Glenn Crytzer
BANDLEADER · ARRANGER · COMPOSER · GUITARIST · BANJOIST · VOCALIST
Glenn Crytzer is a New York City-based bandleader, arranger, composer, guitarist, banjoist, and vocalist, renowned for bringing the Jazz Age and Swing Era vividly to life through unparalleled authenticity. More than a revivalist, Crytzer and his ensembles offer a meticulously crafted sonic journey back in time, distinguishing themselves through deep expertise and an unwavering dedication to the sounds of the past. Critics have lauded his groups as sounding like "refugees from the early 1940s" (The Syncopated Times), with Crytzer himself dubbed "New York's King of Swing" (Boo York City).
Originally trained in classical composition and cello at the Florida State University and Cleveland Institute of Music, Glenn was a BMI Young Composer Award Winner, but his passion for early jazz ignited through his immersion in Lindy Hop. This deep personal connection to the dance fueled a unique mission: to meticulously recreate and extend the era's music. He honed his skills in jazz arranging, guitar, and banjo, transforming his extensive musical training into the driving force behind his critically acclaimed projects.
Now a cornerstone of New York City's jazz and vintage scenes, Glenn's award-winning big band and various combos are celebrated for their superlative musicianship and unbridled swing. Glenn's dedication to authenticity extends to every detail. From his choice of world-class musicians who are top specialists in early jazz styles, to his painstakingly accurate transcriptions of vintage recordings and his penning of original arrangements that sound wholly authentic to period, every element is imbued with the era's genuine spirit. This commitment even includes the period-appropriate application of sound equipment in both live performance and recording.
Drawing inspiration from the giants of the Jazz Age and Swing Era, Glenn's repertoire celebrates the timeless artistry of legends like Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw,
Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Paul Whiteman, Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, and Guy Lombardo. His ensembles bring to life the sophisticated melodies and intricate harmonies of the Great American Songbook, featuring the iconic works of Tin Pan Alley and theatrical composers such as Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and Cole Porter.
Further setting him apart, Crytzer is a prolific composer of original works, seamlessly blending new compositions with timeless classics. He has penned dozens of original, vintage-style instrumental and vocal tunes, with his recordings praised by Rolling Stone for sounding like they "could've been recorded 75 years ago."
With nearly 3 dozen albums to his credit, Crytzer's music has become a go-to for major film and television productions seeking to evoke the golden age of radio. His recordings have been licensed for dozens of projects, from blockbuster films like Detective Pikachu and Disney’s Christopher Robin and to hit TV shows like ABC's Agent Carter and Pretty Little Liars, and a diverse range of other productions, including independent films and ad campaigns.
An in-demand performer, Glenn Crytzer and his ensembles bring their captivating sound to stages across the country, from historic concert halls like Lincoln Center, the Shalin Liu Performing Arts Center, and the Patchogue Theatre, to renowned jazz clubs such as The Django, Mezzrow, and Cliff Bell's. His music has delighted audiences at premier swing dance events nationwide, aboard iconic sites like the USS Intrepid and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and at prestigious private venues including the Rainbow Room, The Plaza Hotel,
The Metropolitan Club, and the Harmonie Club. Crytzer's groups are also a staple on the NYC speakeasy cocktail scene with residencies at venues including Pegu Club, Blacktail, Honeybees, the Flatiron Lounge, and Festival Cafe.
In 2017, Crytzer's big band was honored as "Best Group in New York" at the NYC Jazz Awards, solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field.
Glenn Crytzer's music isn't just a performance; it's an invitation to experience the elegance, sophistication, and pure joy of a bygone era, making it an exceptional choice for discerning audiences, from dance floors to jazz clubs and private events to concert halls.