Bob Crawford

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Bob Crawford was born in Long Beach California, and raised in the Bay Area with his 12 brothers and sisters.  He started playing in bands with his saxophone playing twin brother during their college years.  After graduating, Bob gained experience in various Bay Area ensembles, playing jazz, funk, Latin and Brazilian music.  In 2001 he was offered the keyboard chair in Michael Franti’s band Spearhead.  Bob logged multiple tours throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan.  Bob also recorded on several of Spearhead’s albums and appeared on a number of international TV programs with the band.  Also with Spearhead, Bob found himself performing with a who’s who of international stars (who had a habit of sitting in with the band), including Tre Anastasio, Chuck D,  Ani DiFranco, Jack Johnson, Robert Randolph, Woody Harrleson,  as well as members of Ozomatli, Zap Mama, and Galactic.  
  Bob took time off from extensive touring to spend time with his family, and to pursue his own musical vision.  Now residing in the East Bay, Bob continues to perform and record with a variety of artists.   He's performed and /or recorded with  Pete Escovedo, John Santos, Sheila E., Taj Mahal, Ray Obeido, Fito Reinoso y su Ritmo y Armonia,  Mazacote, Los Angelitos, Wild Mango, Boca De Rio, Greg Errico (Sly and the Family Stone), Lee Oskar (War), Lenny Williams  and Mic Gillette (Tower of Power), Pedrito Calvo and Yeni Valdes(Los Van Van) Richard Bean (Malo), Jorge Santana, The New York Gypsy Allstars, as well as members of El Chicano, Santana, Tierra, Big Brother and the Holding Company,  and many more. 
  Bob has served as the musical director for the Latin Kings All Star band, which features members from Tower of Power, Malo, and The Whispers.  He has worked with the Alayo Dance Company and the Stagebridge Theatre Group.  He has also worked for two years with the San Francisco Symphony’s “Adventures in Music” program,  bringing music to every public elementary school in San Francisco.   He teaches jazz ensembles and piano at Marin Country Day School and EPACenter in East Palo Alto.  Bob also leads his own piano trio, and  is founding member of the Latin jazz-funk band Machina Sol.