New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Atlanta-based Ragtime/Dixieland/Gypsy jazz artist Blair Crimmins and his band The Hookers will release their new album You Gotta Sell Something! this Friday, February 17th via New Rag Records. Their fourth studio record following 2013's Sing-a-Longs, it delivers more of their signature sound of supercharged ragtime and swing while also reaching into some new territory with gospel and soul. A special preview of You Gotta Sell Something! is available now exclusively on Folk Alley who stated "Get your dancing shoes on and slam down an energy drink because you will be itching to move."
"You Gotta Sell Something! is the most focused record I've ever done. I had 10 songs that I thought were really strong so we didn't need to develop the album in the studio," Crimmins told Folk Alley. "There were a few improvised sections but for the most part the band knew exactly what to do when the mics were on. I also took more solos than on previous albums. I feel like I got to shine as a songwriter and an instrumentalist while also showcasing a damn tight band. For those reasons I'm really proud of what we've done."
Blair Crimmins and The Hookers combine a unique blend of 1920's Dixieland jazz, ragtime, swing, gypsy guitar, stride piano, and a New Orleans style horn section that keeps the joint jumping while Crimmins sings in a lyrical style both humorous and sincere. It's a sound that is at once modern and deeply rooted in the past, yet influenced by Crimmins' time as guitarist/frontman for alternative rockers Bishop Don. A multi-instrumentalist and a music academic, Crimmins has claimed in jest to be "possessed by a ghost who makes me play ragtime music."
You Gotta Sell Something! has been embraced by Southern Living, Relix, Glide Magazine, and The Boot who raved "Fusing jazz, Dixieland and the blues, Crimmins and the Hookers are known for old-school tunes with a heavy sprinkling of snark."
Starting with back-to-back shows at The Earl for their hometown album release celebration, Crimmins and his 7-piece band will hit the road for a series of tour dates including Knoxville, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and many more. To get a glimpse of their rowdy live performance, watch this clip of "Passed Around," recorded this past December at Variety Playhouse featuring a full gospel choir.
Tour Dates:
02/24 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
02/25 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
03/10 - Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
03/11 - Augusta, GA @ Stillwater Taproom
03/17 - Brooksville, FL @ Florida Cracker Kitchen
03/31 - Knoxville, TN @ Jig and Reel
04/01 - Bristol, TN @ Studio Brew
04/06 - Greer, SC @ Albino Skunk Fest
04/07 - Mobile, AL @ Alchemy Tavern
04/19 - Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
04/21 - Lancaster, PA @ Tellus 360
04/22 - Bennington, VT @ Masonic Hall (Vermont Arts Exchange concert)
04/24 - New York, NY @ Joe's Pub
04/26 - Cambridge, MA @ Club Passim
04/27 - Belmar, NJ @ 10th Ave. Burrito
04/28 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
04/29 - Bethlehem, PA @ Southside
Music Festival
04/30 - Winchester, VA @ Sweet Nola's
05/20 - Madison, IN @ River
Roots Festival
06/29 - Upper Arlington, OH @ Upper Arlington
Music in the Park
07/15 - Baileys Harbor, WI @ Door County Brewing Co.
07/16 - Milwaukee, WI @
Bastille Days at Cathedral
Square Park
