guy who is quickly rising to the top of the pile of incredible harmonica players. You can add songwriter, vocalist and masterful storyteller to his list of talents. Krase is the harp player behind Trudy Lynn's three blues releases on Connor Ray...and so much more. This album displays a wide variety styles, from Chicago Blues to West Coast Swing, Texas roadhouse music, soul and more. This is essentially a party you can carry in your pocket.
From hard-driving to smooth and soulful, Krase has his bases covered. Backing by a first-class band that features Rock Romano on bass and backing vocals, David Carter on guitar and backing vocal, Richard Cholakian on drums, Randy Wall on piano & organ, Alisha Pattillo on sax, James Gilmer on percussion (2, 6, 10 & 11)and label mates Bob Lanza on lead guitar (5), Mark May on lead guitar (1) and Trudy Lynn on backing vocals (2, 5 & 10), leaves things wide open for Steve Krase to do what he does best.
While the music is classic, as far as the general tone is concerned, his vocal content is 100% in the here and now. This is the kind of stuff that has been played in juke joints, roadhouses, clubs and house parties for ages. Remember your dancing shoes, cuz if this doesn't get your feet in motion, chances are real good that you will be requiring a doctor or an undertaker. As an added bonus, the two final cuts are explicit renditions of the title track and "Repo Man." The largest part of this disc was recorded live over two nights at the Red Shack in Houston. That said, this is one of those live recordings that captures not only the sound of the evening...it flows well and captures the overall feel of a live performance. This does not happen often, but when it does, the result is nothing short of magical.
Nothing beats a good live show...and Should've Seen It Coming captures it perfectly. This one is a keeper...and may just make my top picks for the year. It is THAT good. Don't let this one slip through your fingers.
– Bill Wilson
(posted 4/26/2017)
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
Should've Seen It Coming is an incredibly diverse album from a guy who is quickly rising to the top of the pile of incredible harmonica players. You can add songwriter, vocalist and masterful storyteller to his list of talents. Krase is the harp player behind Trudy Lynn's three blues releases on Connor Ray...and so much more. This album displays a wide variety styles, from Chicago Blues to West Coast Swing, Texas roadhouse music, soul and more. This is essentially a party you can carry in your pocket.
From hard-driving to smooth and soulful, Krase has his bases covered. Backing by a first-class band that features Rock Romano on bass and backing vocals, David Carter on guitar and backing vocal, Richard Cholakian on drums, Randy Wall on piano & organ, Alisha Pattillo on sax, James Gilmer on percussion (2, 6, 10 & 11)and label mates Bob Lanza on lead guitar (5), Mark May on lead guitar (1) and Trudy Lynn on backing vocals (2, 5 & 10), leaves things wide open for Steve Krase to do what he does best.
While the music is classic, as far as the general tone is concerned, his vocal content is 100% in the here and now. This is the kind of stuff that has been played in juke joints, roadhouses, clubs and house parties for ages. Remember your dancing shoes, cuz if this doesn't get your feet in motion, chances are real good that you will be requiring a doctor or an undertaker. As an added bonus, the two final cuts are explicit renditions of the title track and "Repo Man." The largest part of this disc was recorded live over two nights at the Red Shack in Houston. That said, this is one of those live recordings that captures not only the sound of the evening...it flows well and captures the overall feel of a live performance. This does not happen often, but when it does, the result is nothing short of magical.
Nothing beats a good live show...and Should've Seen It Coming captures it perfectly. This one is a keeper...and may just make my top picks for the year. It is THAT good. Don't let this one slip through your fingers.
– Bill Wilson
(posted 4/26/2017)
Midwest Record reviews
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
More than a Brooklyn white boy with the blues, this harp blowing ace shows his winning ways at the top of his form with help from label mates that he’s helped as well. No stranger to award winning ways, Krase doesn’t need pyrotechnics to blow up a storm in fine fashion. With everything blazing on all burners, this set that takes the best of Chicago, Memphis and Houston moves and mixes them together for a hot time delivers the good throughout. Well done.
– Chris Spector, Midwest Record (Chicago, IL)
Steve Krase's Should've Seen It Coming will be available Friday, April 21.
(posted 4/20/17)
– Chris Spector, Midwest Record (Chicago, IL)
Steve Krase's Should've Seen It Coming will be available Friday, April 21.
