New songs carved from the roots of Scottish Folk, bluegrass & Americana
BALLAD OF CROWS (Scotland/Germany, formerly known as ‘As the Crow Flies’)
are three guys who blend great songs and exquisite melodies with honeysoaked vocal harmonies to create a sound which, although carved from the
roots of traditional music, is infused with a very modern energy. Equally
interested in the traditional tunes and ballads of their native Scotland as they
are with the nu-grass and Americana movements in the United States, the trio
blend these trans-Atlantic influences to great effect. Some call it ‘Celticana’;
others simply call it wonderfully pure and honest acoustic music.
Their original songs feature eloquent lyrics that deal with themes as diverse as
politics, love, life and death. Using guitars, fiddle, mandolin and three voices,
they make music which is at times poignant, up-tempo and often downright
funky. It’s a robust mix which is bound to leave fans of acoustic music suitably
impressed.
Live they serve-up their own songs alongside foot stomping tunes and a few
cleverly-chosen original arrangements. If you believe the press, then they have
been described as “an asset to the live circuit” (rootstime.be)
Ballad of Crows brings together the two Scottish musicians Steve Crawford
(guitar & vocals) and Pete Coutts (guitar, mandolin & vocals) with the German
musician Sascha Loss (guitar, fiddle, harmonica & vocals). They are currently
working on their debut album, due to be self-released next year before a
European tour in April and May 2014.
THE BAND
STEVE CRAWFORD (Scotland – guitar & vocals) is known in his native Scotland and in
Germany, where he is currently based, as a talented singer, songwriter and guitar player. He
has recorded his own songs with various projects, more recently the album ‘Chronicles’ with
Scottish band Catford, featuring members of the award winning folk band Old Blind Dogs, as
well as the album ‘5am’ with Harmonica virtuoso Spider Mackenzie. He has also worked
previously with 2012 Scottish jazz guitarist of the year Graeme Stephen, and other current
projects include a partnership with the fiddler Sabrina Palm, and the eclectic Bonn-based
group Molehill Mountaineers. Steve is also involved in various session-work as a drummer,
guitarist and singer.
PETE COUTTS (Scotland – guitar, vocals & mandolin) has been a prominent force on the
Aberdeen music scene for over a decade. Performing in bands such as bluegrass outfit
Smokin' Catfish, with Steve in the band Catford and playing Cuban Tres in Scottish salsa
sensation "Soulatino", he has shared the stage with some of the very best musicians on the
contemporary Scottish music scene. Pete also composes original down-tempo electronic jazz
under the guise "Granite Project" where he has collaborated with various jazz musicians, and
can occasionally be found performing solo and involved in various session work.
SASCHA ‘SALOSSI’ LOSS (guitar, fiddle, harmonica & vocals) has earned a name for himself in
Germany through his many years of working with the legendary German political bard Klaus
der Geiger, and more generally as a diverse multi-instrumentalist who performs with equal
passion and dexterity on the fiddle, harmonica or guitar. He is much-in-demand as a session
player in many different styles of music. Other past projects include bluegrass band Lbow
Grease and rockers Cowboys on Dope, and he can occasionally be found working with the
award winning Danish bluesman Tim Lothar.
PRESS
„Not only was the many years of experience the musicians possess obvious, but also the pure
optimism in each of their original or covered songs – regardless of whether they were
poignant or up-tempo…..The audience, who, without exception, were tapping along or
dancing in their chairs, did not stop applauding. Clear evidence that folk-music has not yet
had its day.” (Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger)
“The trio brings together a mix of folk and Americana songs with Scottish influences and a
dash of bluegrass based on mandolin, guitar and fiddle. It's a combination that live is
contagious and driven by a combination of well-chosen songs, blending voices, smooth
melodies and strong instrumentation…..Ballad of Crows are an asset to the live circuit.”
(rootstime.be)