Greatness wears a big beard
World's best rock fiddle player also inspires
By Leif M. Wright
MUSKOGEE PHOENIX 7/20
http://okweekend.com/index.cgi?week=07_20_07&cat=home&subCat=topStories&item=1
When you're talking to him, you can't help thinking the world would be a whole lot better if everyone was more like Randy Crouch.
You could be the coolest person in the room or the nerdiest, and you get the feeling that Crouch wouldn't notice either way.
And if anyone has a right to be snooty, it would be him. He is master of more instruments than most people could ever dream of even being good at. He has sat in on more bands than he can remember, and that's not a sign of a bad memory - just of an illustrious career of greatness.
"I once saw him play where he's over a steel guitar and a piano while he's playing fiddle," said Jim Blair, co-owner of Max's Garage and one of Crouch's musical compatriots. "In the middle of the song, he wants to tune up the fiddle, so he hits the A note on the piano with his fiddle bow and tunes the string and keeps on playing."
In pretty standard fashion, the Tahlequah-based Crouch downplays his virtuosity.
"I hate to play keyboards in front of a real keyboard player," he said. "As long as I don't know they're there, I do OK, but if I know they're there, I'll play bad."
Take that with a grain of salt, would you? No one seems to have ever heard Crouch play poorly.
In fact, just about everyone you talk to who has heard him play has nothing but awe to convey.
"I don't know," he says in response to a question about his playing. "I just think any day on this side of the dirt is a good one."
And that pretty much sums up Crouch's attitude and the way he conducts himself.
If he has a chip on his shoulder, Sherlock Holmes might have trouble finding it. No one ever seems to have seen him in a bad mood, his wild hair and long beard always in front of a smile and friendly pair of eyes ready to greet you as if you were a long-lost sibling.
The master of many instruments started out fairly inconspicuously, playing ukelele around his parents' house, moving from instrument to instrument until he ended up with a Fender Stratocaster, and that's when everything clicked.
That was in the mid- to late 1960s, and the music scene was different in those days, even if the pay, according to Crouch, was just about the same as it is today.
"Back then, I played in Tulsa at the Cain's a lot," he said. "Back when it was really dangerous to go out there. We'd play whiskey bottles, finish them and thrown them into the crowd and hit people on the head with them."
The music was raw, exciting and new. The band Crouch played with in high school played songs by the Wipeouts, Charlie Parker and others. He learned how to play by listening to records, and he saw no difference between Roger Miller and the Beatles.
"It's all good music," he said. "I tried to learn as many songs as I could, and then when Jimi Hendrix came out, I realized you could do so much more with the guitar."
Crouch is hardly alone in that change-of-life moment, but he also makes it sound as if he hasn't influenced an entire generation of musicians himself.
If guitar was his only instrument, he would be regarded as a legend. But Crouch is more known as the best rock and roll fiddle player in the world, a label he would probably reject.
Even so, if fiddle was his only instrument, he would be remembered for being so incredibly good on the instrument that others' jaws literally dropped when they heard him play. But just as you're ready to write his legacy on that instrument, you have to consider his steel guitar playing. And then his keyboard playing. And his slide mandolin. And ... well, just about every instrument he's ever picked up.
But don't let him hear you talking about that, because he'll quickly change the subject.
"Have you heard Harley Hamm?" he asks, speaking of the Muskogee guitarist and singer. "That guy is incredible. I love listening to him!"
That same redirect keeps happening. Have you listened to David Teagarden play drums? Man, that My-Tea Kind is such a good group. Badwater? They're really great. The fact, however, is that, as Blair says, Crouch just seems to make everyone he plays with sound good.
When he plays with other bands such as the Red Dirt Rangers, Crouch plays fiddle or steel guitar. But when his band, which is now semi-retired, plays, he plays guitar.
"That's how I wrote my songs," he said.
That's another thing. His songs. Crouch has a knack for turning a phrase. And his personality can't help but come through.
"I wish I had a car that would run on air," he sings in his song "High as the Price of Gas." "I wish everyone was a zillionaire."
That's a pretty good summary of Crouch's personality, Blair said.
"Let me tell you two things about Randy Crouch. First and most important, he's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet," he said. "Second, he's a musical genius."
And that's an order of importance that many people miss about Crouch until they meet him. Seeing him on stage, you'd figure musical genius would come first. How could anyone be so great on so many instruments without that being their life's primary focus? But in Crouch, you see it's the opposite. His primary focus appears to be just being a good person. The music is just an extension of that. And so is his living arrangement.
"I build domes," he said, as if that was the most common thing in the world. "Well, really it's a pyramid and a dome. It's kind of hard to explain."
That, combined with his mountain man appearance, and it's not difficult to imagine Crouch living off the grid, completely from the land.
"I was just at the Woody Guthrie festival," he says. "Aww, man, it was enlightening. I don't think I'll ever get rid of all the mud, but I think I want to keep some of it around."
And that's really the epitome of what Blair calls a "really low-maintenance guy."
He seems to just enjoy life, and if problems come, he deals with them in style, playing his music with a smile and making just about everyone feel the joy.
"When I first saw him, I was playing with Garth Brooks and opening for New Grass Revival in 1984," Blair said. "We left the show and went into town and saw Randy Crouch, and I was blown away. It was the perfect topping to an already great night. Twenty-three years later, to be able to play with him as much as I do is an extreme pleasure."
The admiration is mutual. Crouch says Blair is someone he likes to brag on.
"When he plays his original songs, I can't quit laughing," Crouch said. "Sometimes it's hard to play because his songs are so funny and I start laughing."
Even with all the success he's had, it seems like he might be just as happy sitting around with old friends at an impromptu jam session.
"It would be nice to just make a backpack guitar and a fiddle and unpack them when you got home," he said. "They'd be a part of your house when you got there. When everyone gets together, you just put together all the pieces and have big old party dome and circle the wagons."
There's something attractive about that concept, something fundamentally removed from the stress and strain of the rat race. Crouch embodies that alternative, appearing like a red dirt hippie who never lost the love of the movement, never lost the wonder of just peering at the world around him and never had any reason to make enemies.
