Bob Crawford

​
 

Bob Crawford was born in Long Beach California, and raised in the Bay Area with his 12 brothers and sisters.  Primarily self taught, he started playing in bands with his saxophone playing twin brother during their college years.  After graduating, Bob gained experience in various Bay Area ensembles, playing jazz, funk, Latin and Brazilian music. In 2001 he was offered the keyboard chair in Michael Franti’s band Spearhead.  Bob logged multiple tours throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan.  Bob also recorded on several of Spearhead’s albums and appeared on a number of international TV programs with the band.  Also with Spearhead, Bob found himself performing with a who’s who of international stars, including Tre Anastasio, Me’Shell NDegeOcello, Chuck D, Ani DiFranco, Jack Johnson, Robert Randolph, Woody Harrleson, Mixmaster Mike, as well as members of Ozomatli, Zap Mama, and Galactic.  
   Bob took a break from extensive touring to spend time with his family, and to pursue his own musical vision.  Now residing in the East Bay, Bob continues to perform and record with a variety of artists, including  Fito Reinoso y su Ritmo y Armonia,  Mazacote, Boca De Rio, Greg Errico (Sly and the Family Stone), Ray Obeido, Pete Escovedo, Lee Oskar (War), Lenny Williams  and Mic Gillette (Tower of Power), Pedrito Calvo (Los Van Van) Richard Bean (Malo), The New York Gypsy Allstars, as well as members of El Chicano, Santana, Tierra, Big Brother and the Holding Company,  and many more. 
   Recently, Bob has served as the musical director for the Latin Kings Allstar band, which features members from Tower of Power, Malo, and The Whispers.  He has worked with the fantastic Alayo Dance Company and the Stagebridge Theatre Group.  He has also worked for two years with the San Francisco Symphony’s “Adventures in Music” program,  bringing music to every public elementary school in San Francisco.   Bob also leads his own piano trio, and  is founding member of the latin jazz-funk band Machina Sol.