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Jimmy Craven began his performing career lip-syncing to Elvis Presley songs while strumming a shovel, in neighborhood
'garage shows'. From there it was just a short trip to attaining a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Hartt School
of Music. He graduated cum laude, and the faculty voted him Composer Of The Year. After that, he jumped right back into
gigging: “I learned a lot at the conservatory, but popular music is where I live.” Teachers include guitarist Art Ludemann, several notable piano professors at
Hartt
School,
pianist Laurence Honan (who studied with a student of Franz Liszt!), and NYC jazz pianist Lou Stein.Craven began gigging professionally at age 13, and became a full-time player
at 24, launching a cabaret club act that performed throughout southern New England. This included a successful run as on-stage
pianist/singer and assistant MD in a StageWest regional theater production of “Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living
in Paris”.
From there
he became keyboardist, singer, music director, band leader and booking manager for the ‘J&B Band’ in western
CT. This was a fulltime position for over 15 years, but the time came for greater challenges. Craven headed west in 2000,
and was hired as a founding member of “The Unauthorized Rolling Stones” in San Francisco. In a multimedia theatrical tribute
to ‘the world’s greatest rock n roll band’, he was “Keith” for a long run of shows throughout
California
and Reno/Tahoe area. This included performing on guitar, keyboards and vocals, as well as being music director of the band
and vice president of the production company. Has
been a member or sideman in: ‘Off The Record’ (CA), ‘Soul Cats’ (MA), ‘The McMurphys’
(MA), ‘Tip Jar Blues Band’ (CA), ‘Juggerknot’ (MA), ‘Higher and Higher’ (CT), 'Big
Eric Short & the Little Women' (MA), ‘Nobody’s Girl’ (CT) and "The Ultimate Tribute to Rod
Stewart". A capable entertainer as well as musician, Craven has played hundreds of bar and restaurant gigs as a
solo performer in CT, MA, NY, and CA. “I’ve
been fortunate to back-up amazing singers” such as Gina Knight, Doriane Elliot, and Bobby Lindsay. Craven has recorded in
dozens of studios including Radio City Music Hall in NYC, and has shared the stage with Dread Zeppelin, Roomful of Blues, The Coasters, Mary
Travers, Lily Tomlin, and Vanilla Fudge. A big fan of 80s pop and New Wave, he’s been featured in two 80s bands. Craven has a home demo studio where he arranges, produces and
co-writes with local singer/songwriters, and is often called
to play on indie recordings. He’s also produced several successful radio spots, some running for several
years. Composing, programming, arranging and
MD work have all given Craven a handle on the Big Picture: “The first question is, how can I fit into whatever else
is happening musically. It’s important to listen like a producer would.” As a synthesist, programmer,
and sound designer, Craven has extensive experience in MIDI production and live backing tracks. He served as Product Specialist at The Danbury
Electronic Music Center, training others in the use of new technology. He is well-versed in all kinds of pop, alternative, classic rock, country, and singer/songwriter
styles, but also has a strong interest in electronica, new wave, ambient and post-rock.
“Every time I hit the stage, I’m excited and grateful
to be there!”
He is currently on the faculty of
the Cape Cod Conservatory and the South Shore Conservatory teaching piano, guitar, and directing the Digital Music Lab.
Resume available on request.
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