And of course, the music. Music for Crouch is as natural as talking or sitting.
"I have to force myself to go home when I play with him," Blair said. "Because he just won't stop."
And that's a good thing for music.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, July 2, 2007
Songs for the Illinois River reviewed in THE CURRENT July 2007
SONGS FOR THE ILLINOIS RIVER
www.songsfortheillinoisriver.com
"There are two good reasons to buy this album. The first is that it's a very listenable collection of local artists from Currentland. The second is that every CD sold will help preserve our beloved Illinois River.... Another highlight is Randy Crouch's "On the Illinois", a floaty, rolling rendition of one of his best tunes. He is joined on this recording by the girls from My-Tea Kind."
-Professor Cletus, THE CURRENT July 2007 Northeast Oklahoma's Alternative Source for News and Entertainment Vol4No7p36 www.currentland.com
Thursday, June 28, 2007
RANDY CROUCH & THE RED DIRT MUSIC MOVIE!
RED DIRT MUSIC ---- the movie
RANDY TO BE INTERVIEWED IN A MOVIE THAT COMES OUT NEXT MONTH
"North of Austin/West of Texas: Red Dirt Music", documentary film, 2007 featuring interviews with Wade Bowen, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney Larue, Jackson Taylor, No Justice, JohnnyCooper, Tom Skinner, Red Dirt Rangers, Randy Crouch, Bob Childers, Casey Pilgreen, Brandon Jenkins, Cory Morrow, Roger Creagar, Bleu Edmondson. Also on tap are Stan Moffat of Payne County Line Promotions, Frank Jackson with Smith Music Group and Radio DJs, Jett Black with 94.9, “The Outlaw”, and Jim Nash with 106.9, “The Ranch 8”. The film's premiere date is July 24, 2007 at Cameron University's Theatre in Lawton,OK.
Visit the website:
RANDY TO BE INTERVIEWED IN A MOVIE THAT COMES OUT NEXT MONTH
"North of Austin/West of Texas: Red Dirt Music", documentary film, 2007 featuring interviews with Wade Bowen, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney Larue, Jackson Taylor, No Justice, JohnnyCooper, Tom Skinner, Red Dirt Rangers, Randy Crouch, Bob Childers, Casey Pilgreen, Brandon Jenkins, Cory Morrow, Roger Creagar, Bleu Edmondson. Also on tap are Stan Moffat of Payne County Line Promotions, Frank Jackson with Smith Music Group and Radio DJs, Jett Black with 94.9, “The Outlaw”, and Jim Nash with 106.9, “The Ranch 8”. The film's premiere date is July 24, 2007 at Cameron University's Theatre in Lawton,OK.
Visit the website:
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
THE CURRENT -June 2007 issue
The renowned Randy Crouch hails from Tahlequah, of course, and is known with the regional musical circles as a little man with giant talent. He's been called "Hendrix on the fiddle" as he burns up the bow on track after colorful track, pedaling away with his bare feet and beard.
-Darle Bennett, Entertainment writer
www.currentland.com
Northeast Oklahoma's Alternative Source for News & Entertainment
Vol 2 No 6 pg 10
Sunday, June 3, 2007
MUSKOGEE PHOENIX WRITERS ROCK CROUCH
a>
-Muskogee Phoenix May 25th 2007 okWeekend pg3
www.okWeekend.com
If you've never heard Randy Crouch play, you haven't lived. The multi-instrument virtuoso must be heard to be believed, and luckily for you, he's playing Roxie's Roost on Saturday, preceded by Cold Shot and Tuff Profit.
-Muskogee Phoenix May 25th 2007 okWeekend pg3
www.okWeekend.com
Saturday, June 2, 2007
CROUCHY-NESS
EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT RANDY CROUCH & HIS MUSIC!!!! Here's just a taste: we'll start with a show review of the Vince Herman Trio on JAMBANDS.com and procede thru a litany of musicians, fans and critics who all LOVE RANDY CROUCH!!! Then we end it all up with Nathan Cross of Southern Threads interview with the man himself, Randy Crouch!!!!PLEASE ENJOY!also confirmation, Randy will once again be part of the house band at the 2007 Woody Guthrie Folk Festival July 11-15th in Okemah, OK Festival Band:Terry "Buffalo" WareDon Morris, Dean Brown, T.Z. WrightRandy Crouch & Dan Duggin
http://www.woodyguthrie.com/2007_Entertainers.htm
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Vince Herman met fiddle virtuoso Randy Crouch at this years Woody Guthrie Folk Festival and the two immediately hit it off. One week later, they were still playing together and Herman deemed the Tahlequah, Oklahoma-based musician his twin brother, Funky Red. On Friday July 22, the dynamic duo played The Shanti in St. Louis. Their beer garden set included spirited versions of the Herman-penned "Hey Woody Guthrie," the Leftover Salmon standard "Ain't Nobody's Business" and Bob Dylan's "Buckets of Rain." They closed with a rousing "Fuzzy Little Hippie Girl," into "Girl With the Biggest Hair and the Longest Nails."The two then migrated inside, joining hometown band Alabaster Brown for a 90-minute closing set. There were nine musicians crammed into a small corner tavern that was hotter than hell and packed to the rafters. Things started off with a Brown-dominated cover of Johnny Cash's "Big River." When Crouch took his first solo the rolling waters turned to rapids. He shredded through song after song stopping only to swill and change strings.Herman tread carefully at first, but quickly seized control of the band, tearing through high-energy, slam-grass-versions of "He's Gone," "You Ain't Going Nowhere" and "I'm Feeling All Right," complete with requisite, City of Blues-themed improv.The evening's highlights were Willie Nelson-inspired, most notably the politically twisted "Mama's Don't Let Your Cowboys Grow Up To Be @$$holes." Before the hyper-extended, set-closer "Stay All Night, Stay a Little Longer," Herman shrugged off a warning to his band mates: "This one's in E minor... just follow me." His new friends cautiously obliged, ultimately delivering his strongest rhythm section since Tye North-era Salmon.
