Verndon, VA - Cravin' Dogs began as a "gonzo-folk" trio in 1986. Founding members Caldwell Gray (guitar/vocals), Lisa Venable Gray (vocals) and Tom Helf (drums) crafted a sparse brand of rock and roll that used acoustic guitar, drums and harmony-driven vocals to create a unique blend of folk, rock, '80s new wave and bluegrass. Since then Cravin' Dogs has evolved into an all-original, eclectic, rootsy, rock/pop-outfit that has played over 1000 shows and released seven full-length albums, one EP and two compilation retrospectives.
The band features Caldwell Gray (acoustic guitar/keys/vocals), John Penovich (electric guitar), Barry Warsaw (bass guitar), Tom Helf (drums) and Todd Baker (electric violin).
If you want to know more about the band members, please meet the dogs.
Cravin' Dogs has shared the stage with such diverse national acts as Chuck Berry, NRBQ, Styx, The Dave Matthews Band, The Radiators, Cake, The Connells, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Hillbilly Funk All-Stars, Hobex, Beth Hart, Gillian Welsh, Peter Rowan, Eddie From Ohio and The Bottlerockets.
Discdography
The new album, “Will the Circle Be Housebroken: Rarities, B-Sides & Orts,” was produced by Caldwell Gray & John Penovich and features unreleased recordings that span the 20 year history of the band. Roadtrip, was produced by Caldwell Gray and lead guitarist John Penovich, and features stellar performances by bassist Barry Warsaw, drummer Sven Bridstrup and electric violinist Todd Baker.
Roadtrip included ten new tunes from the songwriting team of frontman Caldwell Gray and his North Carolina-based lyricist and brother, Stewart Gray. The album also includes a song by Oberlin, Ohio singer-songwriter Kevin Jones.
The album was mixed by Doug Derryberry. His studio production and performance credits include projects with Dave Matthews Band, Bruce Hornsby, Ben Folds, John Mayer and dozens of other national and regional acts.
Roadtrip features guest performances by several veteran musicians including JT Thomas on organ (Bruce Hornsby Band, Captain Beefheart, Tracy Chapman), Bobby Read on saxophone (Bruce Hornsby Band, Modereko), and Greg Readling on pedal steel and dobro guitars (Tift Merritt and the Carbines). The album also includes guest performances by outstanding DC-based musicians Michael Clem, Eddie Hartness and Robbie Schaefer (Eddie From Ohio), Chris Watling (The Grandsons), Helen Hausmann (American Song), George Hazelrigg and Mary Ann Redmond. Dave Iceman Bangs Bartlett (Some Kid Screaming) makes his dogs' debut. And, as usual, the record benefits tremendously from the contributions of old-school doghouse-dwellers Lisa Gray, Tom Helf and Doug Derryberry.
Roots Rock Paper Scissors was nominated for the Washington Area Music Association's "Best Roots Rock Album of the Year" and was named "Best Local Release of 2000" by Lou King of The Journal Newspapers. Upon its release Rolling Stone's David Wild noted, "Here's a veteran indie band with some major league charm. This is melodic roots rock -smart yet unpretentious with serious chops. Fans everywhere of well-plated, world-class rock - should definitely make it a point to hunt down these local Dogs. Proof positive good things do happen on our nation's capital. ***1/2."
Dingus marked the band's fourth collaboration with producers John Alagia and Doug Derryberry (Dave Matthews Band - Remember Two Things and Live at Red Rocks) and was released in 1996.
Cravin' Dogs fourth album, Live at the Black Cat, was nominated for a 1995 WAMMIE award.
El Camino, released in May of 1994, was described by Mike Joyce of The Washington Post as "a wide load of rootsy, impressionistic, surreal and delirious imaginings...In short, it makes for quite a ride."
Sputnik was released in 1993 and marked the Dogs' first studio encounter with the production team of John Alagia and Doug Derryberrry.
Cravin' Dogs was released in 1989 and was produced by Mark Greenhouse.
Cravin’ Dogs - 1616 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182 703.798. DOGS verndon@aol.com
