Brian Kraff
'Up from the cellar'
Produced by Bill Ryder-Jones
Brian’s New Solo Album “Up from the Cellar” to be released
Feb 2026
Some say he may not exist at all. But I know different…
Brian Kraff has not previously released his music via traditional channels. But with 300 songs written over 40 years… it’s time.
“Having followed his music for decades, I can assure you that I have witnessed a few Zelig-like sightings. Yes, Mick Jones did encourage him to jump on-stage during that Clash show. We know that years later, his band opened for Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens. But ask him about a career highlight, and he’ll quickly note the invitation from his hero, Neil Finn, to play the song of his choice at DC’s 9:30 Club (after an impromptu on-stage band negotiation). I was at that show.
It’s been 20 years since he recorded “Shine” with Jeff Tweedy and Mikael Jorgensen at Wilco’s Loft in Chicago. He was strangely tight lipped about that one. I’m still not sure why, other than I know that Brian Kraff is one of the most private people on the planet. To know him is to understand why.
He hasn’t touched hearts around the world because few have ever heard his music. Says Kraff, “I am lucky to have the luxury of writing for myself. It is really the only way for someone like me to write a song with an authenticity that is worth listening to…”
Insiders know that, after seasons of unscripted appearances at Iota, Roundtable and Whitey’s, Brian Kraff played regularly with Tom McCarthy of Wax, before Tom decided to get his own band (that later became No Second Troy).
Currently, Brian Kraff is recording his album “Up from the Cellar” in the UK with producer Bill Ryder-Jones and engineer Nathaniel Cummings. He is also an occasional utility guitarist and vocalist with NYC’s long-practiced outfit Same Day Service. “Up from the Cellar” is expected to arrive in early 2026 – I hope to hear refined versions of some of my favorite demos and I look forward to the newer songs which I’m told are brighter and power pop driven. We’ll see…”
– Andrea Laurie, Journey Girl Productions
