Spanner are Jonathan Crayford on electric bass with a universe of effect pedals and Ross Burge on drums. The pair form a dynamically interactive punk jazz grungy hard belting-it-out free form indie type vibe engine of force. The music is improvised yet sounds strangely composed as they operate within very simple song forms which are often exploded apart as they explore the extremes of musical possibilities found within the song. Having just completed a successful residency at Auckland’s Golden Dawn - Tavern of Power which saw them joined by special guests Sean Donnelly (of SJD), Julia Deans and Mara TK, Spanner will be playing their first Wellington show at Moon 1.
Jonathan Crayford more often heard on piano is one of NZ’s most inventive musicians. In New York/Europe he has worked with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Groove Collective, David Murray, Mambo Macoco, Macy Gray, Amp Fiddler, Tony Allen and many others. In NZ you may have been lucky enough to see him perform with Trinity Roots, Cornerstone Roots, Olmecha Supreme or one or more of his many groups. His recent release on Rattle titled ‘Dark Light’ featuring Ben Street and Dan Weiss won great critical acclaim and its follow up entitled ‘East West Moon’ also on Rattle is due for release in June.
Ross Burge – a stalwart backbone of music since the 80’s has worked with Sharon O'Neill, Jon Stevens, The Scouts, Two Armed Men (with Wayne Mason and Jonathan Crayford), Spines, Sneaky Feelings, The Happ'ng Thang (Australia), The Mutton Birds, Bic Runga, Rick Bryant, Windy City Strugglers, Tim Finn, The Finn Brothers, Dave Dobbyn and Anika Moa. He is yet to find middle C.
