Does anybody remember the pianist Fred Crane?
On the only solo record he ever had released, after his death, there are little tributes written about him and his playing by Carmen McRae, Jimmy Rowles, Al Hirt, Joe Pass, and Doc Severinson, so he probably was mostly known by musicians. He is playing piano at the Anatole Hotel in Dallas on the record. Probably how he made his living. Not the greatest record ever, but snag it if you see it. Very enjoyable. I was just wondering at first if there was more music but I guess not. |
Happened across this recently. Fills in a few blanks, but still looking for more music from Fred Crane. http://www.avshowrooms.com/Fred_Crane_s_Story.html A little of his actual playing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTT3zdO0zhc |
I presume this Fred Crane is the same who played (and sang?) with the Al Belletto Sextet in the mid-1950s. I heard of Balletto on a recent public radio jazz program, and picked up two of his albums as mp3 files. The radio DJ apparently played an original LP, and doesn't know the tracks are currently available. The mp3 albums can be accessed at eMusic.com. |
Greetings, Fred Crane was my uncle on my mother's side. I miss him. I still keep in touch with his son Fred Jr. some. I have about a dozen CD's of HIS music that I listen too. It also has his wife singing on many if not all of them. He was a music genius. I visited his home in Dallas and he took me to Rainbow studio where I watched him compose and direct a commercial soundtrack. He used to play Jazz at the Fairmont Hotel bar with a bass player in Dallas to keep his fingers loose. He would never shake hands with anyone so as not to hurt his very delicate fingers. I always thought that was cool as a 16 yr old. I would be happy to discuss him more anytime. terrybishop911@cs.com |
