Bart Crow Band




















Bart Crow Band
Video Blog


Look out your window.

 

Whether you're in a Manhattan hi-rise or at a truck stop somewhere off a Midwestern interstate, keep your eyes open. Bart Crow is coming your way.

 

Always known as “the nice guy” with a smile on his face, the tides are turning and the gloves are coming off.  Bart Crow is still the kind of guy and artist fans in the South and Midwest have grown to love. But on his new album The Parade, boundaries disappear and things are getting real.

 

The road-toughened troubadour and his band have already logged thousands of miles playing 130+ dates a year in front of loyal rowdy crowds at far-flung, late-night clubs and concert halls all over Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska and beyond. It's his music that draws them -- a tangle of roots in blues, country and down-home rock 'n' roll, branded with his unique imprint. They hear their lives in his lyrics, written in the tradition of Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle and other true-life troubadours.

 

With no help from big-time labels, and money pulled from his own pockets, Crow has put together an admirable track record as a recording artist, having lofted six No. 1 singles onto the Texas Music Chart – one of which, "Wear My Ring," sold over 165,000 copies. He has sold over 40,000 albums, released five self-produced albums in just over a decade, including Dandelion, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers South Central chart. He's been cheered in Country Weekly, on CMT and in other national media outlets. His YouTube videos and concert footage have drawn more than 2.5 million views.

 

 He's chiseled his foothold in the edifice of Americana through hard work, talent, determination and a deep love for making music and building the best life he can for his wife Brooke and three kids, Townes and twins River and Parsons.

 

Myriad spirits haunt his music-- a choir of real American country in the fashion of Merle and Waylon, John Conlee, George Jones and Jerry Jeff Walker, razor-edged rock from Metallica, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, deep-fried Southern soul from Otis Redding and more.

 

Yet in the end, Bart Crow is what you get: a blue-collar balladeer with his own unique message.

 

It comes across loud and clear on his newest set of passionate songs and performances, The Parade. Released in partnership with Thirty Tigers, it spotlights an artist whose story will feel familiar to all Americans who know what it means to survive in challenging times.

 

"I can relate to blue-collar folks everywhere because I don't know any difference between them and me," he insists. "My uncle is a fireman who works on a ranch on his days off. My other uncle is a fireman. My brother works as a construction superintendent. I've worked construction too. I've stained decks and built fences in 110-degree weather. My father grew up white-trash broke, a ninth-grade dropout. He eventually became a self-made multi-millionaire with his own commercial drywall corporation, but we didn't have luxury growing up."

 

Another uncle stoked Crow's imagination about living a wanderer's life. "He was a professional rodeo cowboy," he recalls. "I used to think that was the most amazing thing on the planet. He'd come home from two or three weeks on the road and tell stories about being in Cheyenne and then somewhere else the last night. Even more than music, this idea of the nomadic lifestyle was very romantic to me."

 

This perspective is central to The Parade, with the added element of Crow's experiences. He grew up in tiny Maypearl, Texas, made his first attempts to write songs while in the United States Army and geared up to his current regimen as a performer on weekends while studying at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. Perhaps the most significant milestone in his past involved moving with his future wife Brooke to Austin, where they worked together to get him started as an artist.

 

"I guess we just don't know any different way to live than with me gone for six or eight months a year. After a decade-plus, this is just who we are. This is what we do. Besides," he adds, with a laugh, "it's probably the foundation of our marriage that my knucklehead ass is gone a lot."

 

Like the border that divides his hometown from dreams of what lies beyond in his song "City Limits Signs," Crow's boundaries are dissolving. Wedding plainspoken poetry to powerful hooks and grooves, The Parade transforms daily occurrences into stories with universal resonance.

 

Not everyone has spent months far from home as Crow documents with irony on "Free Like Me," dreamy loneliness on "Vapor Trails" and truth telling love affair with music on "Dear Music," where he finds himself in "another where-the-hell-am-I town."

 

Fewer still have weathered years on the honky-tonk circuit while staying faithful to their dream, a struggle Crow recounts on "Top of Rock Bottom." ("I won't be laying down on that Florida-Georgia Line," he sings, with what he insists is respect and empathy.)

 

Still, whether you've fought to keep your own business alive or adapt to a soul-grinding cubicle gig, you'll get the message. And if you've been burned or saved by love, you'll see yourself in the deft imagery of "Queen of the Heartache Parade," the sweet pain of "One Night with You," the worldly-wise "Here We Go Again" and the insights that weave throughout "Life Comes at You Fast."

 

New listeners may go beyond enjoying The Parade to identify with Crow as someone who knows first-hand the challenges of balancing one's dreams, integrity, responsibilities and reality.

