Craig Klein

Biography

Craig Klein is a New Orleans-born trombonist whose musical journey is deeply rooted in the city's rich cultural heritage. Growing up in New Orleans, Klein was immersed in a diverse array of music from an early age, with his love for the city's sound solidified during his teenage years while frequenting Preservation Hall and the French Quarter. He began playing trombone in the third grade and quickly became involved in local music scenes, joining the Pair-A-Dice Tumblers as a young musician and later co-founding two prominent brass bands: The Storyville Stompers (1981) and The New Orleans NightCrawlers (1994). Klein's career took a major leap in 1990 when he joined Harry Connick, Jr.'s band, embarking on a 16-year tenure that included extensive world tours and recordings. In 2006, he left Connick's band to focus on Bonerama, a trombone-driven ensemble that blended New Orleans brass traditions with contemporary influences. Klein is known for his versatility, adaptability, and commitment to the spirit of New Orleans music, performing across genres and collaborating with a wide range of artists. His legacy includes a vast discography, Grammy-winning work, and a dedication to preserving and mentoring the next generation of New Orleans musicians.

Fun Facts

• Craig Klein's inspiration for Bonerama came after hearing a Latin/Salsa band with five trombones at The Village Gate in New York City.
• He played a key role in the Arabi Wrecking Krewe, helping musicians and culture bearers rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina.
• Craig has recorded on over 150 albums, including his solo debut 'New Orleans Trombonisms' (2004).
• He is also a skilled tuba player and has performed with multiple bands on both instruments.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gerry Dallmann - Craig's uncle and early musical mentor, who introduced him to brass band music and invited him to play with the Pair-A-Dice Tumblers (Pair-A-Dice Tumblers, Storyville Stompers) [1980s]
• Lucien Barbarin - Fellow trombonist and friend who recommended Craig for the Harry Connick, Jr. gig and influenced his early career (Harry Connick, Jr. band, Preservation Hall) [1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Harry Connick, Jr. - Longtime band member and touring trombonist (Multiple recordings and world tours) [1990–2006]
• Mark Mullins - Co-founder of Bonerama and frequent collaborator (Bonerama) [2006–2021]
• Matt Perrine - Co-founder of The New Orleans NightCrawlers (New Orleans NightCrawlers) [1994–present]
• Dr. John - Session musician and live performer (Multiple recordings) [1990s–2000s]
• The Neville Brothers - Session musician and live performer (Multiple recordings) [1990s–2000s]
• Preservation Hall - Regular performer and member of the Preservation Hall Musical Collective (Live performances, recordings) [2000s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging New Orleans trombonists - Craig has served as a mentor and educator, influencing younger musicians through workshops and performances (Educational clinics, mentorship) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Blues for Ben (All Kooked Out!)
2. Lady Be Good (New Orleans Trombonisms)
3. Farther Along - Piano (Winter's Bone Soundtrack)
4. Brass Happy (Live) (The Eddie Gale Collaborative Live in New Orleans)
5. JoAnn - feat. Michael Cerveris & Craig Klein (Nine Lives - a Musical Story of New Orleans (The Complete Set))
6. I'm so Happy (Live) (The Eddie Gale Collaborative Live in New Orleans)
7. Shake Your Rugalator (New Orleans Trombonisms)
8. Marie Laveau (New Orleans Trombonisms)
9. Home (feat. Craig Klein and Shamarr Allen) - Live and Unreleased (Vieux Carré (The French Quarter) - Sounds of New Orleans)
10. Christmas On My Mind - Craig Klein (A Very Threadhead Holiday)

External Links

• Spotify