Thomas Oliver
Tybee Island, Georgia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2003 | SELF
Music
Press
The Savannah Morning News said some nice things as a preview of my performance at the Savannah Folk Society’s First Friday show Oct. 4.
“…singer-songwriter Oliver knows how to hook you with a punchy line.” - Savannah Morning News
The Savannah Morning News said some nice things as a preview of my performance at the Savannah Folk Society’s First Friday show Oct. 4.
“…singer-songwriter Oliver knows how to hook you with a punchy line.” - Savannah Morning News
Red Line Roots, a blog that reviews American, Roots and Folk music, gave a big thumbs up in its First Listen review:
“…in a world of people trying to make country music and falling short, [Thomas Oliver] soars high above the competition.” - Red Line Roots
On tracks like "The Edge of America" and "Old Men" he displays a fine — one might say journalistic — eye for detail and poetic flow. "The Girl With an Accidental Memory" .... is pure left-of-center outlaw Americana. -- Bill DeYoung in Connect Savannah - Connect Savannah
Great Performance
Great song! The intro was very inventive, with that fuzzy guitar, which was not exactly lead, not acoustic, but almost high bass. Excellent production values! I see you use him again for the 1:07 instrumental break, and I still can't figure out how you got that effect.
Anyway, this deep voiced lead singer is a pleasure to listen to, whether in his bass baritone range, or reaching into second tenor for the bridge. No strain, just and easy, huge range. Bravo.
The melody is catchy, and the counter melody works great with the guitar (the echo of the melody). The lyrics are catchy, and very contemporary country.
I like this one for country radio, for sure. Great singer, great song, well-produced production with a good mix with the vocals properly out front...and an amazing guitar effect that really catches your attention.
Beautiful performance and production. Good luck!
- Anchor from Nashville, Tennessee on 13Oct2006
the singer and the song remind me of don williams. sounds great. got a nice little hook and you can dance to it. don't know how you'd make this any better.
- crossicepass from Shenandoah County, Virginia on 11Oct2006
tight groove
the track has a good country feel..the vocalist lays it down nice and smooth...the guitars have a great clean tone and fit well in the groove..the hook is a classic country genre..overall great track
- jolejnik from Old Forge, Pennsylvania on 8Oct2006
Decent
There are some really positive elements to this song. I like the singers voice.
The lyrics are well written for country.
The performance is nice and tight and the production sounds really good.
- genoman2462 from Madison, Wisconsin on 8Oct2006
Great Feel Good Song
Love the guitar intro, kept me interested from the start. Great beat and grove the guitar acts as hook to the song. The vocals were good, nice mellow, mature song. Hi's and lows were good.
- delevergin from Kyneton, Victoria, Australia on 8Oct2006
Sounds good
I like this song. I could picture any number of country music superstars having it as a B-side.The singers voice is right at home in higher pitches. Both guitars sound exellent and ad just enough interest to the song where they need to. Overall pretty good.
- nicklogan1 from Memphis, Tennessee on 4Oct2006
strong performance
Tight sound and performance.A punchy song with a strong lead vocal.
- cbe from Jessheim, Norway on 3Oct2006
Headbangin' Country Music!
The vocals, while great, are overpowering the music just a little. You may consider bringing them down in the mix slightly. Other than that, the production is fine, the music blends well. Very catchy tune. Nice job!
- JasonKolman from Raleigh, North Carolina on 2Oct2006
Cool tone!
Performance: Strong vocal, especially on bridge/chorus hook turnaround - on verse, not as strong. GREAT little riff @ intro & after break, very much like a S. Earle "Guitar Town" or Yoakam type signature work on guitar. Nice!Overall, a nice listen. Production: maybe bring up vocal a touch, but I like it as is! Original & crafty. Best wishes w/obvious skills
- Docdenrb from San Gregorio, California on 27Sep2006
Performance and Production
The production is crisp and clear..sounds like it was done in a professional studio.
The performance is good...good use of guitar, good strong vocals, a little off key at times, but still strong and compelling. nice beat. good job.
- kaype from Juniper Hills, California on 26Sep2006
i need a little more
oh gotta love the guitar intro thats killer man.dang good song .good vocal and singing good deep voice.yeah gotta love those guitars for sure. that melody is really sweet. the performance is good . could have had more harmony singing in it . i still love the guitar . good production overall i think .may not be a big hit but its got a lot of potential for one later.this song really rocks though and it has a chance of fooling me and winning it all . but the guitars still keep this song intact by themself. that melody is just sweet. keep up the good work im sure it will only get better and better.
- Spazzman2006 from Hazard, Kentucky on 25Sep2006
WOWZER!!!!!!!!!
