Tom Craig and Soul Patch “Get Ready For Me”
Tom Craig and Soul Patch
“Get Ready For Me”
Independent
Vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Tom Craig was first inspired by Jazz vocalists. He first discovered Frank Sinatra with The Count Basie Orchestra; and Ella Fitzgerald too. Craig even studied to be a Jazz vocalist while in College.
Craig later discovered the classic soul sounds of the 60’s including Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. That led to finding the music of the three Kings; Albert, B.B. and Freddie. For the last ten years Craig has been making blues with his friend and drummer John O’Connell.
Sometime around a year ago the duo of Craig and O’Connell teamed up with Hammond B-3 player Eric Johnson; tenor saxophonist Vince Gleason, and baritone saxophonist Skylar Hagner to form Soul Patch.
The band signed up to compete in their local Battle of Bands. On October 16th, Tom Craig and Soul Patch, won the rights to represent The Central Delaware Blues Society at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis held from January 31st until February 4th. Through a Go Fund Me campaign the band is close to making their goal so that they can all go; somehow you know they’ll make it.
Tom Craig and Soul Patch released their debut recording on December 28th. Rounding out the band are Randy Branning, bass; and Mark Gallager, baritone sax. The album was produced by Craig and O’Connell and recorded, mixed, and mastered by Dave Gross at his Fat Rabbit Studios in Glenn Ridge, N.J. The liner notes were written by Thomas J. Cullen III, President of the competing Bucks County Blues Society.
All of the songs are written by Craig. Included in the fun is the funky “Louita” featuring all three saxes; the title track “Get Ready For Me” including a nice guitar solo from Craig; “Can’t Stop Thinking About You” featuring Mikey Jr. on harmonica; and the shuffle “I Can’t Help Myself” featuring Johnson on his B-3. My favorites however are “How Did I Break The Rules” and the ballad “Every Woman”. Craig is a great vocalist and I love the horn arrangements.
This is just one of the many outstanding bands that will be competing in the 33rd International Blues Challenge. Kudo’s to Soul Patch and all those competing this year.
Richard Ludmerer
