Bill Crews cites among his influences John Prine, Jimmy Buffett, and The Marshall Tucker Band, and those three names should give you an idea of what to expect from the music of Bill Crews And The Crews Cartel.
Bill Crews has been writing songs and playing guitar for many years now, and he serves as a great example of the adage, “you are what you listen to”. Crews’ latest album, ‘Been Hanging Around’, is an homage to those artists who have influenced him, and he and his band The Crews Cartel have compiled interpretations of his all-time favourites, as well as three original compositions.
His latest release, ‘Fire On The Mountain’, is a re-interpretation of The Marshall Tucker Band classic, and sees Crews and his band joined by two former members of The Marshall Tucker Band itself.
Crews imbues ‘Fire On The Mountain’ with his own distinctive style and sound, setting it in a minor key rather than the major key of the original. Additionally, he makes use of softer acoustic, and orchestral, strings, rather than steel guitar. The tempo has also been reduced, giving the track a smoother, more laid back vibe than the 1975 release. The story however remains the same, telling the tale of fortune seekers in the American Gold Rush.
The video for ‘Fire On The Mountain’ stays true to the narrative, and brings the historical tale to life. Men make their way west via horseback on the dirt paths, and the journey and their subsequent life on the claims – their labours and struggles, right down to their fun and relaxation – is shown in the clip. We won’t give you any spoilers, so be sure to watch the music video below, and lose yourself in the story, as well as the beautiful, yet treacherous scenery.
You can follow Bill Crews and the Crews Cartel online on their official website. Check out our interview with Bill Crews here.
