New
Orleans-born Craig "Sparky" Klein received his first trombone
at the age of six from his musician uncle, Gerry Dallmann. His formal
musical training began in grade school, under the guidance of Papa Jac
Assunto, founder of the Dukes of Dixieland. After college graduation,
his professional musical career began in 1979 when he started playing
with a traditional New Orleans brass band, meeting and playing with
some of the New Orleans greats, such as Kid Sheik Colla, Father Al Lewis,
Danny Barker, Chester Zardis, Frog Joseph, and many more.
He
expanded his musical experience when he joined the Storyville Stompers
Brass Band. The Stompers is still one of the most active jazz bands
in New Orleans, playing second-line parades, parties, funerals, and
riverboats, plus engagements in Europe and Japan.
Craig's
extensive experience includes work with bands such as the Olympia
Brass Band, the O'Jays, George Porter Jr., the New Orleans Nightcrawlers,
the Leroy Jones Quintet, Dave Bartholomew, Wardell Quezergue, and
Harry Connick Jr. Craig auditioned for Connick's big band in
1990 by playing over the phone and continues to perform with the ensemble
currently, travelling extensively throughout the United States, Europe,
Japan, and Australia. Craig's recordings with the Connick band include
multiple CDs, sound tracks, and singles. The group has appeared in
feature length videos and television specials for Disney, PBS, and
CBS, and made many guest appearances on television in the United States
and Europe.
In addition to recording with the Connick
band, Craig has recorded with the Neville Brothers, Leroy Jones, the
Nightcrawlers, Lillian Boutte, Dr. John, R&B artists Chuck Carbo
and Johnny Adams, rockers Tori Amos, Bruce Hornsby, the all-star Cuban
band Cubanismo, and New Orleans recording sensations the Yockamo Allstars.
Craig can be heard on over 30 different recordings, and also
performs with Dave Bartholomew, legendary producer of Fats Domino
and many other performing and reordings stars.
Craig's diverse experience has made him a
top-call trombonist in New Orleans, capable of many musical styles
and configurations, from trios to large orchestras.
For extensive information on Craig, including
a full discography, see: http://craigklein.neworleansnightcrawlers.com
