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Craig Brenner

  • Home
    • Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival
  • Bio
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • Craig & Lori
  • Craig & The Crawdads
  • Media
  • Music
  • News
  • Donate
  • Bloomington Boogies Festival

Craig Brenner: Exploring the Jazzy Side of Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano

"Craig Brenner is a fine and funky pianist..." - Living Blues Magazine

Craig is a blues, boogie woogie, and jazz pianist, composer, teacher, and recipient of arts grants. He leads Craig & The Crawdads, is a member of The Ragin' Texans, and has recorded seven albums. Craig is the founder of Bloomington Boogies:  The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival.

Craig's latest album is Passages, all original jazz, blues, boogie woogie, and surprises.  Read reviews:

  • Jazz historian/journalist Scott Yanow reviews Passages in Los Angeles Jazz Scene: Craig is "a fine pianist," "Spring Is Near" is "a swinging and joyful original," and the album's "quality is consistently high and the results are enjoyable."
  • Dan Willging review the album in OffBeat magazine: "blues, jazz, and boogie-woogie with a sparkling, rich technique."
  • Journalist Mike Leonard reviews Passages in the The Ryder Magazine. 
  • Crossroads Blues Society President Steve Jones reviews the album in Blues Blast Magazine: "This is really good stuff with an eclectic mix of styles and genres to enjoy. I highly recommend checking him out!" 
  • George Fish reviews on "Politically Incorrect Leftist", concluding "the whole thing fits nicely the Beatles' famous words on "Sgt. Pepper's..." 'a splendid time is guaranteed for all!' "

Passages is available in CD, vinyl, and downloable files HERE.  It is also available at a discount at Landlocked Music.  

See more reviews at Music - then scroll down for reviews.  Listen to "Looking for a Job," produced by Nate Brenner on Passages. The album was made in part thanks to the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and National Endowment for the Arts.  For information about Passages and the grant, click News. Read an article about the grant and Passages by Connie Shakalis in the Aug. 23, 2020 Herald-Times.

Due to COVID-19, musicians no longer perform in concert regularly, eliminating our primary means of support. Make a donation here.

Click below for information about

  • Craig Brenner   Boogie woogie, blues, jazz, stride, New Orleans, and barrelhouse piano
  • Read a review of Craig's CD, Live At The Old Mint:  Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano
  • Craig & The Crawdads   Foot-stompin' New Orleans R&B, Zydeco, blues, jazz, and swing
  • Listen to Craig & The Crawdads play Craig's "Backstage Boogie"
  • Craig & Lori   Cocktail jazz, blues, swing, torch songs, and boogie woogie
  • Bloomington Boogies: The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival
  • Booking
  • Free sheet music for "Nathaniel"
  • Free sheet music for "The Crawdad Shuffle"

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© Craig Brenner 2021

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