Blair Crimmins and The Hookers "It Don't Have To Rain" during a Rainy 2013 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

One of the coolest acts we stumbled upon at the 2013 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion was Blair Crimmins and The Hookers, an old-time jazz outfit based out of Atlanta, Georgia. In fact, Crimmins is so beloved in the Atlanta area, he was just named Best Songwriter by Creative Loafing, this after being voted onto the same outlet's Lustiest list. So what makes Crimmins and the Hookers this popular? Could it be that the 1920's ragtime, blues, and jazz are timeless, particularly when given a little rockn' edge?  Could it be that people are tiring of simple pop melodies? Or could it be that Crimmins and the Hookers are extremely entertaining. Probably all of the above.

For me, what makes their music more impressive is that, as the award above suggests, is all original music - just wrapped in an old time theme. Crimmins can concoct some clever lyrics indeed - "Cause it don’t have to rain to be a rainy day" - "Talking off each others heads while I’m just sitting here stuck in mine" - or the entire Roll Over Bessie.  This is good stuff so check out their newly released CD Sing-a-Longs or our four, rather poorly shot, videos from BRR. Here's their song, "It Don't Have To Rain" in the midst of a rainy afternoon in Bristol. Cheers.