Craig Brown
Bass Guitar
Craig A. Brown
What do you get when the 'smart kid' decides the bass is more interesting than med school?
Well...
With a brain for business and bass, Craig Brown brings his instinctive talents and undeniable skill to the rhythm section of Gift Shop.
It's all substance for Craig B - solid but not flashy, he rides the flow all the way to the sweet spot that gave The Tragically Hip their unmistakable, legendary sound.
First Tragically Hip Memory
"I turned on to The Hip early - bought their EP on cassette from the bargain bin at Sam the Record Man, because I thought it was a cool band name. I've never looked back."
Question you'd ask Gord?
"So many questions, but I think I would want to explore some of his more obscure lyrics...It seems like Gord is always telling a story and I'd love to hear more about the backstories on so many songs. Pigeon Camera? Scared? It's a Good Life if You Don't Weaken?"
Most moving Hip Moment?
"Fiddler's Green has always been a powerful song to me, and more so as I learned very early the backstory about the boy being Gord's nephew. The poetry alone embodied in the line 'Balloons all filled with rain" signifying IV bags has stuck with me my entire life, and is just another example of Gord's brilliance with words.."
Favourite Song to Play Live?
"Escape is at Hand for the Travellin' Man - love the layering of sounds and the dynamics. I struggle the most with Cordelia. There's a lot going on for the bass."
Why did you choose bass guitar?
"I got out of bed when I was five years old and put on an impromptu show with my Snoopy Guitar for my parents and their guests. Years later, Ian McDonnell was starting a band just after high school...I volunteered to play bass. Figured I could managed well enough and learn on the fly."
Musical Influences?
Rush, The Police, The Clash, Blue Rodeo, Bowie, Pink Floyd, Classic Rock....