Jimmy Craven began his performing career lip-syncing to Elvis Presley songs while strumming a shovel, in neighborhood 'garage shows'. From there it was just a short trip to attaining a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Hartt School of Music. He graduated cum laude, and the faculty voted him Composer Of The Year. After that, he jumped right back into gigging: “I learned a lot at the conservatory, but popular music is where I live.”

Teachers include guitarist Art Ludemann, several notable piano professors at Hartt School, pianist Laurence Honan (who studied with a student of Franz Liszt!), and NYC jazz pianist Lou Stein.

Craven began gigging professionally at age 13, and became a full-time player at 24, launching a cabaret club act that toured throughout southern New England. This included a successful run as on-stage pianist/singer and assistant MD in a StageWest regional theater production of “Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”.

From there he became keyboardist, singer, music director, band leader and booking manager for the ‘J&B Band’ in western CT. This was a fulltime position for over 15 years, but the time came for greater challenges. Craven headed west in 2000, and was hired as a founding member of “The Unauthorized Rolling Stones” in San Francisco. In a multimedia theatrical tribute to ‘the world’s greatest rock n roll band’, he was “Keith” for a long run of shows throughout California and Reno/Tahoe area. This included performing on guitar, keyboards and vocals, as well as being music director of the band and vice president of the production company.

Has been a member or sideman in: ‘Off The Record’ (CA), ‘Soul Cats’ (MA), ‘The McMurphys’ (MA), ‘Tip Jar Blues Band’ (CA), ‘Juggerknot’ (MA), ‘Higher and Higher’ (CT), 'Big Eric Short & the Little Women' (MA), ‘Nobody’s Girl’ (CT). A capable entertainer as well as musician, Craven has played hundreds of bar and restaurant gigs as a solo performer in CT, MA, NY, and CA.

“I’ve been fortunate to back-up amazing singers” such as Gina Knight, Doriane Elliot, and Bobby Lindsay. Craven has recorded in dozens of studios including Radio City Music Hall in NYC, and has shared the stage with Dred Zeppelin, Roomful of Blues, The Coasters, Mary Travers, Lily Tomlin, and Vanilla Fudge.

A big fan of 80s pop and New Wave, he’s been featured in two 80s bands.

Craven has a home demo studio where he arranges, produces and co-writes with local singer/songwriters, and is often called to play on indie recordings. He’s also produced several successful radio spots, some running for several years.

Composing, programming, arranging and MD work have all given Craven a handle on the Big Picture: “The first question is, how can I fit into whatever else is happening  musically. It’s important to listen like a producer would.”

As a synthesist, programmer, and sound designer, Craven has extensive experience in MIDI production and live backing tracks. He served as Product Specialist at The Danbury Electronic Music Center, training others in the use of new technology.

He is well-versed in all kinds of pop, alternative, classic rock, country, and singer/songwriter styles, but also has a strong interest in electronica, new wave, ambient and post-rock.

Currently teaching piano and guitar at the Cape Cod Conservatory.

“Every time I hit the stage, I’m excited and grateful to be there!”

Resume available on request.