Voice star pays homage to Vegas
Harrison Craig immerses himself in the great crooners’ music, vibe and era
AN OLD soul whose musical influences project far beyond his years, Harrison Craig was a crooner even before he could sing.
Emerging as the winner of reality show The Voice Australia in 2013, the 22-year-old Victorian and platinum-selling performer would comfortably fit in the golden days when the Rat Pack ruled Las Vegas.
It was on those streets – where the bright lights of the Vegas strip meet piano bars and yesteryear’s casinos – that Craig found inspiration for his latest album Kings of Vegas.
“I was really inspired by my time in Vegas,” Craig said.
“I spent lots of time in the old part – it was a bit of a time warp where you’re back in the 1940s.
“You walk into a piano bar and there’s no one in there except you and the piano player. It feels like you’ve been transported back – I am really attracted by that.”
Craig said while he’d grown up listening to the Vegas legends, he felt he wouldn’t be able to pay homage to his heroes without walking the same streets and soaking up the vibe firsthand.
“The town is unique,” he said. “It’s like a spice you can’t really trade anywhere else.
“You have to go there and then you can take it to the world, but you have to get into the crux of what keeps it alive.”
Kings of Vegas honours the likes of singers Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley,Tom Jones, Mel Torme and Frankie Valli.
The show also includes new interpretations of classics such as Almost Like Being in Love, She’s a Lady and Comin’ Home.
Undeniably a swing record, the 10-track album with its emphasis on rhythm was driven by Craig, who assumed responsibility for its creation.
“I grew up with the gang that kind of created that era of greatness,” Craig said.
“It’s been so good to have so much creative freedom on this record.”
To promote the album, he is on a 32-date national tour where he’ll blend old and new across cities and towns.
“When you think of the kings and Vegas, you think of class, elegance and glamour and taking your partner out for a glass of wine.
“It’s always timeless, classy and real, and that’s what I want to bring.
“It’ll be suit and bow tie for me. “There will be parts where I change into a few different jackets and spice it up, but for me it has to remain true to the town and where it started with the Rat Pack, Elvis and the greats.
“It’s a true homage to these acts and artists.”
Harrison Craig plays Armitage Centre Heritage Bank Auditorium, Toowoomba on Friday, June 16 at at 8pm. Book at www.empiretheatre.com.au or phone 1300 655 299 .