BIG-T AND THE BADA-BINGS: Born To Be Wild

Big-T and the Bada-Bings

Born To Be Wild

© 2002 Big-T Music (733792418127)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

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Breaking EVERY Freakin Rule for a "Big Band", You will Dance to "Every Song" So FUGGEDDABOUDIT

notes

Big-T and the Bada-Bings a 23 piece "Wall-o-Freaking Music" just back from playing at the Queen's Golden Jubilee in London, has recorded and release this new CD.

Craig (Big-T) Thompson, is a story in is own right. Big-T used to weigh 400lbs and was a SUMO wrestler in Japan for three and a half years.

Five and a half years ago "Big" had the gastric bypass surgery and lost 200 pounds in one year, and then had 12 pounds of skin chopped off.

After loosing all of the weight, "Big", decided to take a HUGE leap of faith and follow his little kid dream of singing in front of a real Big Band. This was an extraordinary and wild leap because "Big" had never had any formal music training. He just knew that God had a really wild and crazy path set before him if he would only be will to take the first steps.

Well folks, Bada-Freakin-Bing, Big-T has hit a homerun with this totally wild collection of tunes.

10% of the proceeds from this CD are going to two wonderful charities.
1. Our Friends Place - www.ourfriendsplace.org
2. Reading and Radio Resource - www.readingresource.org

The title track is "Born To Be Wild" arranged and produced by Brian Piper. This CD is breaking many of the industry rules. Who in the world would have ever thought to rearrange a Steppenwolf Rock and Roll Song to the powerful sound of a Big Band. Big-T continues to sail uncharted waters by delivering the smoothest of ballads like "Since I fell For You" to the barrel-chested roar of the bluesy "Stormy Monday" while finding room for his knock out punch of Jump Blues version of Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Pride and Joy". The only common denominator for every song on the brilliant compilation of extreme tunes is that the listener will want to dance to each and every note. Big-T has recently added Latin percussion to his sound to flames the fires of the passionate Latin lyrics of "Girl form Ipanema" and "Tangerine". True to the Italiano Bada-Bing name, Big-T caps off the cd with a unique arrangement of "Buona Sera".

This CD delivers the end result of making the ladies feel classy yet sexy, and the gentlemen feel like the kingpin that they are.

So do yourself a freakin favor and get two copies. One for jamming in the car, and the other for the love shack.

Fellas, trust me, you put this on the stereo and open a bottle of wine....

FUHGEDDABOUDIT !!!!

www.BigT-Music.com

reviews

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  • author: Michael Arata

    Yea baby! A great cd you gotta love this band! Buy it now!

  • Big T and the Bada-Bings
    author: Bruce D, Murphy, TX

    Exciting vocals, Killer arrangements, and a Great band. You can't sit still! An hour ago, I pulled out of my son's drive way with the windows down and Buona Sera playing. My son and daughter-in-law started dancing in their yard as we drove away. I wanted to stop and dance, too! Great music on a great CD. Big-T, make some more of these! 6/8/2008

  • Hi there, I am really enjoying this CD, great music and I play it in my car alot
    author: Anne-Marie

    Hi there, thanks for the CD I love listening to it and play it almost every day. Very efficient in getting the CD to me, all the way over here in Australia!!

  • This band is incredible!
    author: Melody Phillips

    I've really enjoyed listening to this band, and there is something for everyone on it to enjoy! The fusion of all of the different genre's is delightful and fresh! Before you know it, you'll be dancing around your house! ~Melody~

  • Great fun..
    author: SteveWiser

    Sound as so varied that this CD has something for everyone. Great fun to listen to all they tracks.

  • Love this music!
    author: Gerry D

    Big T & the Bada-Bings has a real winner here. So glad this wonderful music is still being made - and so well done at that. Pleasantly surprised to see such good arrangements in this day & age.

  • Wow, what heart!!! what an orchestra!!!
    author: A Maggiolino

    Wow. I just found out about Big-T. He not only sings with heart, but the man has a voice for jazz & bossa nova, like I have not heard in a long time. He really understands the music. The orchestra complements him to a T. It has power, excellent musicality and the arrangements are first-class. Oh, and by the way, the guy is really nice... Big-T. When is the next release???

  • A top favorite on my Internet blues show!
    author: Paul Fields

    Every track is a unique gem. Blues, swing, jazz and so much more are woven throughout the CD. It's one of the top favorites on my daily blues show on the Internet @ http://www.thebluesnet.com. In fact, listen between Dec 5 and Dec 7 and you can hear the entire CD on one of our album hour segments. But, be careful. You'll definitely want to buy it!

  • Nothing like a big, soulful voice and a great band to back it up
    author: Thom

    Great music, fun to listen to...the man can sing, the band can play and the arrangments are great....Born to be wild in a big band style....how good can life get??