--JAMBANDS.com Craig Warmbold 7/25/05 Show Review http://www.jambands.com/ShowReviews/content_2005_08_02.00.phtml
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"Tulsa wildman/multi-instrumentalist Randy Crouch used to say about halfway through the first set at a rowdy bar:
'Is it too loud enough yet?'"
-Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation's Lee Tomboulian, May 1991 Nightflying Column
http://www.arjazz.org/archive/articles/ltomboulian/nf_9105.html
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"The Red Dirt Rangers, well, they playRed Dirt tunes that come complete with fiddle licks — provided by the incomparable Randy Crouch. But the Rangers aren’t content to ride theirmusical horses only in the corral of Red Dirt music, so they often gallop into classic rock and even dabble in hippiejamming. "
-TULSA WORLD's Matt Gleason, World Scene Writer
http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/1029368903015830865qThNrxICcF
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"At Roxie’s, fiddle and steel guitar virtuoso Randy Crouch brings his band’s grooving Red Dirt flair to what could be considered his home stage. Crouch may look like the guy who ends up in the small room with four or five people at every party, but don’t let the laid-back stoner look fool you. His music is electrifying, and if you are looking for something to dance off the turkey but you don’t like hip hop or funk, Crouch can get you grooving without either of those two styles."
-Muskogee Phoenix's, Leif Wright okWeekend Editor www.muskogeephoenix.com/entertainment/local_story_328132506.html
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"Randy Crouch sets his fiddle on fire as he plays lightning fast accompaniments and solos. His bowing is so powerful that the poor bow string hairs break as he plays... Randy took this rare occasion, put down his fiddle, and sang some good Oklahoma protests songs for us while playing his acoustic guitar."
-JustProgress.org
http://www.justprogress.org/gallery/gallery-Event%20Concert%20Two.htm
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"More than 50 musicians from all over appear at the different venues of the Woody Guthrie festival and many of the favorites are local artist from right here in Oklahoma. Some of those artist are: Tom Skinner, from Tulsa, Ok, known to many as “the father of Red Dirt music,” Randy Crouch, from near Tahlequah, Ok, often called the “Hillbilly Hendrix”, although, both might be considered Blue Grass musicians"
-America Unleashed RAdio Network's Ralena Pinson
http://www.americaunleashed.com/
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"No Justice took the stage about 11:30 and rocked with the help of red dirt hero Randy Crouch on fiddle and pedal steel. We first had the good fortune of meeting the legendary Randy last December when he was sitting in on fiddle for Jason Boland in Houston. What an incredible musician and songwriter. Anyway, late in the night, Lern encouraged Randy to try standing on his fiddle as he played, which didn't quite work out the same as standing on an upright bass. So the fiddle cracked a bit, but it was an impressive sight none-the-less."
-FortyTwenty NEWS & NOTES MARCH 5-6
http://www.fortytwenty.com/news.htm
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"...about that time they announce MARSHALLCITY. I was very surprised, and shocked and .. well, we all made our way to the stage to accept the award. Thank you, Thanks you. we headed to the back stage bar and had a celebration drink (diet coke). After the show, we headed to the van, and drove over to Studio 310 sound check and we were off! Rocked the house and even called up, Stoney LaRue for lead guitar on a song, then harp, Travis Kidd showed up and we got him on lead guitar, then legendary Randy Crouch on fiddle. I don't know for sure, but I would bet that music in heaven sounds something like that."
-Marshall City, 2002 TULSA WORLD SPOT winner for BEST AMERICANA BAND
http://www.marshallcity.com/roadcase.html
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"RANDY CROUCH - 2006 SEXIEST LOCAL MALE
- 2nd Place"
-The CurrentLand News, Tahlequah, OK
http://www.currentland.com/Default.aspx?tabid=119
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"Meeting and performing with artists who had 'made it,' helps the band develop its own style. Performing with local legend Randy Crouch hasn't hurt either.'It's good to see someone like that on stage. He brings a vibe that's really good,' Fitch said. "I guess you have to be a musician to understand that."
-Mukogee Phoenix reporter Jane Wilson interviewing BADWATER drummer Michael Fitch http://www.cnhi.com/muskogee/entertainment/local_story_342122752.html
**************************************************************************"PC: What's your fondest career memory so far?
Jerry Haggard: Whew, that's a tough one! I have so many memories playing music and meeting musicians. I would have to say a great memory was when I was called onstage one night & helped perform "Big Shot Rich Man", with Jason Boland & the Stragglers, at a Tulsa,OK. show. I had many friends in the crowd who were cheering and screaming loud! Meeting or watching a high energy JBS show is a real thrill. Also, one night I met and talked with Randy Crouch backstage at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa,OK. It was after a wild red dirt show. That was a blast!"-Jerry Haggard Oklahoma Musician, Songwriter & kin to Merle. http://www.angelfire.com/tx6/jerryhaggard/
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"...a young guy from here has opened up a new venue, The Snorty Horse and is bringing in all kinds of Red Dirt Bands and he also has an acoustic night. It's great to have a venue here where bands can do their own thing and you can go out and hear something besides top forty music. My husband and I haven't been out to club in years, other than New Year's Eve, but last Saturday night about 11:00 we went over to hear the Red Dirt Rangers. Randy Crouch, the fiddle player is fantastic, actually on every instrument he played."-Sanjaman, Oct 27 2005http://www.songwriterforums.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5950
***************************************************************************"GET OFF
THE COUCH, SEE CROUCH.
Often referred to as the world's greatest rock 'n' roll fiddle player, Randy Crouch is no slouch. The front man for Flying Horse is considered a ground-breaker on the Red Dirt music scene. Along with his incredible fiddle playing, he also plays guitar, pedal steel, piano and slide mandolin."
