Shirley Crabbe Group / Q4
Hailed as possessing a voice that “must surely appeal to all who love good jazz singing.” (Jazz Journal), award-winning vocalist, composer, and bandleader Shirley Crabbe has assembled The Shirley Crabbe Group, a quartet of gifted musicians.
Bringing versatility and his mastery of a variety of piano styles and arranging skills to the band is David Budway, one of New York’s most gifted pianists. Former Jazz Messenger and world-renowned bassist, Cameron Brown adds his rich and lyrical bass sound to the quartet. He also brings years of experience playing with world-class musicians Don Pullen/George Adams Quartet, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Sheila Jordan and Betty Carter to name a few. Joining the ensemble in 2018 is a Pittsburgh native and drummer extraordinaire Thomas Wendt who contributes significant rhythmic support for the group.
Crabbe’s longtime friendship and musical partnership with Budway forms the foundation for the group. Performing an array of songs and original compositions in the style of traditional and modern jazz, blues, bossa nova, samba and songs from the American Songbook “Crabbe puts her own ‘joie de vivre’ stamp on it, deftly supported by superb arrangement[s] by David Budway.” (John Hughland). The groups most recent appearances include Rockland Conservatory of Music’s Overture Concert Series and Maureen’s Jazz Cellar.
Crabbe’s other projects include the album BRIDGES (2018), a top 50 Album and winner of the 2019 NY Bistro Award for Outstanding Recording; her debut release HOME (2011) featuring the legendary saxophonist Houston Person, and the one-woman, one piano show “I’ve Got Rhythm: An Evening with the Incomparable Ethel Waters.” Shirley is also the recipient of 2009 Rockland County Executive Performing Artist Award, 2008 Stanton Bronze Medalist, American Traditions Vocal Competition and a top 5 finalist at NYC’s Jazzmobile’s 2010 “Best of the Best” Jazz Vocalist Competition.
Bringing versatility and his mastery of a variety of piano styles and arranging skills to the band is David Budway, one of New York’s most gifted pianists. Former Jazz Messenger and world-renowned bassist, Cameron Brown adds his rich and lyrical bass sound to the quartet. He also brings years of experience playing with world-class musicians Don Pullen/George Adams Quartet, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Sheila Jordan and Betty Carter to name a few. Joining the ensemble in 2018 is a Pittsburgh native and drummer extraordinaire Thomas Wendt who contributes significant rhythmic support for the group.
Crabbe’s longtime friendship and musical partnership with Budway forms the foundation for the group. Performing an array of songs and original compositions in the style of traditional and modern jazz, blues, bossa nova, samba and songs from the American Songbook “Crabbe puts her own ‘joie de vivre’ stamp on it, deftly supported by superb arrangement[s] by David Budway.” (John Hughland). The groups most recent appearances include Rockland Conservatory of Music’s Overture Concert Series and Maureen’s Jazz Cellar.
Crabbe’s other projects include the album BRIDGES (2018), a top 50 Album and winner of the 2019 NY Bistro Award for Outstanding Recording; her debut release HOME (2011) featuring the legendary saxophonist Houston Person, and the one-woman, one piano show “I’ve Got Rhythm: An Evening with the Incomparable Ethel Waters.” Shirley is also the recipient of 2009 Rockland County Executive Performing Artist Award, 2008 Stanton Bronze Medalist, American Traditions Vocal Competition and a top 5 finalist at NYC’s Jazzmobile’s 2010 “Best of the Best” Jazz Vocalist Competition.