 

"It's pretty damn scary when you're raising a family off of touring and it becomes time to cut a new album, which means investing up to $70,000 of my own money," he admits. "My 4-year-old, Townes, starts preschool in August. Our 17-month-old twins, River and Parsons, are blowing through diapers left and right. And I've got to take money that could be going to their college funds, more money than I have in my personal checking account, sit down at the crap table of life, roll the dice and hope that someone falls in love with the 11 or 12 songs we picked."

 

That's why Crow's dream at this point involves more than spreading appreciation for his music from coast to coast. "I want to go to Seattle and Spokane and all the West and East Coast spots and the South, to DC and Manhattan and Connecticut. and have people show up and sing along with us," he insists. "I want to hear people all over America come up to me and say, 'Hey, we got married to your song!' I'm like, 'Have you been on iTunes? Do you know how many frigging songs are on there -- and you chose mine?' I don't take that lightly."

 

No, more even than that, he wants what everyone who discovers his music wants as well. "I'd love to go to bed at night and not fear for what's going to happen next month or next year. I used to say, when we bought our tour bus, we were one backstroke away from being dead in the water. It would be nice to earn that through selling tickets and playing in so many of these beautiful cities I'd love to see."

 

That dream is within reach now, because Crow's story is your story too. All you need to do is listen -- and join The Parade.

Date Venue City State Note
No Tour Dates Available
02/24/2011 - Bart Crow Talks ‘Brewster Street Live’ and Welcomes Baby Townes Blaine - Read More
11/19/2010 - Bart Crow Band Taps New Producer For Fresh Take On Texas country - Read More
08/04/2010 - Boot Kickin' Music - Read More
02/08/2010 - BART’S SURGERY - Read More
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Average Rating : 0              Total Reviews: 163


