Reviews

Rothbury Roots - 16th August 2007

“There are no boundaries to what Tom’s talent can achieve” the critics have said. And Tom’s exceptional performance at Rothbury Roots in Northumberland on the 16th August showed just how true and prophetic that statement is!

Tom’s charm and wit captivated the audience before he even played a note, and for nearly two hours he enthralled the audience with two sets of superb songs in a well-balanced and supremely chosen performance. Songs from the likes of James Taylor, Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen and Alan Hull rubbed shoulders with Tom’s own songs, sung with that stunning voice of his, accompanied either by his own consummate guitar playing or keyboard skills. It is a testament to his song-writing talent that his own songs fitted seamlessly between those of the afore-mentioned superstars in the song-writing craft.

What made it even more dramatic is the tender age of this fine artist. At the age of twenty-two Tom shows the maturity and confidence gained from his ten years of experience of fronting bands and playing with his dad’s band, with a rapport between songs that was exceptional, and always entertaining. The stories he told and the jokes he made gave the audience a good chuckle between songs, but the music was deadly serious, and seriously good.

This was a remarkable performance by any standards. If you get the chance to see Tom live, beg, steal or borrow to get a ticket because this young man is merely at the start of what promises to be a meteoric career. As welcome as he is to return to Rothbury Roots, I fear that very soon we may not be able to afford him!

Catch him while you can!!