Richard Crafton and Ross Holtz are Artist/Musicians that have recorded several CD s that are available at CD Baby.com. In addition, they have created a line of Aromatic Products based on World Cultures since Antiquity. "Ross and I are greatly influenced by the music and art of OLD-WORLD customs. By listening to our music and trying our products we are inviting you into this world, we hope you enjoy yourselves!"
Richard Crafton,Ross Holtz,Matthew Crafton Laura Crafton,Mariko Crafton Dustin Crafton,Lanie Hurwitz and Famila,Leo McLaughlin,Nancy Stagnitta,Ian Hesfond,Jay Dulaney,Tony Defonte,Terry Battle,Ron Capp,Tom Parker,Terry Wolf,Abby Fisher,Deanna Nikaido,Marion Stanley,David Bolinger,Brian Silber,Nataska Hummingbird,Joe Conway,Tim Anderson,Stanford Lessans,TaraCariaso,Titina Krasnodemski Sarah Kendall,Erica Yates.and many more.
Ross Holtz is an artist/musician from Baltimore.
As an artist, his work includes oil and acrylic on canvas, linoleum prints and photographs. He also executes wall treatments in homes & retail venues, including faux marble, murals, and hand~applied finishes.
As a musician, he plays guitar and various percussion instruments, including Tabla, Udu and Congas.
His ten year association with Richard has produced numerous CDs and retail environments. Their "Top~to~Bottom" treatment in homes creates a total atmosphere encompassing rugs, texture, wall treatments and art.
Born an advahoot—an enlightened being—Hillbilly Guru entertainingly comments upon today’s politics as only a holy fool can. He is in the world, but not of it. Hillbilly Guru’s father is from the Appalachians and his mother is from the Himalayas. From his trailer high up in the Appalachian hills, Hillbilly Guru crafts songs which reflect a society dancing on the precipice. Hillbilly Guru plays the kind of music you can listen to on your way to the revolution.
Hillbilly Guru is an innocent; his songs are the truth told by an idiot savant. His birthright as an advahoot makes him incapable of intended malice or offense. He weaves compassion and humor even throughout his songs’ darkest explorations of the sacred and the profane.
From global warming through religious leaders to America’s involvement in the war in Iraq, Hillbilly Guru provocatively explores the territory between hope and despair that encapsulates the experience of living today. Taking on multi-national corporations, consumer culture and the isolation of the individual in am America in which shopping malls are the new temples, Hillbilly Guru thinks the unthinkable and says the unsayable.
Singer/songwriter Richard Crafton of Baltimore, Maryland wrote several songs embodying the spirit of Hillbilly Guru between 1999 and 2006. In the summer of 2007, Hillbilly Guru emerged in Crafton’s imagination as a fully developed character. A multi-talented singer, guitar player, and songwriter, Crafton’s oeuvres include danceable folk, blues and reggae. “I’m coming from so many places, if you listen to it, the influences are everything from Mozart to Marley.”
Although the earthy artistry and comic sensibility of Hillbilly Guru sparkle throughout Crafton’s songwriting, there’s a distinct sensibility in the Hillbilly Guru songs. “I’m just trying to heighten social awareness, and sometimes it takes an insult to do that. You finally have to use the right tool for the job. Hillbilly Guru insults people, that’s what he does.”
Hillbilly Guru’s songs are among the most frequently downloaded from Crafton’s site,
Hillbilly Guru is a musical messenger of the post-industrial age, who by virtue of his status of a fool can unselfconsciously proclaim, “But the emperor wears no clothes!” Perhaps the popularity of Hillbilly Guru comes from the fact that many music listeners wish they were just as outspoken.
The best way to explain and define myself is to express my deep gratitude to all the people who have given me their time and talent, the list is seemingly endless and I am humbled and honored to be with such great folks. Also want to thank my direct family.This life has taught me well.
Some of these CDs mention no musicians credits .Thats because Iam playing all the instruments.Drums,Bass,Guitar,harmonica,Piano,etc.If You like,I could make up strange names and put them in as credits. I dont want to embaress anyone who doesnt exist.If You feel its a good track,e-mail Me !I will tell everyone that You played it !!!