Jason Crigler Band Releases CD 'Down Like Hail'

New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Firm Records) - The Firm Records recording artist Jason Crigler has announced the release of his new album, Down Like Hail, to be released on May 8, 2007. It is the acclaimed New York based singer-songwriter-guitarist's first album since emerging from a life threatening brain condition that he suffered in 2004.

Jason Crigler has been one of the most sought after and respected guitarists in the New York City music scene, playing with such luminaries as Linda Thompson, John Cale, Marshall Crenshaw, Teddy Thompson and Edison Woods, as well being known for his work in his band Goats In Trees.

In the summer of 2004, Jason was afflicted with the condition known as AVM, a collection of abnormal blood vessels in the brain, which then burst, like an aneurysm. Jason went through several brain surgeries and was given little, if any, chance to fully recover. However, Jason's friends in music came to his aid. Norah Jones, the superstar singer with whom Jason had played with years previously, organized a benefit for Jason and his family at Irving Plaza, which raised over $50,000 going toward Jason's medical expenses. Norah said when announcing the show, "Everyone who has ever had the pleasure of playing with Jason will know how special he can make it feel and sound, and what a magical cast he helps to create within all the music he plays.

Now recovered, Jason has readied his solo debut, Down Like Hail. It is an album rooted in Jason's love of blues and soul music. As he explains, To me, it's an album about the blues. There aren't any actual blues songs, but the approach to the album and the influences come out from my love of blues and old soul.The album showcases Jason's melodic sensibility and versatility as a player, arranger and singer and was recorded live, without overdubs.

Jason Crigler will be touring throughout 2007. Here are his current dates:

Wed May 16 at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, playing guitar for Rachel Loshak
Wed May 23 at the Lizard Lounge, playing guitar for Julianna Nash
June 28 and 29 in NYC at Banjo Jim's, playing with Chris Cunningham, Tim Hill, and Michelle Kinney