TOM SKINNER’S SCIENCE PROJECT – First Set (CD)

TOM SKINNER’S SCIENCE PROJECT – First Set (CD)

Horton Records 072 – Released 07.15.2022

When red dirt pioneer Tom Skinner passed away his dying wish was that his Science Project band be continued. Skinner’s longtime performing partner multi-instrumentalist Don Morris took up the mantle to become the band leader. Filling out the group is guitarist Brad James, drummer Rick Gomez, & bassist Dylan Layton.

Each band member has a lengthy resume, with Morris having played with many of the region’s best including Jana Jae, Brandon Jenkins, & the Red Dirt Rangers. James has played with Medicine Show, the Organic Boogie Band, Steve Pryor & also with Jenkins. Layton has played with Whirligig, & also with both Pryor, & Jenkins. Gomez has drummed for Jana Jae, the Red Dirt Rangers, Roy Clark, Reba McEntire & with the bands Okie Soul, & Tweed.

Under Skinner’s leadership the Wednesday Night Science Project existed for some 15 years. Don Morris subsequently kept Science going for another 5 before Covid interrupted their run. Currently the Science Project has resumed playing every other Wednesday at the Colony bar in midtown. Morris says every Science Project performance takes place “in the spirit of Tom.” Think of Tom Skinner’s Science Project as carrying on the founder’s name in the same way jazz legends Duke Elligton & Count Basie each had their orchestras continue long after their passing.

It’s with great pride that the Tom Skinner’s Science Project band recently completed their new album, “First Set”. Along with several great songs written by Morris, there are a tune each from James & Gomez, & a few covers including one from Brandon Jenkins. Filling out the band’s sound on the record are many special guests like John Fullbright, Roger Ray, & Gene Williams. Tom Skinner’s already considerable legacy is further enhanced by this new album bearing his name & some of his songwriting.

Recommended if you like: The Band, Little Feat, JJ Cale

1. Sleeping Dogs
2. Can’t Wait Any Longer
3. Let’s Roll
4. Tell Her You Love Her
5. Here Comes The Rain Again
6. Love Revolution
7. River Of Time
8. Turn Of The Wheel
9. Down The Road
10. Keep On Holding
11. Down In Gypsy
12. Without You
13. Waiting On A Train
14. Headed South

Recorded at Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock, AR
Additional recording at Ripley Farm Studio in Oklahoma
Engineered and Mixed by Jason Weinheimer
Mastered by Kevin Lively Mastering
Photography and Consulting by Phil Clarkin
Graphic Design & Layout by Steve Hammons

Don Morris – acoustic guitar / vocals
Dylan Layton – bass
Brad James – guitar
Rick Gomez – drums
Special guests John Fullbright, Roger Ray, Gene Williams, Andrea Kyle, Kristin Ruyle