Feb. 13, 1997

It's not too often these days that a press kit from a musician includes a 45 RPM vinyl disc. But after listening to a few songs from '90's rockabilly artist Dave Crimmen, it's clear why he added this anachronistic touch to his presentation. His tunes recall the days of hi-fi record players and jitterbugs.

Belmont resident Crimmen, who will host a CD release party for his new single, "Let It Rock," at 9 p.m. Friday at Burlingame's Route 66, has been rockabillying the Bar Area bar and club scene for years. He's often touted as today's Elvis, Little Richard or Johnny Cash. The similarities to The King are perhaps most apparent, extending not only to Crimmen's music but his appearance. He sports the Elvis-like dark hair, the sideburns, the turned-up collar. He's a daunting 6 feet 4 inches tall (not including the cowboy boots and big hair) and wears fistfuls of silver-and-turquoise rings.

Crimmen's sound is fresh and clear, a blend of guitarist Leif Carlson's lively picking, Harry Mello's nicely crafted piano backup, the solid rhythm work of bassist Robin Sylvester and drummer Patrick Walker, and Crimmen's vocals.  The group's musical philosophy is obvious. "The get-up-and-party and dance thing has been gone so long, it's time to get up and do it again," says Crimmen.

There's evidence that the band will get up and do it again more often. "Lately, I feel like I've died and gone to heaven," Crimmen says, referring to the emergence of the "rockabilly movement" in San Francisco's South of Market club scene. To date, he has produced two CDs, "Just Call It Rock 'n Roll" and "The Son of Sun" and will soon release a third, "Where He Left Off," which will mark the 20-year anniversary of Presley's death.

And yes, Crimmen and the boys will play Presley tunes in their live performances, usually only pieces dated before '59. The way Crimmen sees it, "It's not an imitation so much as an emulation (of Presley)." But don't ask him to do the dance. He has to draw the line somewhere. The Route 66 is located at 1261 California Drive.  For information on the band's upcoming shows, call its hotline at (650) 589-5852.

Jennifer Flannery

Oct. 21, 1994

Ace of clubs

San Mateo as the place to go on a Friday night? Who would have ever thought that possible? We've already discussed the B Street boogie, but now the action is spreading across town. There's enough going on these days to keep party patrons from having to travel to far off entertainment Mecca's. You know, like Hayward or Fremont.

Sammy O'Leary's Irish Pub is the newest addition to the local club scene, and brother, I mean new. Music is the specialty of the house on Friday and Saturday nights. Last Friday night featured local rockabilly ace Dave Crimmen, whose one-time band, then known as Xtender, played Sammy O'Leary's on opening night.

Crimmen drives a truck by day, then straps on a guitar and sings rock and roll at night. Sound familiar? Well, he's from Belmont, not Tupelo, but there's one thing that separates Crimmen from other club bands: His originals are stronger than his covers. Opening with "I saw Her Standing There," the band moved on to such rock staples as "Wild Night" and "Green River." They also touched up "Sweet Little Sixteen" with a ribald rewrite, is closer to the true Chuck. It was on his own tunes, though, that Crimmen really scored. Plugging his new CD, "Just Call It Rock and Roll," he clearly enjoyed "Here With You" and the Del Shannon-flavored "Been Here Before." The small but serviceable dance floor got a workout.

-Bruce Campbell