[tweetmeme] [fbshare type=”button”] Cody Beebe and the Crooks are a 6-piece, progressive Americana band from Seattle, WA. Formed in February of 2009, the group combines Beebe’s aggressively percussive acoustic guitar style and the diverse musical experience of a strikingly creative and cultured band. Cody Beebe and the Crooks blend rock, blues, and country with an artistic integrity that is intriguing and unforgettable.
Cody Beebe of Selah, Washington began his singer/songwriter career in 2004 when his song Remember My Name received honorable mention in the VH1 Save the Music Foundation songwriting contest. Also, Beebe won first prize in the 2005 Washington State University Acoustic Battle of the Bands, and, in 2007, his songs were featured on the syndicated Fox television show, Jackson Horn. He has released two solo albums, Verbs(2006) and Much of Anything EP(2008).
In 2007, Beebe and his childhood friend, Ty Paxton of Selah, WA, started playing small gigs as an acoustic duet. Paxton’s multi-talented and multi-instrumental approach to music expanded Beebe’s sound to new levels. The duet became a trio when yet another friend and Selah, WA native Joe Catron added his vivacious hand drumming and percussion. Guitarist Greg Floyd of Marysville, WA began playing with the group in 2008, rounding out the soulfully organic quartet.
After graduating from Washington State University and moving from Pullman, Washington to Seattle in 2009 in hopes of getting more exposure, Beebe began seeking a bigger sound. Former collaborating drummer Chris Green of Federal Way, WA was enlisted to help fill the need. Likewise, two of Floyd’s former band mates, guitarist-turned-bassist Eric Miller of Lynnwood, WA, and pianist Aaron Myers of Big Sandy, MT came on-board to complete The Crooks. After guitarist Greg Floyd left the band in July 2011, the group chose to continue as a 6-piece act.
Their first collective offering, Friends of the Old Mill, was recorded at Seattle’s London Bridge Studio in 2010 with legendary producer and engineer Jonathan Plum (Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Blind Melon, Candlebox, Queensryche). The band’s philosophy in recording the album was to convey the dynamic energy of their live performances and maintain a stylish, polished sound. Tracked live to analog tape and mixed on London Bridge Studio’s vintage analog console, Friends of the Old Mill is an excellent display of the band’s timeless, honest approach to writing, recording, and performing their music.
Cody Beebe and the Crooks have performed with acts including: Josh Turner, Jason Reeves, Rooney, Afroman, Ari Hest, Carey Judd, The Drew Davis Band, This Providence, Tonic, and Handful of Lovin.
