Craig Thomas

Saxophone & Woodwinds

Craig was born in Washington DC and grew up in Maryland. His early musical influences were shaped from his older brother and sister, who would bring home records of R&B and rock classics. He use to sing songs(acapello) in grade school for show and tell. Starting on clarinet in the 5th grade led to the saxopnone at 13 and local bands through high school, then a  DC area band called Spectrum, which moved to Southern California in the 70's.

Craig met Jim Messina shortly after the breakup of Loggins & Messina, and started helping him put together a solo project which turned out to be "Oasis," then a tour with that band and also appearing on Jim's 2nd solo album "Messina."  

Craig went on to do numerous studio performances on both saxophone and vocals with such artists as Aretha Franklin, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Jermaine Jackson, Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band, Johnny Mathis, Freda Payne, the Stylistics, and Rebelution, as well as countless live performances with Tom Jones, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Les McCann, and vocal performances for two movies, Maid To Order, and Death Warrant. 

He started once again working with Jim Messina in 2010, and has enjoyed touring with him ever since!

Link to Craig’s website: craigthomasmusician.com