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• tom bliss • more about tom • songwriting • instruments • New album 'The Whisper' now on sale, "exemplary... exceptional"
God Speed (new band version) "Astonshingly moving and inspirational..." Joe Grint, Tykes News.
"It will be an absolute delight to see Tom play a full solo set. Brilliant though his pairing with Tom Napper is, Tom’s songwriting skills and musical dexterity on a whole variety of instruments can best be seen unadorned and solo. Expect songs of the sea; and probably of ghosts and inexplicable happenings as well. Tom is one of the gentlest and most cheerful artists on the circuit. This is a treat for all the cognoscenti of the singer/songwriter’s art." John Waller - Topic Folk Club
For parish notes, quotes, fliers, posters, photos, PA (if required) accom, contracts etc see promoter info The Violin (Bliss) More video clips here (or on YouTube)
Folk Club Organisers please note: Because UK clubs vary so very widely in their tastes, Tom is happy to offer an evening slanted towards The Tradition, featuring mainly trad songs and strongly trad-influenced originals, OR a more contemporary night featuring his less traditional-sounding material and songs by other modern writers such as Richard Thompson, Ry Cooder and George Papavgeris, OR anything between. Please let him know what type of set your club would prefer. Festival Organisers please note: Tom will mainly perform his own material at festivals unless asked. He also runs workshops and can make himself useful in other ways too. Tom & Barbara Brown. Broadstairs Folk Week Singaround Having had some doubts about what sort of performance a single Tom might give us, everyone was spellbound by his introductions, his songs and his accompaniments. Tom B. on his own brought an intimacy which is only possible with a single performer giving of himself to an audience. Sue Dewsbury. Gainsborough Folk Club and Festival Tom Bliss solo somehow manages to add an extra dimension to the music we have come to know and love. A combination of great musicianship and witty repartee makes for a memorable evening that the audience goes home feeling it has been a part of" Steve Ramm. Hoy at Anchor Folk Club, Leigh on Sea Tom is of course one of the best contemporary song writers, combining passion and wit to hold the interest of his audience. His superb voice, masterful musicianship and refreshingly different approach to the folk scene make his solo performances something not to be missed. Graham Dixon, Gregson Lane Folk Club, Preston I feel I must say what an absolutely brilliant show Tom gave us - we chose not to use the PA (unusual for us on Guest Nights) but it really wasn't needed - you could have heard a pin drop as the audience sat quietly - totally enthralled by Tom's entire performance. By way of introducing himself he immediately interacted with the audience by conducting a 'Show of hands' survey asking them to indicate whether they would like 'Original,' 'Traditional' or 'Covers.' This was a masterstroke that straight away grabbed the attention and the affection of the crowd. We had songs, tunes and poems - linked by anecdotes often amusing, occasionally sad, but always thought-provoking. I was also very impressed that after the show (and the well deserved encore) when most artistes would be busy either making a dash to pack up their instruments and leave or stand by the door pointing their merchandise out to the departing crowd, Mr Bliss spent some quality time with one of our young resident duos giving them the benefit of his experience re the best way to produce/market/distribute their recently recorded (not yet released) CD." (This was a spontaneous post to the Folk Club Organisers Forum) Simon Goodfellow (Festival Organiser) (in response to Graham above) "Certainly one of the best nights I've had. Tom Bliss was brilliant, great songs, great performance, superb stories. I was enthralled and so was everyone else -- we need more like Tom Bliss. Tom's youtube videos and even his CDs don't do him justice, this man has to be seen live. The Ken Dodd of folk music perhaps! House Concerts - have Tom play in your own front room! | ||||||
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