BAND BIO
An electrifying instrumental rock fusion group, CRAZY SWEDES original compositions feature jaw-dropping improvisation combined with an amalgam of jazz, funk and rock set against a solid groove. CRAZY SWEDES is a mainly instrumental group that falls somewhere between the worlds of the jazz fusion era of the 70s/80s and the jam band scene of today. Expect the unexpected, from from full on shred to eclectic vocal covers. Where else might you hear Weather Report and Led Zeppelin? CRAZY SWEDES members have shared the stage with numerous acts including Brand X, ELP’s Carl Palmer, Joshua Redwood, Fates Warning, Kenwood Dennard, Clay People, Haken, and American Idol’s Madison VanDenburg. Their new self-titled debut release was co-produced by Grammy Winning engineer Chris Theis and is currently available at most major music outlets. CRAZY SWEDES line-up features: guitarist Will Severin, keyboardist Rob Lindquist, bassist Eric Schwanke, and drummer George Snyder.
An electrifying instrumental rock fusion group, CRAZY SWEDES original compositions feature jaw-dropping improvisation combined with an amalgam of jazz, funk and rock set against a solid groove. CRAZY SWEDES is a mainly instrumental group that falls somewhere between the worlds of the jazz fusion era of the 70s/80s and the jam band scene of today. Expect the unexpected, from from full on shred to eclectic vocal covers. Where else might you hear Weather Report and Led Zeppelin? CRAZY SWEDES members have shared the stage with numerous acts including Brand X, ELP’s Carl Palmer, Joshua Redwood, Fates Warning, Kenwood Dennard, Clay People, Haken, and American Idol’s Madison VanDenburg. Their new self-titled debut release was co-produced by Grammy Winning engineer Chris Theis and is currently available at most major music outlets. CRAZY SWEDES line-up features: guitarist Will Severin, keyboardist Rob Lindquist, bassist Eric Schwanke, and drummer George Snyder.
DEBUT RELEASE AVAILABLE NOW
PRESS
"Brilliant progressive fusion...masterfully crafted jazz-rock that is rooted in the sounds of the early pioneers of jazz fusion. This is the good stuff, with a superb mix of dazzling virtuosity, creative jamming, and engaging melodic work."
- Angel Romero, Progressive Rock Central
"To say nothing short of how much this record blew me away would be remiss. From the soaring leads of Will Severin on guitar, and Rob Lindquist on keyboards, to the never-failing-to-be solid rhythm section of Eric Schwanke on bass, and George Snyder on drums, this album was a damned panoply of musical virtuosity bolstered extremely well by thoughtful song arrangements."
- Lucas Garret, Nippertown
"Totally blown away…just fantastic playing. If you’re into this style of music you're not going to want to miss this album. Bravo on the release!”
- Scott Medina, Sonic Perspectives
"Amazing, mind blowing songs that have been put together. Beautifully done. Everything has come together, rock, fusion, you have a bit of jazz and a slight bit of psychedelia. I totally enjoyed each and every track on the album.”
- Keith Clement, Metalheads Forever
"...this new release is an exciting platter of fusion. Severin leads the way with his fluid, melodic solos, sprinkling them about on the vibrant opener "Key Lime" and "Flight #4" alongside tricky rhythms and layers of keys. "Dark Matters" is nicely atmospheric, while the moody "Big Trouble" brings to mind the great Tribal Tech, Lindquist and Severin trading off solo is stunning fashion. "Mr. V" is more of a smooth jazz piece, and the more funky "What's On Tap" features guest trumpet player Dylan Canterbury, a song also notable for some terrific electric piano and tremendous grooves. Severin again burns on the sweeping "Wavelength" (man, does this guy have a killer tone!), the band dip back into some funky fusion on "It's Now or Never", and the glorious "Southern Fried" is like a wild mix of The Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple, and Joe Satriani, guitars and Hammond organ flying all over the place. For fusion fans, this is a must hear!"
- Pete Pardo, Sea of Tranquility
“I’m definitely into it. I love the blending of different genres. Thanks for giving us the great music."
- Pipeman Radio
“I love this album. A lot of ear candy. If you are into instrumental prog and a little bit of jazz and rock, this is the album for you."
- Justin Smulison, Jace Media UK
“Crazy Swedes channels Allan Holdsworth on “Key Lime.” Now our fingers hurt. Thanks.”
- Greg Kennelty, Metal Injection
“It’s a great album to get lost in. I’m really excited for people to hear this. It’s an awesome album.”
- Alex Haber, Heavy New York
"You really want to save those crazy Swedes?"
Will Severin - Guitar
Classically trained, Will is proficient in a variety of musical genres and is equally at home in the studio and the concert stage. He has played in Broadway orchestra pits and shared the stage with Haken, Thank You Scientist, Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy, Brand X, The Fringe, and many more. He served as lead vocalist/songwriter/co-producer for prog metal act Infinite Spectrum’s celebrated releases Misguided and Haunter of the Dark. As front man, Will toured the U.S. with Infinite Spectrum as support act for prog metal legends Fates Warning. He has also served as guitarist and music director for American Idol’s Madison VanDenburg. Will’s songwriting, production and vocals have earned accolades from outlets from PROG to Metal Underground and print magazines such as Rock N Roll Industries (“completely captivating”) and Outburn (“9 out of 10”). An Emmy Nominated composer, Will also writes music for film, television, theatre and the web. He has composed for numerous original stage productions and co-composed the score for the award-winning A Tale of Cinderella with Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee George David Weiss ("What A Wonderful World," "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You"). Will's record production credits include projects for Warner Music, Atlantic Records and various indie labels. 
George Snyder - Drums
George studied at Berklee College of Music and is adept at a variety of musical styles. He has played with multiple groups in the states including Cliff Morrison & The Lizard Son Band (featuring son of The Doors’ Jim Morrison), Rattail Jimmy and many others. He has done multiple European tours with the U.S. band Itis in addition to session work for numerous artists. |
Rob Lindquist - Keyboards
Rob attended SCCC and SUNY Potsdam for Music Education/Performance and obtained a Masters in Jazz Studies at The College of St. Rose. He is trained in both classical and jazz piano and has appeared in performance with Kenwood Dennard, Othello Molineaux, Walter White, Chuck D'Aloia, Jeff Seigel, Dave Calarco, John Menegon, Scott Wendholt, Harry Allen, Dick Oatts and Brett Zvacek. Rob has won several awards while playing at the "Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival" in 1999 from Benny Green and Chuck Israels. He has performed professionally since he was fifteen in upstate NY and also in Boston, NYC, and N.J playing many styles including jazz, rock, theater, funk, soul, R&B and classical/chamber music. Notably, in 2006, his jazz/funk/fusion project group, New Regime put out its debut CD “From Scratch” on Narrow Path Records. In 2007, he performed with his group New Regime( funk/fusion/jazz) at the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival (Albany, NY), where they opened for the internationally renowned headliner, Joshua Redman. 
Eric Schwanke - Bass
Eric has performed with numerous musical acts including original rock act THICK, Clay People and Dashboard Anthem. He also served as bass player for Alice In Chains tribute act Sludge Factory alongside drummer Jason Bittner (Overkill). |
MUSIC
VIDEO
"Key Lime" - CRAZY SWEDES (Official Album Video)
"What's on Tap" - CRAZY SWEDES (Official Album Video)
"The Chicken" - CRAZY SWEDES (live at parish public house)
"DARK MATTERS" - CRAZY SWEDES (live at the Knitting factory)