Steve Crawford & Spider MacKenzie from Aberdeen in Scotland make music that is at times rich in warm, candlelight intimacy and in others all burning hell fire and brimstone. Bold and eloquent songwriting, and delivery, often reminiscent of the classic ‘70s singer/songwriters, combines with acoustic guitar, wailing and weeping virtuoso harmonica and mellifluous vocals to complete this dynamic duo. As Germany’s WAZ newspaper simply put it, “Top class music from Scotland”.
To record their soon to be released (June 1st 2020) and long awaited second album ‘Celticana’, they relocated first to Nashville to rehearse in the city’s historic East Side, soaking up all the muse this musical heartland has to offer. From there they travelled on to Moon House Studios in Austin, Texas to work with veteran musician-producer and former Texan musician of the year Chris Gage. The result is music stylistically drenched in Americana set to lyrics that spin stories from the Scottish motherland.
The album was mastered by the five-time Grammy nominated Jerry Tubb, whose previous work includes albums by Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. In contrast to their stripped-back debut album ‘5am’, which features the duo alone in an almost live setting, Celticana benefits from Gage’s excellent contributions on piano, mandola, mandolin, guitar, Hammond organ and harmony vocals alongside the mighty Austin rhythm section of David Carroll on upright bass and drummer Kevin Hall
Since the release of their first album ‘5 am’ in 2008 to great reviews (Scotland’s biggest selling newspaper The Daily Record awarded it five stars) the duo have gigged extensively in Scotland and across mainland Europe, with their first gigs in the USA in 2018.
“Top class music from Scotland” WAZ newspaper – Germany
"A fresh and upbeat collection, just what we need at the moment" - BBC Radio NAN GAIDHEAL
"As good a combination of vocal, guitar and harmonica as you're likely to hear" - Folking.com
"I just listened to "Celticana" with Spider MacKenzie and Steve Crawford. The CD is full of great songs, great vocals and Spider's harmonica is a high spot. Put an ear on this one. You'll be glad you did" - Charlie McCoy most recorded harmonica player in history, Grammy-winning, Country Music Hall of Fame legend.
“Spider Mackenzie’s harmonica emotes the feelings that emerge from the lyrics and music of Steve Crawford. Together, the Scottish pair has introduced a version of Americana music that raises the bar for everyone.” - Texas Lifestyle Magazine
“It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a guitar and harmonica combo this good” - Fatea Magazine
“Powerful alt-country and blues arrangements from a singer with a voice with 'open-road 'Americana' written all over it” - The Daily Record
“Confident in every different style they play they serve an enticing mix of country and jazz to their enchanted audience – bluesy, funky, humorous and presented most virtuously” - WAZ newspaper – Germany
"Lovely acoustic country and blues tinged harp behind the great vocals of guitarist Steve Crawford, It is what the harp was made for" - Harmonica World
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Schützenverein Klosterlechfeld, Franziskanerplatz 6, Klosterlechfeld
Steve and Spider will be joined by special guest Johannes Epremian, the hugely talented multi-instrumentalist known through his work with bands such as Le Clou and Austin, Epremian, Weller.
Eintritt 18,- € im VVK (22,- € AK) Schüler/ Studenten 12,- € im VVK (16,- € AK)
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Steve & Spider return to Germany! Featuring singer and multi-instrumentalist Johannes Epremian, known in Germany through his work with bands such as Le Clou and Austin, Epremian, Weller.
Two of Aberdeen and the UK’s finest musicians Steve Crawford & Spider MacKenzie are delighted to be back at the Blue Lamp. In 2019 the pair relocated first to Nashville to rehearse in the city’s historic East Side, soaking up all the muse this musical heartland has to offer. From there they travelled on to Moon House Studios in Austin, Texas to work with veteran musician-producer and former Texan musician of the year Chris Gage. The result is music stylistically drenched in Americana set to lyrics that spin stories from their Scottish motherland. The result was their long awaited second album “Celticana”. It was released in June 2020 to critical acclaim from press and radio.
On Sunday 24th October the duo will perform songs from “Celticana” along with many other old favourites. This show was originally planned for 2020 but circumstances prevented them.
Since this concert which falls on a Sunday evening, it will have a relatively early start time.
Doors open at 6pm and the show will start at 7pm.
Tickets are available from
“Top class music from Scotland” WAZ newspaper – Germany
"A fresh and upbeat collection, just what we need at the moment" - BBC Radio NAN GAIDHEAL
"As good a combination of vocal, guitar and harmonica as you're likely to hear" - Folking.com
"I just listened to "Celticana" with Spider MacKenzie and Steve Crawford. The CD is full of great songs, great vocals and Spider's harmonica is a high spot. Put an ear on this one. You'll be glad you did" - Charlie McCoy most recorded harmonica player in history, Grammy-winning, Country Music Hall of Fame legend.
“Spider Mackenzie’s harmonica emotes the feelings that emerge from the lyrics and music of Steve Crawford. Together, the Scottish pair has introduced a version of Americana music that raises the bar for everyone.” - Texas Lifestyle Magazine
“It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a guitar and harmonica combo this good” - Fatea Magazine
“Powerful alt-country and blues arrangements from a singer with a voice with 'open-road 'Americana' written all over it” - The Daily Record
“Confident in every different style they play they serve an enticing mix of country and jazz to their enchanted audience – bluesy, funky, humorous and presented most virtuously” - WAZ newspaper – Germany
Steve & Spider return to Villa-Erckens. They will play two 1 hour shows, one at 18.00 and one at 20.00 both limited to 20 guests and following all corona-related saftey measures. Please book tickets in advance
Steve & Spider return to Villa-Erckens. They will play two 1 hour shows, one at 18.00 and one at 20.00 both limited to 20 guests and following all corona-related saftey measures. Please book tickets in advance
Steve & Spider perform in the intimate setting of Bookstore Albert Schmid More details to follow
Our new album release show has sadly been postponed
Steve and Spider play a house concert at Journey's End, Alford
We are delighted to announce a great opportunity shake away any post Festive blues. Steve & Spider are playing on Friday 5th of January at The Blue Lamp in Aberdeen. Door open at 8pm and we will be onstage at 8.30pm.
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Villa Erckens - Museum der Niederrheinischen Seele, Am Stadtpark, 41515 Grevenbroich
Steve and Spider return to Deutschland! Further details about the venue here: http://www.museum-villa-erckens.de/index.php
+49 2181 608656
This is our only concert at The Blue Lamp in 2016 and we cant wait to catch up with friends and play our music for you. Tickets will be for sale on the night at the door. Priced £10.00
We are playing as part of Aberdeen, Jazz Festival at Cafe Drummond on Belmont Street, Aberdeen. We start playing around 2pm however from 1pm there will be music from the great blues guitarist Sandy Tweedale & Chris Agnew on bass. Hope to see you there. More info on the Jazz Festival can be found here http://www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com/a