I'm Ready

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the electrifying track "I'm Ready" by Steve Purcell, from his single of the same name, for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This blues-rock anthem, released on March 1, 2024, by Fretbar Records, has been turning heads with its nod to the golden era of blues rock. One juicy tidbit comes from none other than Frank Marino, the Canadian guitar legend, who gushed, "Excellent..!! I'm personally flattered that Steve did my song, and Steve does an excellent job." That’s right—Purcell’s rendition of "I'm Ready" is a cover of Marino’s work, infused with Purcell’s own soulful riffs and contemporary flair. The track’s infectious energy has been praised for transporting listeners back to when blues rock ruled the airwaves, with Ron Keel calling Purcell the "Nashville Rebel" who "pours pure power and passion into each line and lick." The official music video, dropped on YouTube on December 3, 2024, cranks up the nostalgia with visuals that match the song’s raw, gritty vibe.

Another cool story about "I'm Ready" surfaced from a SOUND KHARMA feature, where the single was highlighted for its ability to capture the essence of classic rock while staying fresh. Purcell himself shared his excitement, saying, “We’re excited to share ‘I’m Ready’ with music enthusiasts worldwide. This song is a celebration of the raw power and emotion that defines blues rock.” The track’s release was teased as early as November 2023 with a promo video on YouTube, building hype among fans. On Instagram, Purcell posted about the song’s launch, using hashtags like #imready and #bluesrockmusic to connect with his audience, showing his knack for blending old-school vibes with modern social media savvy. The song’s universal appeal lies in its ability to resonate with both longtime blues fans and new listeners, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic playlist.

Steve Purcell’s journey to becoming a blues-rock powerhouse started in a household buzzing with music. Hailing from a long line of musicians, including his cousin Denny Purcell, a mastering engineer for stars like Garth Brooks, and his uncles who played with legends like Red Foley, Purcell was destined for the stage. Growing up, he was surrounded by instruments and music, which sparked his passion early on. In 1988, he made a bold move to Los Angeles to study at the Guitar Institute of Technology (G.I.T.), drawn by its intense, one-year program and the fact that guitar heroes like Paul Gilbert had honed their craft there. Purcell later shared, “I really liked the idea of getting 4 years worth of music studies condensed into one year…It was a no-brainer for me.” After G.I.T., he hit the road, performing with the Ron Keel Band and sharing stages with rock royalty like Paul Stanley of Kiss and Don Dokken. His career took him to Nashville, where he established himself as a professional guitarist and session player.

Purcell’s debut solo album, Ample’tudes, released in 2020, showcased his versatility, from blazing shred to twangy western vibes, earning raves from Vintage Guitar Magazine. His work with the Steve Purcell Band, a powerhouse blues-rock outfit, has kept fans hooked with original tracks and killer covers. You can catch up with him on his official website, stevepurcellmusic.com, where he shares news, merch, and guitar lesson details. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, where he’s active with posts about gigs and new releases. While there aren’t specific fan websites or Facebook groups dedicated solely to Purcell, his official pages are buzzing with Zoo Freak-worthy energy, and his YouTube channel is a treasure trove of music videos and live clips for fans to dive into.