Steve Cradock

Infobox Musical artist
Name =Steve Cradock


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Born =birth date and age|1969|08|22|df=y
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Instrument = Electric Guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals
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Genre = Britpop, Rock, Mod Revival
Occupation = Musician
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Associated_acts = Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller
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Notable_instruments = Gibson Les Paul Goldtop
Gibson ES335

Steve Cradock (born Stephen Cradock, 22 August 1969 in Solihull, England) is a British guitarist, most notable for playing in the rock group "Ocean Colour Scene". Cradock is also the second guitarist in Paul Weller's band, having appeared on all of Weller's solo records following Weller's self titled debut album. [ [http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/music/rock_and_pop/s/146/146133_a_mod_gets_mad.html A mod gets mad - Rock and pop - Music - Entertainment - Manchester Evening News ] ] .

He is a distinctive guitarist, who has a very retro, 1960s sound [ [http://music.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,,2279904,00.html The first 10: Paul Weller, 22 Dreams | Music | The Observer ] ] . Cradock's influences include The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Widely regarded (even by Ocean Colour Scene's critics) as one of the most talented British guitarists [Total Guitar. Issue 34 (August 1997)] , Cradock also plays keyboards, bass guitar and drums.

Personal life

Cradock was born in Solihull, Warwickshire to Chris Cradock, a police officer (who would later become his manager). He was educated at Lode Heath School in Solihull. Cradock is married to Sally and has a daughter, Sunny Elizabeth, and a son Casius Earl (born 27 July 2004).As well as his recording and touring commitments with Paul Weller and Ocean Colour Scene, Steve has recently startedwork on his own solo album.

Musical career

The Boys

Steve formed his first band called The Boys around March 1988 with school friends from Solihull.The band played at various Mod events around the Midlands with a set consisting mainly of cover songs - including The Clash's "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" and The Jam's "Strange Town"'.Whilst gaining popularity on the Birmingham gig circuit, the band extended links to well-received audiences in London and Bournemouth amongst others. An August Bank Holiday festival in Gorleston coincided with the band releasing their first three-track Vinyl EP, "Happy Days", on their own label.In the late 1980s, Cradock met his idol and future mentor, Paul Weller. Cradock would spend time at Weller's recording studio in Marble Arch, London, trying to pass on The Boys' music. While he was always evicted from the premises by technician Kenny Wheeler, Cradock made a lasting impression on Weller. When, in 1991 Cradock returned to the same studio with Ocean Colour Scene, the couple befriended and Ocean Colour Scene were soon invited to tour with Weller [ [http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/sunday-review/living/how-we-met-steve-cradock--paul-weller-828793.html How We Met: Steve Cradock & Paul Weller - Living, The New Review - The Independent ] ] .The band's plans for a six track mini-album soon after never materialised. However, the band contributed a track called Going Out to a compilation album by London-based Mod label Unicorn. This was followed by the peak of the band's career - a support slot for Steve Marriott at the Irish Centre in Digbeth.Despite catching the attention of Polydor and CBS, the band dissolved in 1991 and Cradock proceeded to form Ocean Colour Scene with Simon Fowler, Damon Minchella and Oscar Harrison.

Ocean Colour Scene

Cradock formed Ocean Colour Scene with Fowler, Minchella and Harrison after the dissolution of both The Boys and The Fanatics. Within two years the band had released their debut LP, "Ocean Colour Scene", on Fontana Records. Whilst gaining mild popularity, the band felt their potential had not been reached. Following Cradock's first full tour with Paul Weller, he self-funded the production of the band's second LP, "Moseley Shoals".

Paul Weller

Cradock joined Weller's band in 1992, having supported him on numerous with Ocean Colour Scene. Cradock has appeared on all studio albums by Weller, including playing drums on 22 Dreams - the latest release.In 1999, Cradock was presented with a Rickenbacker guitar by Weller for his 30th birthday. This guitar can be heard on Ocean Colour Scene's "Free My Name" single from "A Hyperactive Workout for the Flying Squad" [ [http://www.freewebs.com/oceancolourscene/theband.htm ocean colour scene - [get blown away ] ] .

ide projects

Aside from Cradock's intensive career with Ocean Colour Scene and Paul Weller, he has also worked over the years with other artists on several different projects.

The Smokin' Mojo Filters

In 1995, Cradock played on a version of The Beatles' song "Come Together" for the Warchild release "The Help Album". Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, the track featured Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Steve White, and Carleen Anderson.

PP Arnold

While working and touring with Ocean Colour Scene in 1997, ex-Small Faces backing vocalist PP Arnold agreed to make her first solo album in 25 years. This release was produced by Steve. Additionally, a single was released - written by ex-Monkee Mike Nesmith, called "Different Drum". As well as producing the track, Cradock also performed drums. Despite a lot of television and radio promotion, the single failed to chart and the proposed solo album didn't materialise.

Fire and Skill: The Songs of The Jam

In 1999, Cradock recorded a version of Carnation with Liam Gallagher for The Jam tribute album Fire and Skill [ [http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Skill-Songs-Various-Artists/dp/B0000488U5 Amazon.com: Fire & Skill: The Songs of the Jam: Various Artists: Music ] ] . Cradock also plays guitar on the albums hidden track, "No One In The World" with Paul Weller.

Amy MacDonald

Cradock recorded some guitar parts for MacDonald's single "Run". MacDonald reciprocated by supporting Cradock on his European acoustic tour with Paul Weller.

Other collaborations and activites

Steve Cradock contributed guitar to The Players' 2003 album Clear The Decks; a band formed by then and now former Ocean Colour Scene bass player Damon Minchella with Steve White and Mick Talbot.

In 2006, Cradock contributed rhythm guitar to a record of the song "Left, Right and Centre" by Acid Jazz act Lord Lorge which featured Northern Soul musician Dean Parrish on lead vocals. The song itself was written by Paul Weller when he was 15 and is regarded as a lost demo representing some of the earliest work of The Jam and was discovered on a bootleg album in a recorded store in the USA by Cradock while he was touring with Weller.

The following year, Cradock recorded drums and backing vocals for the Andy Lewis and Paul Weller collaboration 'Are You Trying To Be Lonely' which was released as a single on Acid Jazz record label in the UK, entering (and peaking) at number 35 in the UK Official Singles Chart. Cradock also produced a number of songs for the Newcastle-based band Hungover Stuntmen [http://www.oceancolourscene.com/diary/steve3] .

olo work

Steve Cradock announced he had began work on his own solo album in early 2008 via the Diary section of the official website of Ocean Colour Scene,the recording of which has taken place at the Black Barn Studios owned by Paul Weller in Surrey. During an phone interview on BBC Radio Tees in April 2008 Steve Cradock disussed his solo album and disclosed that he plays all the instruments on the album and that the current working title for the album is "Beware Of Falling Rocks". Occasionally, Cradock performed his own songs during his tour with Weller during their acoustic gigs of 2007 and 2008.

References