Bart Crow Band  01/28/2007            
annonymous music biz
Here is the bottom line on this genre of music down here. it's gotten so rediculous. this doesn't just go for the bart crow band. this goes for hundreds of these mediocre (if that) bands who have a little bit of money behind them and want to be the next big thing. Everybody knows someone in their mid 20s who is in a "TX country" band. I'm so sick of that term and think it is embarrasing to our great state. I'm sick of hearing about the "red dirt" movement already. I'm so sick of turning on stations and hearing crap that everyone is excited about just because the jack ass dj comes on and says "that was another TX artist...blah blah blah". Why do you think none of these hundreds of bands ever break out. Because we have become ok with the mediocrity, we just support our friends no matter how bad they suck, which is probably the right thing to do. We do however set them up for disappointment. I mean hats off to all of you friends of Bart Crow who have ralied around him, told him how great he is, made enough of your friends and family buy his record off of lonestar music, and given him a few moments of hope. See I bought this CD as an experiment to the validity of a thing like lonestarmusic.com. I thought ok why have I never even heard of the guy who has the number #1 selling CD on lonestarmusic? So I bought, I listened, and halfway through song two it went to the big stack of crap. I ALWAYS give artists a chance. Always have in my 30 years in the industry. Folks this scene down here is getting laughed at all over the country. I know we're all so proud of it but a change is going to have to be made. Venues are actually going to have to care who plays. Radio stations are actually going to have to care who they spin. I know everyone walks around down here with their "nashville sucks" t shirt on. I used to feel the same way back when cory morrow was singing about it. i was so sick of the corporate nonsense i had to get out. NOW that's where i go to find refuge. where do you think your heroes (Cross Canadian Ragweed) office out of now. nashville tn. The thing about a band like the bart crow band is that yeah it's fun on a friday in corsicana or someplace like that. i bet they have no problem putting 150 people in a club. yeah we can get drunk to it if we want. maybe even break something. You have to be able to do one of two things though....either have a very unique and special voice and sound, or you have to write a song that truly saves and moves people. Robert Earl could never sing on broadway, but damn can the man write an amazing song. man can Robert Earl tell a story. Jack Ingram is the full package. that's why he is and will keep making it on a national level. He is about to tour with Brad Paisley who is another amazing, I mean amazing talent. why do you think Pat Green has had such a tough time on a national level? Because no one cares North of Oklahoma how many TX Tech grads have bought his CD. Bob Schneider, very unique and very talented, even he has had a hard time nationally, even regionally. Ray Wiley, very unique sound. John Mayer, amazing talent and very unique sound. Norah Jones, extremely special. Kelly Clarkson, amazing vocals. Lucinda Williams, personally i think one of the worst voices in show business, but man those songs are incredible. You can't help but listen. Lyle Lovett, an aquired taste to some people but tell me one person who doesn't APPRECIATE what he does and has for so many years. To give an example of music down here right now...Stoney Larue, another guy that is very unique because he has a special sound and can write a song that truly reaches people. I think he will TRULY make it. No one in the real music industry is going to listen to this "#1" CD on lonestarmusic and think, here's a special sound. You have to REALLY be able to write. "wear my ring" will not get it. i'm sorry. i've seen too many. You have to REALLY be able to stay on pitch, not squeek when you sing, definitely not miss notes on a recording (i dont' know who in the world produced this record), and you have to TRULY have a special sound. Not to discredit the effort that a band like the Bart Crow band puts out and so many other acts do as well. I know how hard it is to bust your ass in the music biz. I've just been in it too long for someone to tell me, "if you just work hard, you can make it in the music industry". You HAVE to have it. you HAVE to have something very special. I know I'm going to see a bunch of responses from Bart Crow friends, family, and finatics, which is great. Like I said hats off because you all are great supporters and this band needs to count their blessings because it has all of you. I know based on the other comments I've seen that you'll all say "tony doens't know what the hell he's talking about. this cd is GREAT!!! BUY IT!!!" or "message to tony, you can kiss my ass. bart crow is amazing and wear my ring is my favorite song of all time...the live show is even better". i know, i know, i know. you guys will support to the end and I really respect that. Look here's how i'll word it...if you want to support Bart Crow Band, their friends, family, and the band's financial situation, then by all means buy the CD. If you want to truly listen to amazing music, on pitch singing with some true style, beautiful harmonies, outstanding arrangements, great production, REAL edgy grit, songs that flow, sounds that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, and songwriting that will move your soul and change your day (all qualities I find in a #1 selling record)... DON'T BUY THIS ONE. I'll just keep my eyes open for some real special sounds out there. I like to consider lonestarmusic as a place where you can truly guage whats going on down here. this experiment supports my theory. it's all just getting rediculous. something must change.
Bart Crow Band  01/24/2007            
reddirtguy
I have reached the conclusion upon reading the reviews for this artist that you either love them or hate then. I've read that the live show is amazing and i've heard it's boring. I unfortunatly have yet to see them live. The cd however is great. The Bart Crow Band has a unique blend of creative guitar, up beat tempos, and nice vocals. Bands like this are the reason that Americana/Red Dirt Music so great.
Bart Crow Band  01/23/2007            
Kent
Now #1! All of the hand-wringers who don't get it will really have their panties in a wad now. They can moan and wail while the rest of us enjoy a CD we really like.
Bart Crow Band  01/22/2007            
TXSlackJaw
I think these guys are great!!
Bart Crow Band  01/21/2007            
Cormac McCarthy
To the Oaks. Solely because you pack your club with this band does not mean they are good band. Geez...that's been everyone's point! Everyone is puzzled by the hype, and no one is contesting that these guys are popular. We are all (or most are) arguing that these guys are not any good, regardless of whether they are popular or not. And yes, I agree they are another mediocre talent for KB. Sure, KB has "Walt Wilkins, Brandon Rhyder, Full Throttle, Brandon Jenkins, Doug Moreland, Josh Grider, Adam Hood, and Jason Eady", but Bart Crow doesn't compare to these acts. I can't speak for whoever left that review, KB has some great talent, but I would say they have some mediocre talent like KB's John Evans and South First Band. I bought the CD and was very dissappointed.
Bart Crow Band  01/19/2007            
Kel
This band is terrible, and i cant figure out what all the hype is about them. Poor songwriting, terrible musicianship, un-origional, off key and half ass vocals, not interesting or refreshing, and boring live show to say the least. Mind-boggling that they are so ihgh on the top sellers list.
Bart Crow Band  01/18/2007            
Garrett
i have to agree with the other post earlier. they are nothing but a garage band,,,a bad one at that. saw their show in brehnam recently. very very boring.
Bart Crow Band  01/16/2007            
"The Oaks"
So here's the truth: Finally is one of Rolling Oaks' top 5 CD's in our changer. Bart Crow first played to a packed Rolling Oaks crowd on Sept. 28 2006. Then Bart played to another packed house on Nov. 30. Finally over 150 paid $8 to see Bart yet again at Rolling Oaks on Jan. 6. I guess the fans are wrong and the critics are right huh? Actually the average rating is 4/5 stars so TX Music fans, go ahead and buy the CD... it kicks ass. Critics... don't buy it. And Mrs. Harrop, if Bart Crow is "Another mediocre act for KB talent" just like KB Talent's Walt Wilkins, Brandon Rhyder, Full Throttle, Brandon Jenkins, Doug Moreland, Josh Grider, Adam Hood, and Jason Eady... I'm sure Bart won't mind your critique. By the way, has anyone ever dissed a booking agency in a CD review before? I'd hate to live in the Harrop household. By the way, if anyone wants to see a BAD Bart Crow show live, come to Rolling Oaks Saturday March 3. But get there early, lot's of people who think Bart Crow sucks will be there!
Bart Crow Band  01/15/2007            
Michael
I'll second James on that. Especially when a large number of the negative reviews are coming from the same IP address, but with different names.
Bart Crow Band  01/14/2007            
James White
you people must be really bored...
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