This had a great country feel which was supplied alot through the lead guitar.The vocals helped alot to.Loved the beat.The lyrics were ok some lines were better than others.but over all this was a good country song.Good Performance
- Jcbreadus from Land Of Oz, Kansas on 22Sep2006 - Garageband.com
"Puttin' the twang back in country. This is the real thing- authentic country from a man who has lived it- a return to Hank, Merle, George, Buck and The Man in Black."
"This is my kind of music. Love the words and rhythm. Can't wait to hear these tunes coming from the radio station."
"Strong Honky Tonk sound along with heartfelt ballads. Belt buckle polishing rhythms that will start you dancing. This is one you'll play again. A very easy and enjoyable ride. Jump on!"
"Really love this cd - great writing & music - this guy should be big soon - better than lots of things i hear on radio now."
"What country should sound like. Very good assortment of songs - real down to earth- thank the lord, no pop."
- CDBaby.com/thomasoliver
Honky Tonk
Good song. Very traditional honkey tonk progression but the lyrics and guitars really spiced it up. Great song for rockin live. Lead vocal was clear and crisp. Nice Job.
- StevieVO from Marshallton, Delaware on 22Mar2006
An Urban Cowboy Sound.........
A nice and easy country song.
Musicians can't dance but if I could I would grab me a little honey and get 'er done.
Your lead vocal track has that country voice to it A+.
An overall good song to listen too.
The rythm guitar flows nice and even with through out the song.
.. I can tell you've been performing and singing for a while.. very nice control, and tone.. lyrics are really cool.. sounds like music i was raised on...brings me back to the good ol days.. then overall production rocks. nice arrangement
- shaneandblane from Nashville, Tennessee on 21Mar2006
Closin' time again
This song is a hoot. This is what every guy, or girl for that matter, thinks before they take home a coyote
@$%&. I don't want to admit this, but I've done it too. The Lyrics are classic honkey tonk 2AM Ethyl Alcohol
clouded thinkin. Honest! The guitar work is something that you could hear at the Continental Club down on South Congress, or 6th Street(That's Austin, y'all...). It's real bluesy. The Vocals are plain and understated. The singer is tired, horny, and not thinking to clearly. The lines are short, clear, and concise. Straight to the point. The rythem is just right and the tempo is perfect for that stagger Lee effect. I like it! Production wise the song is a bit stark and on the simple side, but the subject matter is pretty much the same so it fits. I like the GTR tone on the lead track. the Piano is a nice touch and was recorded tastefully. The Mix is rough, but it works, for now. Catchy Tune!
Extra Credit: Guitars, Keyboards, Lyrics, Mood.?
- RikkiTodd
Charlemont, Massachusetts
- garageband.com
Sean McPherson of the Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta says, "Thomas is one of my favorites to book because I know he will put on a great show that always leaves them wanting more. Plus he has a very loyal following."
Bill Hoover of the Red Light Cafe says, "I love Thomas' music, his professionalism and his fans. He's on time, in tune and delivers a great show."
- Smith's Olde Bar and Red Light Cafe
Country Radio
Carries that mood that good country music is known so well for. Really simple rhyme progressions, good ol' theme about a lover lost, big hook, twangy electric guitar chiming melodically in the background.Good song, I could hear it on country radio.
- MikeGibbons from Santa Monica, California on 6Apr2006
the life you save just might be your own
really nice throughout the song... your song is a hit waiting to happen.. you ever considered pitching it to allan jackson,and jimmy buffet... well writen..
great job
- shaneandblane from Nashville, Tennessee on 6Apr2006
beer crying time
being a guitar player you grabbed me from start. great crying guitar i really love it.vocals have that sound that compiments this band great. nice mix well done don't see that alot here, very good guys keep up that job your doing
- axeman1700 from Raymond, New Hampshire on 5Apr2006
Nice job!
Great country intro. Very classic country sound.
The vocals are good. They have a nice baritone sound to them. The voice sounds polished and perfect for country.
The song is good. The melody reminds me of Jimmy Buffet for some reason. Not sure why. I think there are some familiar progressions.
The production is really nice and perfectly country.
Nice country offering.
- genoman2462 from Madison, Wisconsin on 4Apr2006
Great Voice
good voice.. wonderfully dry mix.. I can hear talent on a cassette ... but this is way above that... all is good on this..has it all...
- MakWolven from The Hague, Netherlands on 28Mar2006
Great Old Time Country Song
Loved the intro. Good country lyrics, great music, melody. Vocals with the background vocals sound really good. Good production.This is nice country.
- StudioBoys from Schoolcraft, Michigan on 24Mar2006
- garageband.com
Hope you get a bigger audience than one.