-THE OKLAHOMAN Erik Tryggestad and Chris Colberg,Staff Writers
http://www.newsok.com/article/2965595/?print=1
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"...When the sun hit the tent at about a quarter till 8 (or was it 7:45, I can’t remember) it was impossible to keep sleeping so I poked my head outside and what should appear, but Dave finally making his way back home. He had traded in his Coors Light and Busch Light for a bottle of Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer. He regaled me of stories about being put into a chokehold by some girl at the Randy Crouch tent and eating some brownies from some hippies that smelled kinda funny. Then he tripped over one of the stakes holding his tent down. We all chuckled."
-Van Marsalis writing about Walnut Valley Festival 2006 (Winfield, KS) http://www.vanmarsalis.com/wgwof.htm
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"...There is perhaps no artist who better exemplifies what has come to be known as "Red Dirt music" than Bob Childers. He helped to define the style that is decidedly Southern, with equal parts folk, country, rock, red dust, and attitude. Childers is a legend of sorts in Oklahoma music circles and possesses an easy manner and laid-back style both on and off the stage. His performance was raucous and fun, and made even more enjoyable by fiddler Randy Crouch, who leaned deeply and lovingly into every note he played." -Dirty Linen http://www.dirtynelson.com/linen/115/115concerts.html
--Annette C. Eshlemann CONCERT REVIEW
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"Praise Jah And the Snow for a Super Fat Week of Grooves It’s not yet spring break, but already we are looking at one of the biggest weeks of live music this winter. There are up-and-coming independent bands, 80s rock legends, armed forces country, and tons of world-class reggae. And after this week, the music scene doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Praise Jah and the snow.Vince Herman TrioThe legendary Vince Herman, front man of Leftover Salmon, is on the road spreading his good time pickin’ and foot stompin’ sounds accompanied by a couple of his favorite musicians, Randy Crouch and Cliff Starbuck. The Trio plays the Fly Me To The Moon Saloon Friday, Jan. 20, and is on the mountain on Saturday.Crouch, often referred to as the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Fiddle Player,” is a groundbreaker on the Red Dirt music scene. Best known for his incredible fiddle playing, he also plays guitar, pedal steel, piano, and a mean slide mandolin. As if his exceptional musicianship wasn’t enough, Crouch is also a talented singer and songwriter. "
-The Telluride Watch Published:1/20/06 Grooview, By Mark Steele
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"The disc closes out with a hidden track, an acoustic "Hope You Make It" with Randy Crouch on vocals that offers the wish for finding happiness, success and ultimately, salvation."
-TAKE COUNTRY BACK, AnnMarie Harrington
reviewing SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE by Jason Boland & the Stragglers
http://www.takecountryback.com/reviews/bolandnov04.htm
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“We wouldn’t be playing music if it wasn’t for Randy Crouch.”
-Annie Paine of My-Tea Kind (Wakarusa/Battlerusa 2006 winner)
THE NORTHEASTER(Northeast OK State Univ) interview by Andrew Winslow http://www.myteakind.com/Press/20051206Northeastern.htm
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"These three girls (My-Tea Kind) have been playing music under the tutelage of local music legends Randy Crouch and Dan Hoffstadter all their lives and have for the last three years or so become Randy Crouch's hometown band."
-THE CURRENT April 2005
http://www.myteakind.com/Press/20050401Current.htm
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"I always enjoy playing with Vince. We know a lot of the same songs, and I've been trying to recall some of those lately. Randy Crouch is awesome, too."
-Cliff Starbuck bassist for ekoostik Hookah since 1991
http://www.cliffstarbuck.com/bio.html
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"I finally got to meet the legendary Randy Crouch."
-Hurricane Mason, Journal 7/24/04
http://www.hurricanemason.com/JournalEntry.aspx?ID=22
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"You may have heard "On the Illinois," an eerie and beautiful Randy Crouch classic which partakes of the spiritual essence of the river."
-STIR -Save The Illinois River project
http://www.songsfortheillinoisriver.com/
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"Evidently some of the aliens got out of Randy Crouch’s fiddle case last time he was here and are just now making their presence known. I think those little bastards are reproducing also. I saw several of those little guys in the bar all weekend and can’t figure out how Randy gets them all to fit inside the fiddle case. I thought that maybe some of them might get in his guitar case, but the one alien that would be somewhat sociable said that they feel more comfortable in the fiddle case. He said they had a leather couch, a big screen T.V. and a pinball machine. That’s why there are no latches on the fiddle case because Randy has to use bungee straps to squeeze it all in there. The guys from the Randy Rogers band had some dealings with the little guys. The aliens saw Randy’s new monitor board and were convinced it was their spaceship and kept crawling all over it. Randy’s new sound guy was doing his best to try and swat the little bastards off the sound board and was really quite understanding with the whole situation. Needless to say, it was a long sound check.Show was great, although one of the aliens was aggravated at Red Dirt Underground’s drummer for some unknown reason and decided to make him left-handed before the show. It was a real pain in the ass because he had to go to guitar center and buy a left handed kit and set it up on the side of the stage. All the aliens just sat above the light cans eating cheetos and laughing hysterically as he was setting up his drums. I really don’t know why they found it so funny.... 'The Bathroom Chronicles'I am going to do my best at keeping the details on the down low as far as explicitness. Have any of you ever thought about who might be the person responsible for the upkeep of the restrooms? That would be me. Last weekends cleaning required rubber gloves past the elbow and a gas mask. Whatever that stuff was, I absolutely never want to see it again. I thought one of the aliens upchucked."
-Steve Greene owner of the Snorty Horse
"THE BEST LITTLE TEXAS ROADHOUSE IN MISSOURI"
writing in his online newsletter.
Steve has an ongoing relationship with "the Aliens from Randy's fiddle case"
http://www.snortyhorse.com
http://www.myspace.com/snortyhorsesaloon
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RED DIRT ROOTS SERIES
http://www.sothread.com/
Not Just Fiddlin’ Around : An Interview with Randy Crouch By Nathan Cross of SOUTHERN THREAD Clothing Company - 11/20/05
Most musicians wish they could play one instrument as well as Randy Crouch plays many. Probably best known for his use of the fiddle, Randy Crouch is a favorite of many on the Red Dirt/Texas Music circuit. During his career he has collaborated with a large number of artists and recently has recorded a live record with The Red Dirt Rangers. Southern Thread’s own Nathan Cross sat down with him around Thanksgiving to find out a little about Randy’s past, his current projects, and what he looks forward to in the future.
NC: I’m here with Randy Crouch, renowned fiddler, steel guitar player, guitar player, and player of pretty much any other instrument you can name. Speaking of which, Randy, how many instruments do you play?
RC: I’m trying to keep it down to the ones I can keep up with. I can’t carry around too many of them. I’m only playing the fiddle, steel (guitar) and guitar right now.
NC: What are some other instruments you’ve played in the past?
RC: Oh, I’ve played keyboards and many others. I had a mandolin I was working on but then I dropped it, and I ended up destroying it. A guy from the Snorty Horse gave me a banjo. They had hung it on the wall forever. It looks like it was from the civil war, there’s no telling how old it is. I’ve been playing that.
NC: How long ago did you get started and where did you get started?
RC: When I was a kid I just always had a ukulele or something. As far as I can remember I’ve always had something to play. I learned piano and was in a band but my main instrument was guitar.
NC: So, from the guitar you kind of sprouted out?
RC: Yeah.
NC: Then you learned everything else?
RC: Once I learned guitar I wanted to play everything. Then I learned how to play the fiddle from my family. My grand dad was a fiddler and my uncle was a mandolin player. So I got to watch them playing when I was growing up.
NC: Would you say your musical influence came from your family?
RC: Yeah, I learned a lot watching them while I was growing up.
NC: Did you have any other influences, like artists at the time that you looked up to?
RC: Well, everything I had learned was changed when Jimmy Hendrix came around.
NC: That could cause you to forget everything else couldn’t it?
RC: Yeah! I had to figure it all out again… it was like how did you (Jimi Hendrix) do that?
NC: Let me ask you a little bit about whom you have played with in the past? Who are some of the people you’ve enjoyed playing with? I know you are doing a lot of gigs with the Rangers (Red Dirt) now and have become a staple with them.
RC: I just got done jamming with the Stragglers, which I’ve always enjoyed. I also recently jammed with Vince Herman. Vince Herman’s from Colorado. He used to play with “Leftover Salmon”, he’s got some gigs lined up for me in January.
NC: They (Red Dirt Rangers) said they have a new live one coming out soon that you play on.
RC: It’s going to be really good. I’m really excited about being apart of that project.
NC: Tell us about Flying Horse. When did that get started? I’ve heard you guys (Flying Horse) play and really enjoyed it.
RC: Well, I wrote this song about aliens coming down to help the cowboys catch the flying horses and it turned into a series of songs. Then I got a band together to play those songs and everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves, so we’ve continued to play together. It sees like we started in the early 70’s. It’s just been recently that I’ve begun to play live again, and it was time because I was really starting to miss it.
NC: So you took a break from it (playing live) for a while but now you’re back at it again.
RC: That’s right. It’s been a real treat to have people ask to hear my songs.
NC: How did you hook up with the Red Dirt rangers? Those guys are characters and of course they’ve got some Stillwater roots.
RC: We’ve been friends since back in the day, ever since we were both playing in Stillwater. I was always a fan of their music, and then eventually I got a chance to play a gig with them, and it was a world of fun. I jam with them every chance I get and I feel lucky just to get a chance to play with them. They’re the best; I’ve never seen them play a bad gig.
NC: You are an amazing musician but I’ve always kind of thought of you as a songwriter. Have you sold any of your songs to artists we might recognize? Or given any of your songs to anybody that are playing them right now with any success? Finally, whom have you collaborated with to write songs?
RC: Well, I guess Jason Boland and the Stragglers, are probably the best thing that could have happened as far as helping me write songs. We wrote one together for his last album, 12 ounce curl. Bob Childers and I wrote several songs together when we recorded last time. I also really enjoy writing with The (Red Dirt) Rangers because they always come up with the best words and phrases for songs. We’ve written several together. Just about everybody I’m around has a chance to contribute on one of my songs. When I write a song, I talk about it so much that everybody gets a chance to give me a good idea. I’m also libel to steal songs from anybody.
NC: Probably your most famous song that you’ve written was “Big Shot Rich Man.” What inspired you to write that?
RC: I’ve gotten a lot of good miles out of that one. I was actually trying to write a folk song. The idea behind the song was we’re all just folks.
NC: I was fortunate to be there one night in the VIP room of the Wormy Dog when you and Stoney (LaRue) were writing songs. Can you tell us about it?
RC: Well the one that I wrote up there with Ol’ Stoney, I truly believe he’s the only one that can sing it properly. He wrote most of the lines and put it all together.
RC: Now I’ve got a new song about gasoline that the Rangers helped me write. We were going down to Texas and gasoline (the price) was so high I wrote a line for the song that says, “If I was high as the price of gas, I wouldn’t have to smoke no grass.”
(Both laugh)
NC: That’s a great song that brings a smile to my face every time I hear it because it’s so true.
NC: Thank you Randy, it’s been a pleasure visiting with you.
RC: Your welcome, Nathan. Thanks for helping me get the word out about my music.
NC: How long are you going to do it?
RC: Till they pry my cold dead fingers off the fiddle.
http://www.woodyguthrie.com/2007_Entertainers.htm
***********************************************************************
Vince Herman met fiddle virtuoso Randy Crouch at this years Woody Guthrie Folk Festival and the two immediately hit it off. One week later, they were still playing together and Herman deemed the Tahlequah, Oklahoma-based musician his twin brother, Funky Red. On Friday July 22, the dynamic duo played The Shanti in St. Louis. Their beer garden set included spirited versions of the Herman-penned "Hey Woody Guthrie," the Leftover Salmon standard "Ain't Nobody's Business" and Bob Dylan's "Buckets of Rain." They closed with a rousing "Fuzzy Little Hippie Girl," into "Girl With the Biggest Hair and the Longest Nails."The two then migrated inside, joining hometown band Alabaster Brown for a 90-minute closing set. There were nine musicians crammed into a small corner tavern that was hotter than hell and packed to the rafters. Things started off with a Brown-dominated cover of Johnny Cash's "Big River." When Crouch took his first solo the rolling waters turned to rapids. He shredded through song after song stopping only to swill and change strings.Herman tread carefully at first, but quickly seized control of the band, tearing through high-energy, slam-grass-versions of "He's Gone," "You Ain't Going Nowhere" and "I'm Feeling All Right," complete with requisite, City of Blues-themed improv.The evening's highlights were Willie Nelson-inspired, most notably the politically twisted "Mama's Don't Let Your Cowboys Grow Up To Be @$$holes." Before the hyper-extended, set-closer "Stay All Night, Stay a Little Longer," Herman shrugged off a warning to his band mates: "This one's in E minor... just follow me." His new friends cautiously obliged, ultimately delivering his strongest rhythm section since Tye North-era Salmon.
