New Orleans-born Craig "Sparky" Klein received his first trombone at the age of six from his musician uncle, Gerry Dallmann. His formal musical training began in grade school, under the guidance of Papa Jac Assunto, founder of the Dukes of Dixieland. After college graduation, his professional musical career began in 1979 when he started playing with a traditional New Orleans brass band, meeting and playing with some of the New Orleans greats, such as Kid Sheik Colla, Father Al Lewis, Danny Barker, Chester Zardis, Frog Joseph, and many more.

He expanded his musical experience when he joined the Storyville Stompers Brass Band. The Stompers is still one of the most active jazz bands in New Orleans, playing second-line parades, parties, funerals, and riverboats, plus engagements in Europe and Japan.

Craig's extensive experience includes work with bands such as the Olympia Brass Band, the O'Jays, George Porter Jr., the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, the Leroy Jones Quintet, Dave Bartholomew, Wardell Quezergue, and Harry Connick Jr. Craig auditioned for Connick's big band in 1990 by playing over the phone and continues to perform with the ensemble currently, travelling extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Craig's recordings with the Connick band include multiple CDs, sound tracks, and singles. The group has appeared in feature length videos and television specials for Disney, PBS, and CBS, and made many guest appearances on television in the United States and Europe.

In addition to recording with the Connick band, Craig has recorded with the Neville Brothers, Leroy Jones, the Nightcrawlers, Lillian Boutte, Dr. John, R&B artists Chuck Carbo and Johnny Adams, rockers Tori Amos, Bruce Hornsby, the all-star Cuban band Cubanismo, and New Orleans recording sensations the Yockamo Allstars. Craig can be heard on over 30 different recordings, and also performs with Dave Bartholomew, legendary producer of Fats Domino and many other performing and reordings stars.

Craig's diverse experience has made him a top-call trombonist in New Orleans, capable of many musical styles and configurations, from trios to large orchestras.

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