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She may only be 16-years-old, but newcomer Haley Crouch is a seasoned blues harmonica player who interjects a hint of classic rock into her mature repertoire. The youngster lives in the tiny but hard working town of Streator, IL and found he way to performing in her early youth when family friend David Musil taught her “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on harmonica. After learning the initial contours of the instrument, she was introduced by the same player to the music of Sonny Boy Williamson, with whom Crouch immediately fell head over heels. After memorizing his material inside and out (while playing alongside those songs), Crouch also dug deep into the catalogues of Junior Wells, Rod Piazza, plus Cephas and Wiggins (to name a few). By age 13, she was performing on major stages, such as Peoria’s Miller Lite Illinois Blues Fest (where she first met membersof the famed local band Cobalt Canopy). Soon enough, the hopeful entertainer and already established group joined forces, leading to a two year plus partnership. Another turning point came in 2006 during a performance at the area’s Winter Blues Fest, where Crouch competed against six other players in the “Harmonica Blowout Competition” (where she took first prize). The honor led to a 2006 Miller Lite Illinois Blues Fest gig opening up for headlining act Jimmy Burns. In current contexts, Crouch is performing regularly with blues rockers Rolings-Tones (featuring former Cobalt Canopy members Ron Roling and Bob Roling, plus Van Johnson and Bill Morrow). She also stays grounded spiritually by performing every Sunday night during mass at St. Mary’s church with the youth oriented group The Revelations, while also participating in Music For a Cure throughout the past two years. Yet all the seasonings have led to her personal project, wrapped around the banner Haley Crouch and the Comet Blues band. The group just wrapped up a CD with BMI Award Winning songwriter/producer Kevin Chalfant (of The Storm fame and a also writer for Cher amongst many other artists). Only time will tell what will come next in Crouch’s impressive career, but you can bet it will be loaded with a glorious blend of rock and blues that showcases a remarkably fresh talent. (click thumbnails for full size pic)
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