by Andy J Gordon
Grammy award-winning guitarist Eric “Kraz” Krasno and Grammy award-winning drummer Stanton Moore joined forces to record an album that was released on March 17, 2023. Their debut Krasno Moore Project tour celebrates Book of Queens and the final stop brought them to the Knitting Factory in North Hollywood on April 8 where a packed house of devoted fans gave them a warm welcome.
Kraz is best known for his stellar guitar work, song writing and production. As a founding member of Soulive, Lettuce and his solo work, plus occasional collaborations with Tedeschi Trucks Band, Kraz is a recognizable force on the scene. Moore is the prolific drummer with Galactic, Garage A Trois and Stanton Moore Trio. Their long-term friendship and occasional New Orleans Jazz Fest collaborations got them thinking about launching a new project together. With keyboard/organ master Eric Finland (Jaimoes Jasssz Band, Joe Louis Walker) joining in, the new trio brainstormed ideas and came up with the concept of reinterpreting songs by female musicians that they (and their respective wives) love and enjoy.
Their show at Knitting Factory included several of the tracks from the new album plus select songs from each artist’s catalog, along with additional classic covers. Most of the songs were instrumentals, but Kraz also provided soulful vocals. His guitar playing is a rare combination of technical precision and poignant emotion. He seamlessly switched between rhythm and lead throughout the show, expertly playing off the beats laid down by Moore and Finland’s organ explorations. Moore’s unbridled kinetic energy behind the kit was mesmerizing. His seemingly effortless, in the pocket playing set the tone for the night’s fusion of jazz, soul, and blues.
They launched into the new tracks early in the set with Amy Winehouse’s iconic, bluesy “You Know I’m No Good.” Billy Eilish’s “Lost Cause” sizzled and Kacey Musgraves’ “Slow Burn” was a moody, instrumental interpretation that included a nice sit in by James VIII on guitar. He helped out on a few other songs including the Kraz penned show closer, “Unconditional Love.” Just before that song, the band got the biggest audience response of the night when Kraz encouraged them to sing along for their instrumental interpretation of Carol King/Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
Other highlights included the Soulive version of the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” with Kraz’s guitar delivering the iconic melody. The band also did a medley of Soulive, Galactic and Meters tunes, paying homage to both Kraz’s and Moore’s musical roots. Their version of The Allman Brothers Band’s “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” was breathtaking as Kraz and Finland took turns playing elaborate solos while Moore held down the memorable beat. Moore’s solo at the end of the song showed off his impeccable skill, speed work and timing.
This new partnership showcases the amazing talent of the musicians and could go in multiple directions in the future. However, their other primary band responsibilities may make it difficult for them to spend much time on this project. We hope they find a way to put out more music and tour together, but for now, their only remaining live show is scheduled for May 6 at The Blue Nile in New Orleans during Jazz Fest.
Setlist (provided by tour manager)
Big Brother
You Know I’m No Good
Nobody’s Baby
Lost Cause
Pot Licker
Eleanor Rigby
Soulactic Meters Medley
That’s What Love Will Make You Do
Leave Me Alone
Slow Burn
76
Carried Away
In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Unconditional Love
Photos courtesy of Andy J Gordon ©2022
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