Pittsfield singer releases new CD Doug Crate’s music spans range of styles

PITTSFIELD – Doug Crate of Pittsfield is hosting a bash this weekend to celebrate the release of his second CD. Crate, who has been part of the Maine alternative music scene for more than 30 years, has written 13 new songs for “dogsoldier,” a collection that features some of Maine’s most talented musicians and singers.

His CD release party is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at The Grand Auditorium in Ellsworth.

Crate’s spirit and energy abound in “dogsoldier.” From the Latin-beat “Cedar Key,” inspired by a sleepy village on the Gulf of Mexico, to the poignant and spiritual “Rob’s Song,” dedicated to his late brother, Crate inspires a range of emotions in the listener. Social activism, hope, joy and loyalty run rampant through the tunes. Depending on the cut, Crate’s music can either lift the audience, as in the optimistic “Higher Ground,” or cause it to reflect, as in “Thistory,” or, as in the case of “Rob’s Song,” move it to tears.

Crate has no trouble singing, playing the guitar or writing music. But when it comes to describing the style and mood of his work, that’s where he is stumped.

“It’s funk, rock, folk, blues, jazz,” he said recently. “The music I play is hard to put into a category. It is certainly not rock and not country.” His heady, thick voice reflects the depth of his music, rising clear and strong at times but then just as quickly deepening and nearly whispering heart-felt sentiments.

But one thing Crate is clear about is the voice of his music. “The lyrics are very straightforward and from the heart.”

When writing his lyrics, Crate ponders global questions. “How are we all going to survive? What are we doing here? Or, how can we bring about a culture that will exist beyond us?” he said. But it is clear, too, that he can get deeply personal with his lyrics.

In “Hermitage,” written about a special guesthouse, Crate writes, “Times I need to be alone. Times I need you there. Times I need to be alone. Times I need to share.”

Another tune, “EZST” was written to celebrate the freedom of performing at the local coffeehouse in Pittsfield, Easy Street. “Sit back, let your magic make its moves ’cause it took so long for this chance to come along,” he writes.

Joining Crate on his CD is a collection of voices and performances by Maine musicians and singers, including Leah Wolfsong, vocals; Mat Zarolinski, vocals; Paul Sullivan, piano; Lenny Hatch, percussion; Glen Colby, bass; Shane Ellis, sax; Jim Withers, trombone; and Mike Whitehead, trumpet.

Crate’s first CD, “New Day,” released in 1999, is popular in Australia and Europe. “In Australia, they call my music new country,” said Crate. “I think they like my style more than my voice.”

When he is not composing and writing, Crate is a social worker with Community Health and Counseling and works with the chronically mentally ill. His clients are the ones who become so unstable they wind up living on the streets. Crate’s job is to get them shelter and the services that will help stabilize their lives.

“Music is my therapy. It’s a healing outlet and definitely a healing source,” he said.

Crate moved to Maine in the early ’70s as part of “the back-to-the-land movement.” Like many of his generation, Crate was active in anti-war and environmental politics. “In the ’60s and ’70s, I was sure we could change the world,” Crate said. “Over the years, that idealism has been tempered by reality. My music is a way to keep that idealism alive. Now I put my shoulder to the wheel in my songs.”