"Born To Be Wild"
Released Dec. 13, 2002
REVIEWS
"Wow...this
one has it all.....
From blasts of hard rock to soft sensual blues and romantic ballads....before
now I had not heard a c.d. with such diversity and range. It is a winner
that appeals to all age groups. The Bada Bings and Big T have "It",
with a capitol "I"....."
A musical masterpiece! 'Born to Be Wild' will have you singing and dancing all night long!...."
When I first heard about Craig "Big T" Thompson's Sumo-to-Sinatra transformation, I knew his life was a great news story. But I wasn't prepared to love his music as much as I do! His range on this CD is amazing--hard rock, swing, big band, jazz...he moves effortlessly from one to the other. "Big T" is the biggest thing to come out of "Big D" in years!!!"...."
The songs on this CD are so diverse, it should be difficult to get all of the performances at a high level, but he does it, and each are done in a style befitting the mood of the songs, and all are so exiting, I simply cannot help but move to the rhythm....."
It was with some reservations that I listened to the songs on this album (the words 'freakin' and 'fugeddaboudit' featured largely in my expectations, but I assure you, I listened carefully and only one of them was uttered, and then only once). However, I did listen to it, and was very very impressed. Big-T has a wonderful voice, especially evident in my favourite song of the whole set, Since I Fell For You. He really does sing very beautifully. Oh... another favourite is track two on the CD, I've forgotten what it's called (some help here, anyone?). The intro is fabulous... so sleeazy. Mmmmm... All the music is wonderfully arranged, and is really just a joy to listen to. There are songs on this CD that I've heard by other people and not been particularly fond of, that I just love on this. It's very loungey, and very nice (sorry, nice is such a weak word. But it is nice). If anyone doesn't find themself singing along after the second time of listening to the songs, I shall eat my hat. Or at least be very surprised and point at you. So, go to the website have a nose around the site and read Big-T's amazing story. And do buy the CD... there are so few really good musicians out there at the moment, and they need all the encouragement we can give. Besides, from the point of view of a connoisseur of amusing accents, the whole thing's quite catching, too: Embarassingly, I've caught myself dropping the excellent phrase 'Hey, fuggedaboudit' into everyday conversation. Which'd be fine, if I could get away with it. As it is, since the only American accent I can do is Daisy Duke's, and I'm not entirely sure what accent she thought she was doing anyway, it doesn't sound too good. I'll keep freakin' practisin'....."
I've seen a lot of bands and singers in my time. I saw "Big T" in the UK when he came over for the Queens Jubilee Celebrations in June this year (2002) when he performed with the Opus One Big Band - he appeared at the renowned Jitterbug Ball in Hammersmith and at Smithfield Market in London doing his stuff in front of thousands (the Lord Mayor of London for one) - I was in awe, he was absolutely brilliant, people were crying out for more !!! This guy can really sing his heart out !! I have listened to Big T's new album and all I can say is it's absolutely stunning - highly recommended. I Wish Big T best of luck and I hope it makes Platinum. Come back to the UK soon - we really appreciate your talent....."
I strongly reccomend the CD. Indeed, he is wilder than any singer when he sings blues......"
Kuni WAKAYAMA
- Tokyo Japan
Amazing to be able to transform to classics from the past into the rock and roll we all love. Big T does just that, with a "little help" of course. The range is incredible and the talent just keeps getting better.
This CD is an incredible experience! It's full of great music and so much fun to listen too! I had the privelege of seeing Big T and the Bada Bings perform at Beau Nash and I was caught up in the magic and energy that Craig displays when he performs. I loved it!!!!!!
natural talent shines through on this cd covering a wide range of songs from rock'n roll to ballads. my favorites are: buona sera, sweet little angel, and of course born to be wild!!! you won't be able to just listen to this cd. you'll want to sing-a-long and dance. better get your cd now 'cause your missin' out.
lisalisa
This music has a soul. It's passionate, it's exciting, and it makes you feel good. When is the next CD? I want more.
During some of the songs I just want to dance. On a couple of them I wanted to just love on my husband. But mostly I just loved all the songs. I love the range of the music.It was Freakin Fabulous!!!!!!
Big-T really hits the mark with Girl from Ipanema and Tangerine. While this entire disk is great, these were my highlights. Big-T can belt it out or take it down to smooth silkiness. Good tracks for a romantic evening.
I have never heard Big T live but now I want to! I bought this CD because I know his mother (she has a blueberry farm in Texas) and because I am a musician (guitar) and like to see what is new out there. These guys really kick it! Tremendous variation in style. Great musicianship and arrangements. This is a great party album - from the highs to the slows. I can just imaging how full they must sound in person. I would love to hear them do some Rockabilly-Swing ie Brian Setzer/Asleep at the Wheel etc. Anyway, if you like big band rock/blues/mellow, you will love this album!
I just got around to listening to this CD - in it's entirety that is. I've listened (and danced :-) to Pride and Joy every time I had a spare minute - it's my favorite! Anyway, now that I've heard it all the way through, I give it an ENTHUSIASTIC thumbs-up rating!! There are two in particular, The Girl From Ipanema (AWESOME rendition of one of my favorites) and Tangerine, that are fantastic to rumba to! So while you can DEFINITELY so a mean swing dance to most every song on this CD, it's very versatile. I enjoy music to sit and listen to, but (as if it weren't obvious by now) I REALLY love music that makes me want to dance! Because I love music so much, I can easily spend half my paycheck on CDs, so I have to pick and choose carefully...and this one is WELL worth the investment!!!
Nancy Mays