  • DAYTON SAYS: BUY THIS CD
    author: Craig Dayton - The New Big Bands

    WHY ARE YOU READING THIS?!!! If you are reading this, you probably have not bought the CD yet. Instead of reading my review, you need to purchase this CD and have a wonderful experience. As an arranger of Big Band music for decades, I can tell you that, professionally speaking, this is a CD that everyone who loves music, especially Big Band music, should have in their library. Big-T tears the face off of every song he sings. Each of the arrangers turned in a world-class performance. And the band...wow! The work of the recording techs ain't shabby either! Big-T redefines many of the standards and makes them his own. For those of you Woody Herman fans out there...I think that Big-T's rendition of "Caldonia" would please you very much...it has mucho power...I think Woody is smiling. Craig Thompson's ability to swing out on a jump tune and then do a "180" and sing a tender ballad helps us to understand that great talent is still with us. I could go on, but instead, I would just encourage you to buy this CD. You will not be disappointed.

  • Don't waste money or time looking for better audio entertainment.
    author: David King`

    Quality! The variations on these cover tunes is done in a most artful manner. There is no need to scramble multiple CDs for variety, this one provides it. I am waiting for the next CD and attending the next performance. Fun!!!

  • fuggeddaboudit
    author: Frankie Hagan - Atomic Magazine

    Who is this expressive, mugging man with a powerful arrangement behind him and a blazing soulful voice that seems to play for the audience's affection above all else? That would be Big-T on his new release album "Born to Be Wild" (Big-T Music). The feel of this CD is the marketing savvy of a performer who understands his audience. The choice of obligatory cover material is interesting, as it is covers various moods with a song choice that most likely reflects Big-T and how he wants to relate to the listener. Big-T opens with a spirited rendition of title track "Born to Be Wild," that I'm betting is used to win the crowd early and get them excited in one of his live shows. From that diesel powered start the audience gets toured into swinging tracks like "Pride & Joy" (hey, his wife's name is Joy) and "Let the Good Times Roll," a beautiful rumba in "Girl From Ipanema," and an equally gorgeous bolero paced rendition of "Tangerine." The bluesy standards are well packaged for delight, too. Enjoy yet another artist's interpretation of perennial T-Bone Walker classic "Stormy Monday" and Big-T's live venue final track "Ain't Nobody's Business." The sound of this album is big studio orchestration, and that is a credit to all the musicians that make up the Bada-Bings, as well as the back-up singers that allow Big-T to flash a comical smile and play for the crowd with a bag full of emotional appeal. Consider this a CD for fun, dancing, selection, and familiarity when it comes to material, and if not, then Big-T suggests you fuggeddaboudit.

  • Excellent music! Bad-ass musicians and compositions!
    author: Gilbert Gutierrez

    The CD is more than I expected. Great musical arrangements and a lot of musical energy. Definitely want to hear more from you guys!

  • Awesome, as always!
    author: Lissa Green and Wes Critz

    We are loving the upbeat nature of this CD, with a special place in our hearts for the last two songs, of course. I've been listening to this CD nonstop since we got it in the mail and have had "The Girl From Impanema" and "Buona Sera" bopping through my head ever since. Way to go, Big T, you've done it again!! We love this new CD and we love YOU!!

  • CAN'T sit still while listening to this CD!!!
    author: Nancy Mays

    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!!!

  • Very pleasantly surprised!!
    author: Bobby Bergeron

    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!

  • Great ballads. Good stuff!
    author: Matt Tibbitts

    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.

  • This CD makes me want to dance, sing along, and smile.
    author: Susan Bryce

    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!!!!!!

  • Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
    author: Mike Moreland

    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.

  • totally awesome!!
    author: lisalisa

    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.

  • Wow! I can't stop listening . . .
    author: Cindi Howard - Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce

    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!!!!!!

  • It's fabulous! Big-T definitely has the right style!
    author: Shellie - from Irving, TX

    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.

  • Recommendation from Japan
    author: Kuni WAKAYAMA

    I strongly reccomend the CD. Indeed, he is wilder than any singer when he sings blues.

  • Wow...this one has it all.
    author: Sally Blanton, Turtle Creek News, Dallas

    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".

  • Luv 'em all
    author: SKT from Suginami-ku, Tokyo Japan

    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.

  • This Is One Album You Just Can't Fuggedaboudit
    author: Mick Faires - Opus One Music Services UK

    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.

  • Three Cheers and Four Stars for Big-T
    author: Elaine - From England

    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'.

  • The perfect road trip accessory!
    author: Victoria Snee, WB33 Entertainment Reporter

    A musical masterpiece! 'Born to Be Wild' will have you singing and dancing all night long!

  • Un-freak'n believable!!! Big T takes you on a wild musical ride!!!
    author: Jeff Crilley, Fox 4 News, Dallas

    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!!!

  • Awesome CD.
    author: Nikki

    I loved the CD. It is awesome. I loved everything about it. It's definetely a 5 star in my book.

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