Crazy Chestur

Tom T Ball – bass
Rob Clendening – drums
Jim Gilmore – guitar
Andy Rogers – violin
Charlie Walmsley – piano

Crazy Chestur was born in a barn. Jim and Lori Gilmore’s barn near Shepherd, Michigan has been home to regular rehearsal sessions since 2013 when the guys first got together to form a ‘folk-rock’ band.  Surrounded by open fields, wooden walls, vintage artifacts and modern farming equipment, these guys have developed a wooden, earthy sound fitting their primarily acoustic instrumentation.  Crazy Chestur was indeed born in a barn.

Jim, Rob and Charlie have worked together off and on for decades in bands like Spice, No Brand Blues Band, Pepper Pie and The Bluegills.

Andy and Charlie have been jamming music together since their high school days in Bay City. Andy is also working on a new recording with folk-blues troubadour, Andy Cohen. Many of Andy Rogers’ photos grace the walls at The Ark in Ann Arbor.

Tom and Charlie also work together in Jive at Five, a favorite at summertime music festivals. Tom is long-time host of Homespun on CMU Public Radio and has been involved with Wheatland Music Organization since the early days.

Charlie’s songs have been performed and recorded by several artists, including blues legend, Larry McCray.

Crazy Chestur’s 2015 album Harvest Party, featuring mostly original material, was listed among ‘Best of 2015’ by Roots Music Report.

In October 2022, under the direction of producer, Michael Crittenden, aka The Colonel, Crazy Chestur recorded five songs for their new release 5X5, including three originals and two covers. The first four tracks have been fan favorites at live shows for several years.

“With vibrant fiddle, piano, guitar and drums, it’s a delightful experience from start to finish… I found myself reminded of the likes of Jason Isbell and Son Volt”  – Katie Rosendale / Local Spins

Crazy Chestur’s dynamic live shows have made them a favorite among music lovers around the Mid-Michigan area.

Crazy Chestur “5×5” / Local Spins Review

What Stands Out: This bluesy folk-rock group was founded in a barn near Shepherd, Mich. –– and it shows in their music. Crazy Chestur’s sophomore album, “5×5,” pulls you in from the very beginning with “Easy on Me,” an energetic, New Orleans-styled tune that demands to be played at, well, a barn dance. “Easy on Me” may be the record’s most fun track, but the rest of the album is certainly no letdown: With vibrant fiddle, piano, guitar and drums, it’s a delightful experience from start to finish thanks to Charlie Walsmsley (piano), Andy Rogers (violin), Tom T. Ball (bass), Jim Gilmore (guitar) and Rob Clendening (drums). Occasionally, I found myself reminded of the likes of Jason Isbell and Son Volt.
Digging Deeper: “5×5” consists of three originals and two covers. The first cover is “Sending Me Angels,” a slower, more reflective track originally by Delbert McClinton; the second –– and my personal favorite –– is “Who Will the Next Fool Be.” This track, recorded first by country star Charlie Rich, is a musically rich condemnation of a cruel woman: “After you get rid of me, who will the next fool be?”
Perfect For: Fans of country, rock and everything in between –– or, anyone who just wants to have a good time. – Katie Rosendale

5X5 Review – Rober Barclay WCMU

After listening to this disc, I often hit replay for another listen to these wonderful tunes. I think you will as well.   – Robert Barclay, host of The Juke Joint at WCMU Public Radio

5X5 Review – Scott Allman WMMQ

What are these guys doing in Mid-Michigan they could be playing gigs at the best venues in any city in America? Chicago, New Orleans, Nashville, New York, L.A! The musicianship is stellar and their original tunes are fantastic! – Scott Allman / Radio Host – Capital City Blues Cruise WMMQ, Lansing