"I know Tom Skinner well enough to say that making a record of his original recordings was not something he was easily talked into doing and hats off to McClure for getting it done. Tom is very private with his music because the stuff that he writes is extremely personal. This is a very, VERY special gift from Tom to all of his fans...of which I am one." –Garth Brooks
The November 2012 self-titled solo release from Country/Folk singer Tom Skinner features 12 stand-out tracks including “Light of This World” and “Favorite Cup”. Released on Oklahoma music icon Mike McClure and partner Chance Sparkman’s 598 Recordings, Skinner’s latest album features collaborations with American folksinger Susan Herndon, fellow songwriter and musician Mike McClure, and legendary musician Joe Hardy (Georgia Satellites, ZZ Top).
On the track “Light Of This World”, Skinner pays homage to legendary Blues Artist Reverend Gary Davis. Originally written by Davis in the 1930s, “Light Of This World” features a joyous tone while musically praising Jesus. Skinner’s version of the song takes a more Country/Folk approach as Skinner sings, “I been confirmed/God knows I ain’t ashamed/The Holy Ghost is my witness/The angels done signed my name./” During the chorus, Skinner and female vocalist Marleigh McClure harmonize to present a beautiful and serenading duet.
Skinner introduces Pianist and Vocalist Susan Herndon on the romantic ballad “Favorite Cup”. Through the song, both artists are able to musically narrate a story of a couple describing their affection and love for each other. The lyrics, “Won’t you kiss me when I’m leavin’/And don’t ask me where I’m bound/Won’t you kiss me on my returnin’/Your faith will keep me round/” detail a sentimental value as both artists describe each character’s perspective for their companion.
Raised in Bristow, Oklahoma native Tom Skinner dived into the music scene with longtime friend and former bandmate Garth Brooks, Prior to his successful solo debut, Brooks had asked Skinner and his brothers to form the Santa Fe Band in the early 1980s. The band, formerly known as The Skinner Brothers Band, began to travel with Brooks while performing and showcasing their talents across various media platforms. After performing in clubs and venues around Stillwater, Oklahoma, Skinner, Brooks, and the other musicians relocated to Nashville, Tennessee in hopes of achieving stardom. After a long stint performing as Bassist alongside Brooks, Skinner became homesick and made the difficult decision to move back to his former residency in Oklahoma.
In the early 90s, Skinner would join forces with fellow band mate and producer Mike McClure. In 2007, he would become Bassist for McClure in the Mike McClure Band. After developing a long-term friendship with McClure, Skinner would eventually sign with McClure’s 598 Recordings, which would release his latest self-titled album.
For more information about Tom Skinner and his latest release, please visit http://www.598recordings.com or http://www.mikemcclureband.com
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