“The vivacity and sheer joy with which Cru plays is intoxicating!” - Living Blues Magazine
About Tas Cru
Tas Cru is truly a blues eclectic who refuses to let his music be bound to just one blues style. With a repertoire of over 100 original songs from multiple albums and dozens of crowd-pleasing classics, this seasoned road warrior is one of the most unique of bluesmen plying his trade today. His songs testify to his reputation as a singer-guitarist-songwriter who is accomplished in, and comfortable with most every style that lives under the BIG blues tent. As a writer Tas wants each song to determine what style is the better fit And that’s why fans love his songs and critics sing his praises. A versatile repertoire, great vocal and guitar work, and his trademark well-crafted lyrics make Tas’ music an interesting and enjoyable listen. Live performances are captivating – highly entertaining!
With five albums in the last seven years Cru will release Riffin' the Blue this coming February 2023. The album is produced by Tas who, in addition to his tried-and-true studio stalwarts, enlists solid help from a few others, most notably Mike Zito (courtesy of Gulf Coast Records) and renowned keyboardist, Bruce Katz. Zito puts his guitar stamp on two songs - the album’s opener/title track and on the closer, Memphis Gone. Katz contributes his world-class talent on piano and organ to ten of the album’s eleven songs.
Cru was honored with his first Blues Foundation Blues Music Award nomination in 2018 for his album, Simmered & Stewed. That album and the two that followed (Memphis Song & Drive On) were all recipients of the Syracuse Area Music Awards (the SAMMY’s) for best blues recordings. His 2021 album, Broke Down Busted Up is nominated by Blues Blast Magazine (Best Acoustic Blues Album) and the Independent Blues Awards Modern Roots Album, Modern Roots Artist and Content Creator Award.)
Tas Cru is based out of Central New York and performs in multiple formats ranging from solo acoustic to a six-piece backing band. He sings and plays a wide variety of guitars - at home on either 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. . Cru is also a recipient of the Blues Foundation (Memphis TN) Keeping the Blues Alive Award in recognition of his blues education programs that he presents while touring.
“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!” - Bonnie Tallman
— Billtown Blues Fest
“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.” - Jonnye Weber
— BLUES SOCIETY OF WESTERN PA