All Fun and Games
By Hila Bernstein
February 2005 - The guys in Craig don’t seem to take much
seriously, except music. In fact, they take their band very seriously
— spending 20 to 30 hours a week practicing, playing gigs and working
on their website.
The name Craig comes from the pseudonym that drummer Chris Conte used
for receiving telephone calls at an old job. It was coined by the same
friends that make up Craig — guitarists “Little Paul”
Courchaine and “Big Paul” Chase, and bassist Neall Russell.
These four friends formed Craig ten years ago when they were students
at Holy Name High School in Worcester and have been playing together ever
since.
Meet the band and it is obvious that these guys spend a whole lot of time
together. They rehearse two nights a week at Becker College and play gigs
weekly, including a Wednesday night residency at Tammany Club on Pleasant
Street in Worcester. Little Paul and Big Paul even live together, working
as musicians and music instructors.
Big Paul explains that playing every day and listening to each other are
requirements for the jam-rock style of music that his band plays. Craig
isn’t a band whose songs all sound the same. Their versatility enables
transitions from original funk tunes to covers by the likes of Johnny
Cash, Michael Jackson, The Talking Heads and Radiohead (just to name a
few).
The band has a number of dedicated F.O.C.s (Fans of Craig), so they try
to keep their shows fresh. Not only has the band written 20 originals
and learned over 30 covers, but there are jokes, contests and plenty of
opportunities for the audience to get involved. Plus, Craig’s members
are accomplished musicians and often improvise during live performances,
reworking their songs and covers.
“The same songs can go in a lot of different directions, sometimes
intentionally and sometimes unintentionally,”
Little Paul says.
The band emphasizes reaching out to their fans. Their website, Craig2000.com,
is one way for them to keep in touch. It is constantly updated with recorded
music from their most recent gig, pictures and information about upcoming
shows. Featured now is information about Craig’s show on February
17 at Tammany Hall, and they have some surprises in store that not even
a seasoned F.O.C. will be prepared for.
For more information about the band, check out Craig2000.com.
Craig wants to thank Toni “The Gouche”, Kim Trott, G.I. Joe,
Curtis, Erin and Justin from Tammany, J-Paig, Bridget, Worcester Tunes,
Duncan and Steve and Eric from the Lucky Dog for their invaluable help.
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