Good Guitar hook! Nice country voice. I really like the lyrics. They are happy without being cheesy. Great hook line - "audience of one". Performances sound good to me. What have you got in there? An organ? It sounds good! I like this song.
- andirae from Brooklyn, New York on 14Apr2006
coll, catchy tune
this song really made me smile, as an artist, i gotta say "right on" really nice recording, good arrangement.really catchy, good job.
- donmay from Kamuela, Hawaii on 13Apr2006
This Song's For You...Audience of One
18 seconds of electric guitar, kit, bass and B3 Hammond launch this tasty little number.
You said I could....singer can sing. He has a big sound and a full bodied baritone voice.
The performance here is good. The song has decent energy and moves out at about 110 bpm.
The production here is pretty good. The song here is pretty good. The lyric here is pretty good and flows naturally from the singer.
The singer is the best element of this package. He has a good delivery for country. Overall pro effort!
- MarkWheeler from Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania on 13Apr2006
Love that lick !
Guitar lick in the intro is a HOOK for me! Nice...
This is old school country, boys. Good lead vocal, good harmony work, nice guitar lick, nice the way the lyrics stay true to the msg.
Excellent musicianship.
Good production, love the subtle organ work. Rhythm section mixed perfectly... Great job.
Carry on, my crackers!
- AllieLee from Clermont, Georgia on 13Apr2006
Comments
Has a nice, more traditional country feel to it. The production is good enough and I really like the sentiment of the chorus and also like that guitar rifff... good job.
- Arjeebee from Auburn, Maine on 13Apr2006
A Solid Song with Possibilities
Audience of One:
Performance: pretty solid, stable performance. Vocals and instruments are consistent.
Song: Again, I like it. I'd just tweak it a little here and there. Lyrics: I'd say the lyrics are the strongest element. But the other elements are also good.
I think with a few adjustments, someone might really be interested in this song. The sound and/or rhythm pattern needs to be just a touch more unique to make it more memorable and desirable. I would feel good about this song if I'd created it.
- BigPoet from Aloha, Oregon on 12Apr2006
Bigger Audiences Ahead
Nice production and on tune vocals make me stay for the lyrics. The lyrics are well written with a cool sentiment. I have an audience of one in my house too and she would totally get the tune. Nice work and I enjoyed the organ track in the background. Nice cut and good hook.
- NateSparks from West Point, Virginia on 12Apr2006
Audience of 1
Very commercial sound...strong vocals. Tasteful guitar fills. Background vocals well done. Lyrics make sense and are easy to follow. Production is well done with good players - allow for a good performance. I'll look forward to hearing another song by this vocalist with a little more challenging range.
- jonesy60 from Elkton, Florida on 11Apr2006
great job
you definatly have great vocal performance. you've been singing for a while.. the song is very nice.. reminds me of something that Green would sing.. nice lyrics....too. so good luck
- shaneandblane from Nashville, Tennessee on 10Apr2006
Not bad at all
The song starts with a great guitar lead-in, which turns out to be the hook throughout. Very catchy, one of those hum-along things. The vocalist sounds a bit like Toby Keith. The lyrics are very good, and hats off to the songwriter. Very clever, very identifiable.For now, probably a good-time bar band, but in the future could be on my radio.
I like it.
- PoppaLogan from Nixa, Missouri on 9Apr2006
Nice song!
Really nice intro that grabs your attention.
The vocalist have a really nice. However, I'm not sure about cutting off the words so fast at some of the end of phrases.
The performance is really nice. Very tight throughout.
The song is very good and very country. It is catchy and I could hear it on country radio.
The lyrics are nice and work very well for this genre.
Good job!
- genoman2462 from Madison, Wisconsin on 9Apr2006
nice marriage
great marriage of sounds here...love the rolling organ and rock guitar licks, followed by nice acoustic work when the verse drops...homeboy has a great voice, better than a lot i hear on gb...the harmonizing at around 1:02 is really nice..you're good at this, bro
- Battlegrey from Houston, Texas on 9Apr2006
Catchy start
I like this songs start. The vocals come in too strong or rough though. Bass & drums work well together.
- acartwri from Naperville, Illinois on 9Apr2006 - garageband.com
"A Girl Like You" is the featured Track of the Day in country on Fri., April 14, on garageband.com
"The Life You Save Might Be Your Own" is the featured Track of the Day in country on Sat., April 15, on garageband.com
"Audience of One" is featured Track of the Day in country on Sat., April 22, 2006, on garageband.com - garageband.com
catchy riff
the intro riff is very very catchy. the vocal line is also very catchy. classic country chord changes. i like the lyrics. groovy track
Riffs
Nice..Nobody tries writing hooks anymore. Good song writing. keep up the good work. love the ending.
