Craig Alston doing promotinonal spot for the 2007 Baltimore Heritage Arts Show's "Jazz Soire"
Craig Alston is a multi-instrumentalist from Baltimore who is best known as the saxophonist for Fertile Ground. However, Craig is also very busy leading the Eubie Blake Legacy Band and performing under his own name.
Early in his career, Craig studied Music Education at Morgan Sate University. During his tenure at Morgan State Craig's focus switched from being an educator to a performer. It was then that Craig turned his energy to perfecting his craft to be a world class jazz musician.
After leaving college and performing with both national and local artist Craig joined the cult group Fertile Ground. Craig fell right into place with the group who's sound was influenced by Gil Scott-Heron, Marvin Gaye, and the early work of Jon Lucien.
As a member of Fertile Ground Craig has traveled to the United Kingdome (UK), Japan, Belgium, France, Croatia, Austria, and elsewhere sharing it's unique blend of jazz,soul and world music. The broad exposure has allowed him to learn and grow from the various musicians and styles encountered.
Craig has never forgotten his roots in education and is the instrumental music teacher /musical Director for the Maryland summer center gifted and talented music program. His goal is to eventually finish his education degree and open a music school in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Previously Craig Alston has done work with David Murray, Oliver Lake, John Hicks, Julie Dexter, the Basement boys, Dj Spen, and Lafayette Gilchrest, Deborah Bond, and a host of others. However, the demand for Craig Alston to perform under his own name has greatly increased. This has led Craig to experiment with various size groups that range from the Craig Alston Trio to the Craig Alston Octet in order to find his true voice.
In December 2006 Craig joined Genese Music and Entertainment as Senior Consultant for its Obia Soul label. His experience and guidance has been embraced and absorbed by the entire Obia Soul family. As with his previous body of work, Craig touch and fell will be heard on the upcoming Obia Soul releases.
Currently, Craig is completing the finishing touches on his first release which is going to represent his continuing musical journey. This expected release date for Craig Alston Projection is June 2007.
Tags: Craig Alston Fertile Ground Euibe Blake Genese Music Entertainment Pierre Noire Jazz neo soul Black Heritage Art
