The Crooked Jades

The Crooked Jades are a newgrass ensemble from the San Francisco Bay Area whose cast rotates around its central figure, guitarist/vocalist Jeff Kazor. Their focus has been spinning old and new sounds into a single cloth -- evident in the mix of traditional and original songs in their repertoire. Released in 2000, Seven Sisters: A Kentucky Portrait is the soundtrack to an award-winning documentary film of the same name. Their next two albums, The Unfortunate Rake: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 -- released in 2000 and 2003, respectively -- were co-produced by songwriter and ex-San Franciscan Richard Buckner, whose own forays into Americana have been eclectic and varied. A self-titled EP followed in 2005 and World's on Fire a year later. Often compared musically to Gillian Welch and the New Lost City Ramblers, the Crooked Jades are well acquainted with roots and folk festivals the world over.