--JAMBANDS.com Craig Warmbold 7/25/05 Show Review http://www.jambands.com/ShowReviews/content_2005_08_02.00.phtml
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"Tulsa wildman/multi-instrumentalist Randy Crouch used to say about halfway through the first set at a rowdy bar:
'Is it too loud enough yet?'"
-Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation's Lee Tomboulian, May 1991 Nightflying Column
http://www.arjazz.org/archive/articles/ltomboulian/nf_9105.html
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"The Red Dirt Rangers, well, they playRed Dirt tunes that come complete with fiddle licks — provided by the incomparable Randy Crouch. But the Rangers aren’t content to ride theirmusical horses only in the corral of Red Dirt music, so they often gallop into classic rock and even dabble in hippiejamming. "
-TULSA WORLD's Matt Gleason, World Scene Writer
http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/1029368903015830865qThNrxICcF
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"At Roxie’s, fiddle and steel guitar virtuoso Randy Crouch brings his band’s grooving Red Dirt flair to what could be considered his home stage. Crouch may look like the guy who ends up in the small room with four or five people at every party, but don’t let the laid-back stoner look fool you. His music is electrifying, and if you are looking for something to dance off the turkey but you don’t like hip hop or funk, Crouch can get you grooving without either of those two styles."
-Muskogee Phoenix's, Leif Wright okWeekend Editor www.muskogeephoenix.com/entertainment/local_story_328132506.html
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"Randy Crouch sets his fiddle on fire as he plays lightning fast accompaniments and solos. His bowing is so powerful that the poor bow string hairs break as he plays... Randy took this rare occasion, put down his fiddle, and sang some good Oklahoma protests songs for us while playing his acoustic guitar."
-JustProgress.org
http://www.justprogress.org/gallery/gallery-Event%20Concert%20Two.htm
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"More than 50 musicians from all over appear at the different venues of the Woody Guthrie festival and many of the favorites are local artist from right here in Oklahoma. Some of those artist are: Tom Skinner, from Tulsa, Ok, known to many as “the father of Red Dirt music,” Randy Crouch, from near Tahlequah, Ok, often called the “Hillbilly Hendrix”, although, both might be considered Blue Grass musicians"
-America Unleashed RAdio Network's Ralena Pinson
http://www.americaunleashed.com/
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"No Justice took the stage about 11:30 and rocked with the help of red dirt hero Randy Crouch on fiddle and pedal steel. We first had the good fortune of meeting the legendary Randy last December when he was sitting in on fiddle for Jason Boland in Houston. What an incredible musician and songwriter. Anyway, late in the night, Lern encouraged Randy to try standing on his fiddle as he played, which didn't quite work out the same as standing on an upright bass. So the fiddle cracked a bit, but it was an impressive sight none-the-less."
-FortyTwenty NEWS & NOTES MARCH 5-6
http://www.fortytwenty.com/news.htm
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"...about that time they announce MARSHALLCITY. I was very surprised, and shocked and .. well, we all made our way to the stage to accept the award. Thank you, Thanks you. we headed to the back stage bar and had a celebration drink (diet coke). After the show, we headed to the van, and drove over to Studio 310 sound check and we were off! Rocked the house and even called up, Stoney LaRue for lead guitar on a song, then harp, Travis Kidd showed up and we got him on lead guitar, then legendary Randy Crouch on fiddle. I don't know for sure, but I would bet that music in heaven sounds something like that."
-Marshall City, 2002 TULSA WORLD SPOT winner for BEST AMERICANA BAND
http://www.marshallcity.com/roadcase.html
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"RANDY CROUCH - 2006 SEXIEST LOCAL MALE
- 2nd Place"
-The CurrentLand News, Tahlequah, OK
http://www.currentland.com/Default.aspx?tabid=119
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"Meeting and performing with artists who had 'made it,' helps the band develop its own style. Performing with local legend Randy Crouch hasn't hurt either.'It's good to see someone like that on stage. He brings a vibe that's really good,' Fitch said. "I guess you have to be a musician to understand that."
-Mukogee Phoenix reporter Jane Wilson interviewing BADWATER drummer Michael Fitch http://www.cnhi.com/muskogee/entertainment/local_story_342122752.html
**************************************************************************"PC: What's your fondest career memory so far?
Jerry Haggard: Whew, that's a tough one! I have so many memories playing music and meeting musicians. I would have to say a great memory was when I was called onstage one night & helped perform "Big Shot Rich Man", with Jason Boland & the Stragglers, at a Tulsa,OK. show. I had many friends in the crowd who were cheering and screaming loud! Meeting or watching a high energy JBS show is a real thrill. Also, one night I met and talked with Randy Crouch backstage at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa,OK. It was after a wild red dirt show. That was a blast!"-Jerry Haggard Oklahoma Musician, Songwriter & kin to Merle. http://www.angelfire.com/tx6/jerryhaggard/
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"...a young guy from here has opened up a new venue, The Snorty Horse and is bringing in all kinds of Red Dirt Bands and he also has an acoustic night. It's great to have a venue here where bands can do their own thing and you can go out and hear something besides top forty music. My husband and I haven't been out to club in years, other than New Year's Eve, but last Saturday night about 11:00 we went over to hear the Red Dirt Rangers. Randy Crouch, the fiddle player is fantastic, actually on every instrument he played."-Sanjaman, Oct 27 2005http://www.songwriterforums.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5950
***************************************************************************"GET OFF
THE COUCH, SEE CROUCH.
Often referred to as the world's greatest rock 'n' roll fiddle player, Randy Crouch is no slouch. The front man for Flying Horse is considered a ground-breaker on the Red Dirt music scene. Along with his incredible fiddle playing, he also plays guitar, pedal steel, piano and slide mandolin."
-THE OKLAHOMAN Erik Tryggestad and Chris Colberg,Staff Writers
http://www.newsok.com/article/2965595/?print=1
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"...When the sun hit the tent at about a quarter till 8 (or was it 7:45, I can’t remember) it was impossible to keep sleeping so I poked my head outside and what should appear, but Dave finally making his way back home. He had traded in his Coors Light and Busch Light for a bottle of Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer. He regaled me of stories about being put into a chokehold by some girl at the Randy Crouch tent and eating some brownies from some hippies that smelled kinda funny. Then he tripped over one of the stakes holding his tent down. We all chuckled."
-Van Marsalis writing about Walnut Valley Festival 2006 (Winfield, KS) http://www.vanmarsalis.com/wgwof.htm
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"...There is perhaps no artist who better exemplifies what has come to be known as "Red Dirt music" than Bob Childers. He helped to define the style that is decidedly Southern, with equal parts folk, country, rock, red dust, and attitude. Childers is a legend of sorts in Oklahoma music circles and possesses an easy manner and laid-back style both on and off the stage. His performance was raucous and fun, and made even more enjoyable by fiddler Randy Crouch, who leaned deeply and lovingly into every note he played." -Dirty Linen http://www.dirtynelson.com/linen/115/115concerts.html
--Annette C. Eshlemann CONCERT REVIEW
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"Praise Jah And the Snow for a Super Fat Week of Grooves It’s not yet spring break, but already we are looking at one of the biggest weeks of live music this winter. There are up-and-coming independent bands, 80s rock legends, armed forces country, and tons of world-class reggae. And after this week, the music scene doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Praise Jah and the snow.Vince Herman TrioThe legendary Vince Herman, front man of Leftover Salmon, is on the road spreading his good time pickin’ and foot stompin’ sounds accompanied by a couple of his favorite musicians, Randy Crouch and Cliff Starbuck. The Trio plays the Fly Me To The Moon Saloon Friday, Jan. 20, and is on the mountain on Saturday.Crouch, often referred to as the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Fiddle Player,” is a groundbreaker on the Red Dirt music scene. Best known for his incredible fiddle playing, he also plays guitar, pedal steel, piano, and a mean slide mandolin. As if his exceptional musicianship wasn’t enough, Crouch is also a talented singer and songwriter. "
-The Telluride Watch Published:1/20/06 Grooview, By Mark Steele
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"The disc closes out with a hidden track, an acoustic "Hope You Make It" with Randy Crouch on vocals that offers the wish for finding happiness, success and ultimately, salvation."
-TAKE COUNTRY BACK, AnnMarie Harrington
reviewing SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE by Jason Boland & the Stragglers
http://www.takecountryback.com/reviews/bolandnov04.htm
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“We wouldn’t be playing music if it wasn’t for Randy Crouch.”
-Annie Paine of My-Tea Kind (Wakarusa/Battlerusa 2006 winner)
THE NORTHEASTER(Northeast OK State Univ) interview by Andrew Winslow http://www.myteakind.com/Press/20051206Northeastern.htm
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"These three girls (My-Tea Kind) have been playing music under the tutelage of local music legends Randy Crouch and Dan Hoffstadter all their lives and have for the last three years or so become Randy Crouch's hometown band."
-THE CURRENT April 2005
http://www.myteakind.com/Press/20050401Current.htm
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"I always enjoy playing with Vince. We know a lot of the same songs, and I've been trying to recall some of those lately. Randy Crouch is awesome, too."
-Cliff Starbuck bassist for ekoostik Hookah since 1991
http://www.cliffstarbuck.com/bio.html
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"I finally got to meet the legendary Randy Crouch."
-Hurricane Mason, Journal 7/24/04
http://www.hurricanemason.com/JournalEntry.aspx?ID=22
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"You may have heard "On the Illinois," an eerie and beautiful Randy Crouch classic which partakes of the spiritual essence of the river."
-STIR -Save The Illinois River project
http://www.songsfortheillinoisriver.com/
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"Evidently some of the aliens got out of Randy Crouch’s fiddle case last time he was here and are just now making their presence known. I think those little bastards are reproducing also. I saw several of those little guys in the bar all weekend and can’t figure out how Randy gets them all to fit inside the fiddle case. I thought that maybe some of them might get in his guitar case, but the one alien that would be somewhat sociable said that they feel more comfortable in the fiddle case. He said they had a leather couch, a big screen T.V. and a pinball machine. That’s why there are no latches on the fiddle case because Randy has to use bungee straps to squeeze it all in there. The guys from the Randy Rogers band had some dealings with the little guys. The aliens saw Randy’s new monitor board and were convinced it was their spaceship and kept crawling all over it. Randy’s new sound guy was doing his best to try and swat the little bastards off the sound board and was really quite understanding with the whole situation. Needless to say, it was a long sound check.Show was great, although one of the aliens was aggravated at Red Dirt Underground’s drummer for some unknown reason and decided to make him left-handed before the show. It was a real pain in the ass because he had to go to guitar center and buy a left handed kit and set it up on the side of the stage. All the aliens just sat above the light cans eating cheetos and laughing hysterically as he was setting up his drums. I really don’t know why they found it so funny.... 'The Bathroom Chronicles'I am going to do my best at keeping the details on the down low as far as explicitness. Have any of you ever thought about who might be the person responsible for the upkeep of the restrooms? That would be me. Last weekends cleaning required rubber gloves past the elbow and a gas mask. Whatever that stuff was, I absolutely never want to see it again. I thought one of the aliens upchucked."
