Krisanne Crowell and Solarcity

Krisanne Crowell is known for her instant appeal and slick horn arrangements. Her new project: Solarocity sound combines the energy of Brian Setzer, a touch of Steely Dan and shades of Diana Krall.  Crowell has been a mainstay on the Halifax blues and jazz scene since she co-founded the popular R&B band, The Floorboards in 1986. As tenor sax player in 8 piece jump blues group, The Mike Oliver Band, she developed her love of arranging for the trumpet/sax/trombone. Crowell furthered her musical career studying jazz piano performance & arranging at Humber College, Toronto. There she had the good fortune to study with Pat LaBarbera on tenor, George McFetridge on piano and arranging greats Ron Collier & Dave Stillwell.

Upon her completion of her jazz diploma at Humber, she returned to Halifax to continue club and special event work with The Floorboards, winning an ECMA in 1991. She added a Bachelor of Education Degree to her Physical Education Degree at Dalhousie University and taught music in the school system for 6 years. Kris landed a full time position as piano/sax player, in addition to performing as a featured vocalist.

While she freelances on piano and sax for numerous groups, her main contributions have been tenor sax and arrangements with The Mike Oliver Band; sax and vocals with 3 piece jazz vocal harmony group, The Tritones; sax, piano and vocals with The Groove Gurus, sax, arrangements and vocals for special events featuring Ladies In Blue, and Love For Sale projects. She performs regularly with the David James Orchestra and the Jazz Hoods, as well as heading her own jazz/funk/latin inspired band, Krisanne Crowell and The Sunshine Men, in which she performs original tunes and arrangements.