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. . . play dynamic, accessible music to suit sophisticated tastes. We take great tunes, add a touch of New Orleans, a pinch of jazz, a hint of world-beat, and ground it all in solid alt-rock sensibility.
. . . write the best new music in Annapolis and take a fresh look at songs by everyone from Johnny Mercer to David Byrne.
. . . is a six-piece band making essential music with piano, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass and drums. Two, three, and four-part vocal harmony is our signature sound.
Kings of Crownsville - Reviews
"Homegrown Americana boogie blues and big band rockin' swing jazz is a chunky description of the Kings. The 6-piece band blends guitar, bass, drums, piano, trumpet, trombone, and vocal harmony. The result: a robust, polished sound that makes for easy toe-tapping and dancing. The secret is out: their monthly gigs at the intimate Italian restaurant, Café Mezzonote, are not to be missed."
Stephen Perraud, The Live Wire, June 2011
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"Even buckets of rain couldn't stop a captivated audience from hailing the Kings of Crownsville."
"The band, which was founded six years ago, plays original music that cuts across a wide range of genres. Think New Orleans-tinged jazz mixed with rock, blues, folk and country performed with tight vocal harmonies and instrumentation that speaks to the experience of the musical veterans."
"Among those taking in the concert was Kosmas (Tommie) Koukoulis, who co-owns Cafe Mezzanotte. He's a big fan of the group, which plays his venue monthly. The Kings, for their part, enjoy performing there, even though the stage area doesn't leave much extra room once they move in all their equipment."
"I love these guys," said Koukoulis. "They've got a hip sound; their own blend of rock and blues."
". . . sweltering mélange of jazz, blues, and even country." ". . . music as good as this can leave some speechless."
"The Kings of Crownsville line up behind their eloquent songwriting with guitar, trombone, piano, bass, percussion and some sultry harmonic vocals. Over the years they have developed a sound that can take you from the streets of New Orleans out onto old Route 66. Picking up influences from nearly every page of the American songbook, you"ll want to hear these guys on your sound system as you drive to Anywhere, U.S.A. No kidding, these guys are a great night out."
"The Kings of Crownsville were a hit at The Mainstay. This is no small accomplishment in a hall which has hosted some of the famed national acts, especially in jazz . . . Preservation Hall, The Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band, Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Warren Vache . . . and the list goes on.
The Kings combine a kind of freewheeling swing with touches of a New Orleans band . . . and the added touch of wonderfully tight arranging. With just two horns they manage to sound like a full line.
An added asset to this fine group is the work of singer songwriter, Steve Johnson. Often original songs are the weakest part of an act, but Kings feature his songs and they are solid musically with lyrics that will make you laugh sometimes, and sometimes just quietly think.
Altogether, an excellent show. And add to this that they are a nice group of guys."
Tom McHugh, Director, The Mainstay
. . ."home of musical magic" . . .
"To dance or to listen, that is the question surrounding The Kings of Crownsville, a 6 piece musical surprise! Fascinating original music and lyrics and excellent choices of covers sprinkled throughout the evening . . . former New Orleans resident lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Steve Johnson, offers a straight ahead husky, blues voice full of energy. The Kings play driving blues, jazz, pop and rock and then switch to the perfect use of the lilting reggae beat. The rhythms are right for the dance and the musical antics and twists are cause to pause, watch and listen. Fun and delightful, the on-stage persona of this group is almost humble. The tasteful uses of percussion instruments are just right . . . driving drums yet subtle and in balance. Vocal harmonies, well blended and appropriately placed within the songs, provide a really fun surprise. The Kings horns range from an intense brass blast to tasteful close harmonies giving songs a certain unexpected flair. The group is underpinned by the smooth, agile, highly creative bass guitarist using multiple techniques from slappin' to walkin' and beyond, as well as the talented pianist whose musical ideas flow through his fingers without stopping. I loved this group! They are a must to hear!!! Mostly playing over the Bay Bridge, we hope they will return soon to play in Chestertown."
Barbara Ferris, Entertainment Booking Manager - Retired
Lulu's Bar Chestertown, MD
"You guys sound like Louis Armstrong meets Steely Dan."
Tom Boddorff, friend and fan from Annapolis, MD
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