-Steve Greene owner of the Snorty Horse
"THE BEST LITTLE TEXAS ROADHOUSE IN MISSOURI"
writing in his online newsletter.
Steve has an ongoing relationship with "the Aliens from Randy's fiddle case"
http://www.snortyhorse.com
http://www.myspace.com/snortyhorsesaloon
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RED DIRT ROOTS SERIES
http://www.sothread.com/
Not Just Fiddlin’ Around : An Interview with Randy Crouch By Nathan Cross of SOUTHERN THREAD Clothing Company - 11/20/05
Most musicians wish they could play one instrument as well as Randy Crouch plays many. Probably best known for his use of the fiddle, Randy Crouch is a favorite of many on the Red Dirt/Texas Music circuit. During his career he has collaborated with a large number of artists and recently has recorded a live record with The Red Dirt Rangers. Southern Thread’s own Nathan Cross sat down with him around Thanksgiving to find out a little about Randy’s past, his current projects, and what he looks forward to in the future.
NC: I’m here with Randy Crouch, renowned fiddler, steel guitar player, guitar player, and player of pretty much any other instrument you can name. Speaking of which, Randy, how many instruments do you play?
RC: I’m trying to keep it down to the ones I can keep up with. I can’t carry around too many of them. I’m only playing the fiddle, steel (guitar) and guitar right now.
NC: What are some other instruments you’ve played in the past?
RC: Oh, I’ve played keyboards and many others. I had a mandolin I was working on but then I dropped it, and I ended up destroying it. A guy from the Snorty Horse gave me a banjo. They had hung it on the wall forever. It looks like it was from the civil war, there’s no telling how old it is. I’ve been playing that.
NC: How long ago did you get started and where did you get started?
RC: When I was a kid I just always had a ukulele or something. As far as I can remember I’ve always had something to play. I learned piano and was in a band but my main instrument was guitar.
NC: So, from the guitar you kind of sprouted out?
RC: Yeah.
NC: Then you learned everything else?
RC: Once I learned guitar I wanted to play everything. Then I learned how to play the fiddle from my family. My grand dad was a fiddler and my uncle was a mandolin player. So I got to watch them playing when I was growing up.
NC: Would you say your musical influence came from your family?
RC: Yeah, I learned a lot watching them while I was growing up.
NC: Did you have any other influences, like artists at the time that you looked up to?
RC: Well, everything I had learned was changed when Jimmy Hendrix came around.
NC: That could cause you to forget everything else couldn’t it?
RC: Yeah! I had to figure it all out again… it was like how did you (Jimi Hendrix) do that?
NC: Let me ask you a little bit about whom you have played with in the past? Who are some of the people you’ve enjoyed playing with? I know you are doing a lot of gigs with the Rangers (Red Dirt) now and have become a staple with them.
RC: I just got done jamming with the Stragglers, which I’ve always enjoyed. I also recently jammed with Vince Herman. Vince Herman’s from Colorado. He used to play with “Leftover Salmon”, he’s got some gigs lined up for me in January.
NC: They (Red Dirt Rangers) said they have a new live one coming out soon that you play on.
RC: It’s going to be really good. I’m really excited about being apart of that project.
NC: Tell us about Flying Horse. When did that get started? I’ve heard you guys (Flying Horse) play and really enjoyed it.
RC: Well, I wrote this song about aliens coming down to help the cowboys catch the flying horses and it turned into a series of songs. Then I got a band together to play those songs and everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves, so we’ve continued to play together. It sees like we started in the early 70’s. It’s just been recently that I’ve begun to play live again, and it was time because I was really starting to miss it.
NC: So you took a break from it (playing live) for a while but now you’re back at it again.
RC: That’s right. It’s been a real treat to have people ask to hear my songs.
NC: How did you hook up with the Red Dirt rangers? Those guys are characters and of course they’ve got some Stillwater roots.
RC: We’ve been friends since back in the day, ever since we were both playing in Stillwater. I was always a fan of their music, and then eventually I got a chance to play a gig with them, and it was a world of fun. I jam with them every chance I get and I feel lucky just to get a chance to play with them. They’re the best; I’ve never seen them play a bad gig.
NC: You are an amazing musician but I’ve always kind of thought of you as a songwriter. Have you sold any of your songs to artists we might recognize? Or given any of your songs to anybody that are playing them right now with any success? Finally, whom have you collaborated with to write songs?
RC: Well, I guess Jason Boland and the Stragglers, are probably the best thing that could have happened as far as helping me write songs. We wrote one together for his last album, 12 ounce curl. Bob Childers and I wrote several songs together when we recorded last time. I also really enjoy writing with The (Red Dirt) Rangers because they always come up with the best words and phrases for songs. We’ve written several together. Just about everybody I’m around has a chance to contribute on one of my songs. When I write a song, I talk about it so much that everybody gets a chance to give me a good idea. I’m also libel to steal songs from anybody.
NC: Probably your most famous song that you’ve written was “Big Shot Rich Man.” What inspired you to write that?
RC: I’ve gotten a lot of good miles out of that one. I was actually trying to write a folk song. The idea behind the song was we’re all just folks.
NC: I was fortunate to be there one night in the VIP room of the Wormy Dog when you and Stoney (LaRue) were writing songs. Can you tell us about it?
RC: Well the one that I wrote up there with Ol’ Stoney, I truly believe he’s the only one that can sing it properly. He wrote most of the lines and put it all together.
RC: Now I’ve got a new song about gasoline that the Rangers helped me write. We were going down to Texas and gasoline (the price) was so high I wrote a line for the song that says, “If I was high as the price of gas, I wouldn’t have to smoke no grass.”
(Both laugh)
NC: That’s a great song that brings a smile to my face every time I hear it because it’s so true.
NC: Thank you Randy, it’s been a pleasure visiting with you.
RC: Your welcome, Nathan. Thanks for helping me get the word out about my music.
NC: How long are you going to do it?
RC: Till they pry my cold dead fingers off the fiddle.
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