TAS CRU
American Bluesman
Tas released his 10th album, Broke Down, Busted Up in September of 2021.
A Quasi-acoustic album, he breaks the rules once again.
"Tas Cru has Broke Down a
"Tas Cru has Broke Down and Busted Up any pre-conceived notions of
who he is as an artist with this marvelous new release."
- Blues Music Magazine
ABOUT TAS CRU
Tas Cru is truly a blues eclectic who refuses to let his music be bound to just one blues style.
You get it all from Tas. He’ll swing you with a traditional shuffle, swoon you with a sultry ballad,
lull you into a trance with deep Hill-country blues and then rock your knobs off.
If you want to be entertained, Tas is your guy.
With a repertoire of over 80 original songs from multiple albums
and dozens of crowd-pleasing classics, this seasoned road warrior
will give folks what they want; be it festival, concert or dance hall.
Tas has been called one of the most unique of bluesmen plying his trade today.
His songs testify to his reputation as a bluesman who is accomplished
in and comfortable with most every style of blues.
As a writer Tas wants his songs to determine the style, rather than the other way around.
And that’s why fans love his stuff and critics sing his praises.
With great vocal and guitar work alongside his trademark well-crafted lyrics,
this music is an interesting and enjoyable listen.
Performed live it is captivating – highly entertaining!
Tas Cru is currently is based out of upstate New York and performs in multiple formats
ranging from solo acoustic to a 7 piece-backing band.
He sings and plays a wide variety of guitars -
at home on electric, acoustic, resonator or cigar box
and is known to sprinkle in a bit of harmonica from time to time.
Tas is a Delaney Guitars (Austin TX) endorsed artist and is signed to Subcat Records, Syracuse NY.
MORE THAN A PERFORMANCE
Tas is available to give workshops on the following:
-
Keeping The Blues Alive Award honored Blues Education Programs
can be tailored to your needs
-
Guitar Performance
-
Songwriting Do's & Don't
When it comes to organizing and creating a successful Jam,
there are few better than Tas Cru -
He has run The Tas Cru Jam For Generation Blues
on Tuesday night of IBC Week for the last 12 years.
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT TAS
LIVING BLUES MAGAZINE
Lee Zimmerman
The fact that Cru composed these dozen songs, not only underscores his credibility and competence...
ultimately it's the very thing that provides Memphis Song with such a resonant refrain.
​
BLUES MUSIC MAGAZINE
Michael Cote
...once again delivers a batch of original songs demonstrating his versatility as a singer,
guitarist and songwriter - a triple threat in any genre.
​
PAUL E BENJAMIN - Festival Producer
I have worked with Tas on a number of festivals I produce.
Tas always puts on a great show and is professional and easy to work with.
You cannot go wrong with Tas Cru!
​
BLUES SOCIETY OF WESTERN PA
Jonnye Weber
Tas Cru is the ultimate professional from start to finish. He delivers what has been promised…
His attention to details makes one breathe a sigh of relief. His demeanor is refreshing.
BILLTOWN BLUES FEST
Bonnie Tallman
Tas delivers 100% on stage with his thoughtful selection of material, his ear catching arrangements,
his skillful guitar work and vocals, and his tasteful interaction with his audience.
Tas was a joy to work with from beginning to end!
LIGHTHOUSE BLUES FEST
Rick Clarke
… we look forward to their return!
THE WHISKEY REBELLION
Lee Stivers
I found working with Tas Cru to be a dream: professional, polite and completely passionate about the music.
HONORS/AWARDS/NOTEWORTHY
2014
Awarded Keeping The Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation
for his dedication to Blues Education
2015
You Keep The Money Released
Debuts at #1 on Roots Music Report Blues Chart
Debuts at #2 on Living Blues Chart
Named #3 Blues Album Of The Year - Roots Music Report
Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation From Fort Sam Houston Warrior & Family Support Center,
San Antonio, TX
2016
Honored with signed guitar which hangs over the stage at Rum Boogie Cafe, Memphis, TN
Recorded interview and live set at BB King Bluesville Studios
which aired multiple times on the station
2017
Simmered & Stewed Released
Released on Vizztone Label Group
Spent 2 months on Living Blues Radio Chart
Spent over 35 weeks on Roots Music Report Blues Album Chart
Album nominated for Blues Music Award
2018
Cover story on Tas appears in the 01/04/18 edition of Blues Blast Magazine
Memphis Song added to BB King Bluesville Picks To Click a full 2 weeks before release
Memphis Song released on June 1
2019
Joined United By Music North America as an Artist Mentor
2020
Drive On Released on February 2
Album spent 38 weeks on the RMR Blues Album Chart & Recently Reappeared On The List in 2021
2021
Broke Down Busted Up Released
First tour of Germany in October 2021
BLUES EDUCATION PROGRAMS
MY MISSION
To me, there is nothing more important that I do as a blues performer than blues education! Blues is a uniquely American music that along with gospel and jazz is
one of America’s most precious gifts to the world.
Blues is the musical foundation for all forms of pop music
with its influence spanning seven generations.
​
Children in schools throughout the globe learn about their culture’s
artistic heritage and creative achievements.
American children deserve to know about
their culture’s rich musical heritage that is the Blues and
how the world has embraced it as a creative art form.
​
I am blessed to have had so many opportunities to work with young and old across the country
as we educate each other about what it is that makes us love the blues.
PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS for SCHOOLS
Blues 101
30 to 45 minute assembly or classroom program. Songs, instrument demos,
history/blues today, Q&A
Customized for age of audience –
RULE OF THUMB-the younger they are the more active participation
Literacy Connections
PreK –3 “Even Bugs Sing the Blues” – Eric Carle books (e.g., The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Busy Spider, and more) rewritten as blues songs.
Grades 4- 6 “I Wrote a Blues Song!” – Blues lyric form as derived from call and response (AAB pattern) is introduced. Students learn to appreciate the concise power and imagery of Blues poetry as they write, sing and record their own songs.
Grades 7-12 ‘We Are the Blues” – History and culture come alive with Blues songs –
soundtrack of historical, political, social and economic events.
Music Classes
General Music – Programs are custom made in collaboration with teaching staff to fit the age level and curriculum goals
Performance Ensembles - Customized in collaboration with teaching staff.
Workshops on theory, legendary performers, history and links to other genres.
Students explore styles and techniques and perform blues standards and improvised jamming (vox & instruments).