(posted 4/20/17)
Steve Krase sets dates for collaborative European tour with Trudy Lynn
Connor Ray Music recording artists, Steve Krase and Trudy Lynn, are gearing up for a two week European tour through France, Spain, Germany, and Norway - May 18 through June 3, 2017.
They will be performing tracks from their latest releases, Lynn's Blues Music Award nominated I'll Sing The Blues For You and Krase's Should've Seen It Coming (available April 21, 2017).
Click here for more details.
Click here to view the tour schedule.
(posted 4/12/17)
They will be performing tracks from their latest releases, Lynn's Blues Music Award nominated I'll Sing The Blues For You and Krase's Should've Seen It Coming (available April 21, 2017).
Click here for more details.
Click here to view the tour schedule.
(posted 4/12/17)
Krase reveals album release date for SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
Friday, April 21, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
Steve Krase confirms SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING release date for Friday, April 21. The album will include a combination of covers and originals, with Trudy Lynn, Mark May, and Bob Lanza as guest performers.
Click here to read more about Krase's latest project.
Click here to read more about Krase's latest project.
Steve Krase and Trudy Lynn will perform to support the Blues Foundation's Hart Fund - March 26, 2017
On March 26th, 4pm-8pm, the blues community of Houston will be meeting to raise money in support of the Blues Foundation’s Hart Fund. The Fund provides health care for professional blues musicians in need, including performers in Texas. It has been funded by personal donations, through fundraisers and through grant support.
The event will take place at one of Houston’s landmark clubs, Rockefellers. The bill is made up of the local bands who have represented the Houston Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge for the past four years, including Steve Krase and Trudy Lynn.
Above the dance floor and seating area will be tables set with auction items, including works of art and music, concert tickets, even travel opportunities. These auctions always amaze! All money collected at the gate and auction will go directly to the Hart Fund.
The event will take place at one of Houston’s landmark clubs, Rockefellers. The bill is made up of the local bands who have represented the Houston Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge for the past four years, including Steve Krase and Trudy Lynn.
Above the dance floor and seating area will be tables set with auction items, including works of art and music, concert tickets, even travel opportunities. These auctions always amaze! All money collected at the gate and auction will go directly to the Hart Fund.
SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING
Release Party on Friday, March 24
& Saturday, March 25
Release Party on Friday, March 24
& Saturday, March 25
Join Steve Krase (and special guests!) to celebrate the release of his latest album, SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING, on Friday 3/24 at
The Big Easy and Saturday 3/25 at Martini Blu Cafe in Houston.
The album will be released to the public on Friday, April 21.
Click here for more information.
The Big Easy and Saturday 3/25 at Martini Blu Cafe in Houston.
The album will be released to the public on Friday, April 21.
Click here for more information.
Steve Krase Band Finished in Semi-Finals of 2017 International Blues Challenge
The International Blues Challenge (IBC) is a worldwide search for the best blues bands and solo acts. Affiliated organizations around the globe stage regional competitions to select their representatives. This year, the Houston judges selected the Steve Krase Band for the band category, Zach Person for the solo category, and Campfire Soul for the youth category to represent the Houston Blues Society in Memphis, TN.
The official IBC competition took place on historic Beale Street in Memphis on January 31 through February 4, 2017. Zach Person finished in the quarter-finals, and the Steve Krase Band make it all the way to the semi-finals! "The Houston crowd was epic," said Krase. "I can't thank everyone enough for their support, including my awesome band!"
The official IBC competition took place on historic Beale Street in Memphis on January 31 through February 4, 2017. Zach Person finished in the quarter-finals, and the Steve Krase Band make it all the way to the semi-finals! "The Houston crowd was epic," said Krase. "I can't thank everyone enough for their support, including my awesome band!"
"Buckle Up" Named Top CD of 2014
Long-ago H-Town transplant Steve Krase lets his Brooklyn accent peek through on one line of "Blueshound" -- itself a partial tribute to the co-host of KPFT's Howlin' the Blues -- but the rest of Buckle Up flexes some serious Bayou City harp muscle. Picking up where his surging 2013 LP Some Day left off, Krase blows through two songs by local blues immortal Big Walter "The Thunderbird" Price, salutes late mentor Jerry Lightfoot on noirish centerpiece "Night Train (From Oakland)" and hands the microphone to the great Miss Trudy Lynn for a spirited cover of the Muddy Waters classic "I Just Want to Make Love to You." Grainy and robust, Buckle Up is punchy modern blues with lungs.
- Houston Press
- Houston Press