Great performance
Just wondeful recording, great low vocals, nice baritone, nice drum back beat and lyric. Everything is really good, I cant find a fault. Producted so very well will u produce my next song?
Country with a touch of Rock&Roll
This one is an electric country song with a strong touch of rock'n'roll.
driving down the road song
This song really moves nicely. I can just see the crowd moving onto the floor for a good 2-step. The singer's voice is very nice. I personally really dig a deep male voice that sounds lived in. The lyrics are certainly relatable. I imagine the crowd singing along as they dance.
Catchy
I like this. It's got a great vibe to it. Cool singing. The guys got a good voice.
Hick up....oh yeah
Nice vocals. This music is fun as hell., I hate country, but this is good. Love the guitars in the opening and the lyrics are okay. The production is good, the drums seem off though maybe there not loud enough or just not soild enough. Keep it up ya'll
Great Performance
Great song! The intro was very inventive, with that fuzzy guitar, which was not exactly lead, not acoustic, but almost high bass. Excellent production values!
Anyway, this deep voiced lead singer is a pleasure to listen to, whether in his bass baritone range, or reaching into second tenor for the bridge. No strain, just and easy, huge range. Bravo.
The melody is catchy, and the counter melody works great with the guitar (the echo of the melody). The lyrics are catchy, and very contemporary country.
I like this one for country radio, for sure. Great singer, great song, well-produced production with a good mix with the vocals properly out front...and an amazing guitar effect that really catches your attention.
i need a little more
oh gotta love the guitar intro thats killer man.dang good song .good vocal and singing good deep voice.yeah gotta love those guitars for sure. that melody is really sweet. the performance is good . - garageband.com reviews
catchy riff
the intro riff is very very catchy. the vocal line is also very catchy. classic country chord changes. i like the lyrics. groovy track
Riffs
Nice..Nobody tries writing hooks anymore. Good song writing. keep up the good work. love the ending.
Great performance
Just wondeful recording, great low vocals, nice baritone, nice drum back beat and lyric. Everything is really good, I cant find a fault. Producted so very well will u produce my next song?
Country with a touch of Rock&Roll
This one is an electric country song with a strong touch of rock'n'roll.
driving down the road song
This song really moves nicely. I can just see the crowd moving onto the floor for a good 2-step. The singer's voice is very nice. I personally really dig a deep male voice that sounds lived in. The lyrics are certainly relatable. I imagine the crowd singing along as they dance.
Catchy
I like this. It's got a great vibe to it. Cool singing. The guys got a good voice.
Hick up....oh yeah
Nice vocals. This music is fun as hell., I hate country, but this is good. Love the guitars in the opening and the lyrics are okay. The production is good, the drums seem off though maybe there not loud enough or just not soild enough. Keep it up ya'll
Great Performance
Great song! The intro was very inventive, with that fuzzy guitar, which was not exactly lead, not acoustic, but almost high bass. Excellent production values!
Anyway, this deep voiced lead singer is a pleasure to listen to, whether in his bass baritone range, or reaching into second tenor for the bridge. No strain, just and easy, huge range. Bravo.
The melody is catchy, and the counter melody works great with the guitar (the echo of the melody). The lyrics are catchy, and very contemporary country.
I like this one for country radio, for sure. Great singer, great song, well-produced production with a good mix with the vocals properly out front...and an amazing guitar effect that really catches your attention.
i need a little more
oh gotta love the guitar intro thats killer man.dang good song .good vocal and singing good deep voice.yeah gotta love those guitars for sure. that melody is really sweet. the performance is good . - garageband.com reviews
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
After a lifetime in Atlanta, Thomas Oliver left his job in the city of his birth and settled on Tybee Island off the coast of Georgia.
There, on the edge of America, he let the salt marsh, tidal creeks and ocean breezes do their magic. His first CD in seven years is the result.
The Edge of America drops in August. Its a solid rendering of the best of traditional country music, with its natural blend of folk and blues.
Thomas will be touring in support of The Edge of America, with a showcase of originals, as well as covers of audience favorites. A lead guitarist and/or mandolin player usually accompany him, though for certain venues he plays solo.
Since moving to Tybee, Thomas has acquired a fan base by playing regularly at most of the live music venues on the island, from Bernie's Oyster House and the Rock House to Doc's Bar, North Beach Grill and Huc-a-poos, as well as Wild Wing's in Savannah and Uncle Bubba's on Wilmington Island.
He is a producer of the Savannah Songwriters Series, which hosts two showcases for original music each month on Tybee and in Savannah.
Five of the songs from "The Edge of America" can be heard on the audio page of this EPK.
Band Members
Links