A tribute to Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, from the piano Prince of New Orleans, Davell Crawford

The emotion Aretha Franklin brought to a diverse group of signature tunes is evoked by Davell Crawford in his expressive piano playing

“Crawford keeps the listener wondering if there is anything he can't do musically.”
— Daily Vault

“To say that [Crawford’s] a fine piano player is a grave understatement. He’s genius.”
— Pop Shifter

“You could feel him thinking his way from song to song in easy-flowing unbroken glides, but you couldn’t see the seams since he played without any... pure delicious lyricism.”
— Nippertown.com

Album Credits

Gentle Soul - The Music of Aretha Franklin / Davell Crawford • STNS 30234

Release Date:11/1/2024

Recorded 2022 at Steinway Hall, New York City.

Producers: Davell Crawford & Jon Feidner

Engineers:  Joshua Frey, Lauren Sclafani, Melody Nieun Hwang

Mixing and Mastering: Daniel Shores

Executive Producers: Eric Feidner, Jon Feidner

Art Direction: Jackie Fugere

Design: Cover to Cover Design, Anilda Carrasquillo
Cover Painting: Itay Magen

Project Coordinator: Renée Oakford
Piano Technician:  John Veitch
Piano: Steinway Model D #607799 (New York) 

About the Artist

Davell Crawford, an all-around musical sensation, is one of the true wonders of the contemporary Crescent City music scene. Performing professionally since the age of seven, Davell has enjoyed a wild widely acclaimed career as an entertainer. He emerged as a teenage piano terror and began to unfold his incredible talent before the world. He has toured the world performing to sold out audiences and has been a committed advocate for the arts. While touring and recording he’s also taught in schools, given masters classes workshops about artistry, the importance of American Roots music – traditional jazz, gospel, funk and R&B.

Hailed as “The Prince of New Orleans,” Crawford has played extensively throughout the states and has toured many countries including Spain, Italy, France, Russia, Finland, Dominica, Brazil, Morocco, and Portugal among others. Cited as one of the few musicians committed to keeping the piano sounds of New Orleans alive, he stands as one of the most versatile and most documented young piano players in America today. He has kept true to the music while adding a little freshness and vitality.

About Steinway & Sons label

The STEINWAY & SONS music label produces exceptional albums of solo piano music across all genres. The label — a division of STEINWAY & SONS, maker of the world’s finest pianos — is a perfect vessel for producing the finest quality recordings by some of the most talented pianists in the world.