The alternative folk rock singer/songwriter Craig Norris Byrd has been part of the arts for years. He free-lanced as a stage professional where he did lighting and stage managing for all types of shows in all types of venues. He managed the production of tours and shows for dance, opera and theatre companies, all the while keeping his artistic fire burning by studying modern, ballet and ballroom dance. Eventually, he fell back on his technical background and signed on with a company that did high power laser display productions, becoming involved with display work for immense celebrations, including Times Square ball dropping ceremonies, Independence Day celebrations and lasers from the top of the world shooting out over the NYC sky from the tops of the World Trade Center towers.

Recently, he has realized that his own creative endeavor with his music has lacked. "Since adolescence I have written song and poetry for its own sake, doing nothing with it," says Craig. "Possibly the mere act of creating was enough to satisfy me. There is something about putting the way I feel into words and putting those words to music and movement that has forever fulfilled a deep longing; as hesitant as I have been to share my sentiment with others." But, we are glad he decided to take that leap.

He just released his debut conceptual album called 'Remissions,' a 10 song collection about deeply personal events in Craig's life, from his sister's losing battle to cancer in the upbeat folk rock song "Gina Rides a Tiger" to the love song he wrote for his wife when they got married in "Consuelo." He has a Simon and Garfunkel meets Johnny Cash in both the sound and style. “I am not so interested in publicizing what I have done, but I am interested in sharing where this album comes from,” he explains. “This album is a personal statement I had to get out of the way before I could move on.”

Byrd takes the personal and makes it universal on his intimate album which is steeped in a myriad of folk traditions. Select artistic touchstones here include Warren Zevon, Stephen Foster, Paul Simon, Damien Rice, and Byrd’s biggest influence, underrated singer, songwriter, and guitarist John Martyn, best known for his innovative work with UK folk-jazz legends Pentangle. Byrd’s creativity is also informed by his passion for dance, yoga, and non-dual philosophy. Remissions was solely composed, arranged, and produced by Byrd, but features a bevy of ace musicians supporting his fine songcraft. The album’s title speaks directly to its thematic bend.

Listen to 'Remissions' here:
https://soundcloud.com/cnbyrd/sets/remissions/s-zjdEMp2EwqJ?si=ac6d8097262443bd8bc9ca4be5e87bd1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing