Tommy Odetto

Tommy Odetto is a fifth generation resident of Fairfax, California, the famed music mecca in Marin County. His early love of music had him discovering the magic of rock and roll through the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and The Beatles. At the age of thirteen, Odetto immediately became obsessed with guitar after hearing Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and Led Zeppelin all within a matter of months. From that moment, Tommy knew he wanted to dedicate his life to music, dreaming to move people with the power of music, and his guitar. 

Tommy spent many years locked up in his bedroom practicing hours upon hours, every day and night, hoping to one day being able to play like his heroes Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. 

In his early 20’s, a chance meeting with the extremely talented singer-songwriter, Jesse Ray Smith, struck an immediate musical bond, and brotherhood. It was the perfect recipe for the partnership that became The Bad Jones. The Bad Jones was rounded out by John Varn; Tommy’s best friend, musical right hand man, and keyboardist of Soul Pie. Tim Baker added his dynamic and talented skills on Bass. The Bad Jones experienced great success; sharing the stage with many notable artists such as Foreigner, Eddie Money, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Living Colour, Leon Russell, to name a few.  

Being a successful solo artist and part of a thriving band with The Bad Jones just isn’t enough for this dedicated talent. Tommy is also a full time member of the legendary San Francisco band that launched before he was born, Big Brother And The Holding Company. Big Brother started as Janis Joplin’s supporting band in the late 60’s. Tommy was asked to join in 2015 after the unfortunate passing of original guitarist, Sam Andrew. Founding drummer Dave Getz, asked Tommy to join the band after hearing Tommy play in downtown Fairfax. 

Odetto infamously stood outside the windows of the local Fairfax bars, every night of the week. From the ages of 13 to 20 years old, he studied his local heroes, and Marin County Ace guitarists Otis Scarecroe, Danny Uzilevsky, and Tom Finch. Studying and learning all that he could from the other side of the glass windows of Peri’s Bar and 19 Broadway. 

In those formative years, Tommy was fortunate enough to thrive in a mentorship from Marin County legend, Otis Scarecroe. Tommy broke out on the local Marin County scene at 15 years old with his band Soul Pie, founded in 2004, and went on to enjoy much local success. 

In the Summer of 2015, Tommy recorded his debut EP as a solo artist. “Euphoria” was recorded in Seattle, Washington and produced by Brett Eliason (Mad Season, Pearl Jam, Heart).

Today, Tommy is writing for his first full-length album and has recently completed his SUCCESSful crowdfund campaign to record in the studio of one of his musical inspirations later this year. He can be found playing up and down the West Coast and often in the Midwest as well. In the past year he headlined The Roxy’s after-party for the unveiling of the Lemmy Kilmister tribute statue at the historic Rainbow Bar & Grill. He has also opened for Tommy Castro, The Shams, Walter Trout and Foo Fighters off-shoot project, Chevy Metal. He has committed all of his time to honing his craft, and feels blessed everyday to spread the power of music, and Rock and Roll.

Other accomplishments include his crown as “King of the Blues”, a title bestowed upon him from the Guitar Centers of the Bay Area. And, and in 2013, he was featured in Guitar Player magazine as a guitarist to watch.